Natural Sciences 191CNS32 - FYS-Global Perspective: Plants

Fall
2021
02
1.00
Xiang Li

TU 4:00PM 4:50PM

UMass Amherst
23670
Morrill III Room 317
xli4@umass.edu
Plants are the ultimate source of all our food. Why are different plants eaten in different cultures? Do we eat the same food as our ancestors? What challenges are we facing to feed the increasing human population and what possible solutions are there? In this course, we will examine a series of questions about plants as our food. We will use a cross-cultural perspective to answer these questions, first examining the origins of agriculture, then discussing current crop improvement strategies, and finally exploring future agricultural challenges and opportunities. At the end of the course, you can use your knowledge to propose a possible solution to ensure our food security.

Open to Natural Sciences Freshman with a declared major or on the Natural Sciences Exploratory Track.

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.