This course introduces you to the identification, evolution, diversification and applications of plants. The aim of the course is to provide depth of knowledge in plants for future employment in agricultural, horticultural and environmental areas.

You will study the various non-flowering plants (algae, mosses, liverworts, ferns, conifers) and the flowering plants (monocotyledons and dicotyledons). Structure and function are related to ecology and evolution. You learn about life cycles, structure, function and reasons for importance of these very different plants. You also learn how to identify the plants using the various keys and pictorial guides available.

Whilst the topics will be arranged to suit seasonal availability of practical material, the course will cover the importance, terminology and structure, classification, reproduction and ecology of the groups in lectorials, practicals or field trips, as follows: algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms (monocotyledons, dicotyledons). Learning material will focus on identification and applications of major plant groups.?