Plants and People (P01311)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : BIO-P-PPeo

This course addresses the challenge to botanical research institutions to contribute solutions to the global biodiversity crisis. The course has a strong applied and political basis and has been set up in the context of the 1992 Rio convention on biodiversity. It explores future challenges for plant taxonomists in conserving plant species worldwide and ultimately questions man's role and obligations towards the natural world, and plant life in particular.

Relationships of man to plants are discussed, including the role of plants in providing cultivated foodcrops and raw materials, and approaches for future sustainable use of natural resources. The course includes introductions to the educational and conservation activities of botanical research institutions, the issues of in situ and ex situ conservation, the practical consequences of the Convention on Biodiversity and the problems of climatic change.

? Keywords : Biodiversity, Plant Conservation, Plants in the service of man, Crops, Climate change

Entry Requirements

? Co-requisites : none

? Costs : none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate, (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 1 hour(s) 50 minutes per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	12:00	External

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding of the importance of Plant Taxonomy in the service of plants and man
2. Knowledge of the origin, evolution and conservation of crops and other plants of economic and ethnic importance.
3. Understanding of the international political environment and mechanisms for promoting Plant Conservation.