Postgraduate Course: Tropical Plant Identification Course (PLSC11008)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | A core skill for any botanist and taxonomist is being able to identify plants. Although the number of plant species is a bewildering 300,000, there are ways of breaking this diversity down into manageable chunks so you can move forward with the identification process. This course teaches both the theory and practice of tropical plant identification, and botanical surveying and collecting work. |
| Course description |
The course uses a combination of on-line learning, use of the living plant collection at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, excursions to local field sites or a residential study visit to the temperate rain forests of western Scotland, depending on restrictions in place at the time
This course content covers:
1. The characteristics of major tropical plant families and genera, the processes involved in identification (with particular emphasis on vegetative characters) and how to identify plants specimens to at least family level.
2. The theoretical basis of different qualitative and quantitative methods for surveying habitats and how to use them effectively to describe plant biodiversity.
3. How to collect and preserve herbarium-standard specimens.
4. Ethical considerations when collecting and surveying.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2023/24, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 32,
Fieldwork Hours 8,
Formative Assessment Hours 5,
Summative Assessment Hours 25,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
28 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
60 %,
Practical Exam
40 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Practical exam (class test) 40%
Written report 60% |
| Feedback |
Teaching staff will give regular feed-back to students. A formative practical test (identification of plant species) is included. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Recognise the characteristics of major plant families and genera, understand the processes involved in plant identification and identify plant specimens to at least family level.
- Understand the theoretical basis of different qualitative and quantitative habitat survey techniques, and be able to use them effectively to describe biodiversity.
- Collect and preserve herbarium-standard specimens.
- Appreciate and apply ethical considerations in surveying and collecting work.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course provides the opportunity to develop graduate attributes in both the mindsets and skill groups dimensions. Working partly as individuals, students have opportunities to develop initiative, personal effectiveness, autonomy, a positive mindset and problem solving skills. Working as part of a team, it further develops skills in engaging effectively with others, influencing positively and adapting to new situations with sensitivity and integrity. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Andrew Hudson
Tel: (0131 6)50 3383
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Claire Black
Tel: (0131 6)50 8637
Email: |
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