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BIOLOGY 343: PLANTS AND PEOPLE
INSTRUCTORS:
Michael
W. Hawkes
Office: Biosciences Bldg. Rm. 2526
Phone: 604-822-5430, on voice-mail so leave a message if no answer
mhawkes@interchange.ubc.ca
Fred R. Ganders
TIME & PLACE:
Lectures: Monday and Wednesday 2:00 p.m., BioSc. Rm. 2361
Tutorial/Lecture: Monday 3:00 p.m., BioSc. Rm. 2361
Laboratory: Wednesday 3:00-5:00 p.m., BioSc. Rm 3001
COURSE SYNOPSIS: Plants have played an integral role in shaping human nature and cultures. This course will explore our utilization of plants for food, materials, fuels, medicines, gene sources, and social purposes, from the dawn of human history to the present day. For a variety of important plant products we will explore the chemistries, natural occurrences, and functions of the materials in nature. We will also consider ecosystem services provided by plants. The world virtually depends on about fifteen plant species, most of which have been highly modified by humans. We will examine the future ecological, economic, and social implications of this dependency in light of rapidly increasing loss of plant biodiversity and habitats. In the laboratory students will have the opportunity to investigate some of the botanical diversity discussed in lecture.
OBJECTIVES
- To gain an appreciation for the myriad uses of plant biodiversity by human societies, both past and present
- To consider how many different cultures have viewed and interacted with plants in very different ways from our technological society
- To investigate the origins of major crop plants and understand the biological basis of their modification and selection by plant breeders
- To know 10 plant families of major economic importance to our contemporary global economy
- To understand the issues and potential impact of biotechnology, environmental change, and biodiversity loss on plants & people
- To emphasize how human well-being, both mental and physical, is dependent on our wise use and conservation of cultivated plants, wild plants, and their associated habitats
PREREQUISITES/COMPANION
COURSES:
There
are no prerequisites, but 3rd or 4th year standing
is required. Note that this course carries full credit for students
registered for degrees in the Faculty of Science, and is also suitable
for 3rd and 4th year students in other faculties
who have science requirements to complete.
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The bark of the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) is a source of paclitaxel, which is used to treat some types of cancer. It works by interfering with cell division (mitosis).
