BIOL 204 - The Science and Practice of Growing Plants

Description:
An introduction to the scientific principles and real-world practices of growing plants for household, community, and horticultural uses. The course will cover topics ranging from physiology to sustainability and involves independent and community-focused projects. Course will not have an established scheduling pattern (Spring and Summer).

Credits: (5)

General Education Category: K8 - Science & Technology

General Education Pathways: P1 Civic & Community Engagement, P5 Sustainability

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Define the key physiological and anatomical aspects of plants that are important for production and how the environment (water, temperature, light, nutrients) affects plant cultivation and growth.
Recognize how humans have used scientific discoveries and technological advancements to alter the environment for optimizing plant yields by matching the major scientific discoveries or technological advancements to the increases in harvests gained.
Discuss the personal, social, political, ecological, and/or ethical tradeoffs associated with scientific discoveries and technological advances for growing plants.
Apply their knowledge of the trade-offs of technological advancements in growing plants to prepare a set of testable hypotheses on how to improve the cost/benefit ratio. Students will be able to design an appropriate garden experiment and predict the outcomes of the experiment.
Employ the analytical methods required to present the results and calculate the success of their experiments in a written report that is understandable to a general, community-wide audience.

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
11/16/17

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations: