PLSCI 1101 - Plant Science and Systems

(CU-CEL, CU-SBY)

Fall. 3-4 credits, variable. Letter grades only (no audit).

Enrollment in 3-credit option limited to Landscape Architecture students or permission of instructor. Priority given to Agricultural Sciences, Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture majors, plus Horticulture minors.

F. S. Rossi.

This course will explore the scientific principles and processes forming the foundation of plant-based systems that provide food, fiber, beverage, environmental enhancement, medicine, art, and support of our spiritual pursuits. Students will learn the language of plants and growing systems that includes the complex interactions among climate, soil, and plants that adapt and withstand human manipulation to meet our needs and desires. This course will challenge the notions of sustainable, organic, GMOs and how plants solve environmental problems. We investigate the science behind soil health, pest management strategies, ecosystem services as well as plant nutritional and phytochemical value. Finally, we increase awareness of the role plants have played in our fundamental beliefs and the diversity of cultures, deeply connected to our visual stimuli and interactions among phytochemicals and neurochemicals.

Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret factual claims, theories and assumptions in the application of the plant sciences.

Outcome 2: Integrate quantitative and qualitative information to reach defensible conclusions on applied plant science topics.

Outcome 3: Communicate effectively through writing and speech about issues in the applied plant sciences.

Outcome 4: Demonstrate the capability to work both independently and in cooperation with others.