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BIO210Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Seed Plants

This course introduces undergraduate students of Botany and Biological Sciences to the world of different plant groups, specifically Spermatophytes (seed-bearing plants). It covers the origin, evolution, classification, and morphology of seed plants, including gymnosperms and angiosperms. Students will learn to differentiate between these groups, classify them, and recognize their morphological and anatomical differences. The course also explores the life cycle and anatomy of seed plants.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
SpermatophytesGymnospermsAngiospermsPlant MorphologySeed Plant Evolution

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Origin and Evolution of Seed Plants

2

Classification of Spermatophytes

3

Morphology of Seed Plants

4

Anatomy of Seed Plant Organs

5

Reproduction in Gymnosperms

6

Reproduction in Angiosperms

7

Fruit Development

8

Seed Dispersal

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

BIO101 - General Biology

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Botanist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Plant Physiologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Horticulturist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Plant Biotechnologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureHorticultureForestryBiotechnologyPharmaceuticals

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Origin and Evolution of Seed Plants

4h

Unit 1: Origin and Evolution of Seed Plants

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Origin and Evolution of Seed Plants, focusing on fossil records and key evolutionary events.
  • Identify the oldest known seed plant and its significance.
  • Outline the evolution of integuments and cupules in early seed plants.

Unit 2: The Origin of Angiosperms

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Origin of Angiosperms, paying attention to the Koonwarra angiosperm.
  • Explain the theories about when, where, and how angiosperms evolved.
  • Discuss the role of insects in angiosperm evolution.
Week
2

Module 1: Origin and Evolution of Seed Plants

4h

Unit 3: Classification of Spermatophytes

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Classification of Spermatophytes, focusing on gymnosperms and angiosperms.
  • Differentiate between gymnosperms and angiosperms.
  • Outline the various divisions in the classification of seed plants.

Unit 4: Classification of Angiosperms

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Classification of Angiosperms, focusing on monocots and dicots.
  • Compare and contrast monocots and dicots based on key characteristics.
  • Classify angiosperms based on plant habits (herbs, shrubs, trees).
Week
3

Module 1: Origin and Evolution of Seed Plants

2h

Unit 5: Classification and distribution of Gymnosperms

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 5: Classification and Distribution of Gymnosperms, focusing on the four main orders.
  • Understand the fundamental characteristics that define Gymnosperms.
  • Recognize the major taxa within the Gymnosperm group.
Week
4

Module 2: Morphology of Seed Plants

4h

Unit 1: Vegetative Structures of Seed Plants Root

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Vegetative Structures of Seed Plants: Root, focusing on root growth and types.
  • Describe the growth of roots.
  • Explain the different types of roots, and the specialized roots.

Unit 2: Vegetative Structures of Seed Plants Stem

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Vegetative Structures of Seed Plants: Stem, focusing on stem structure and specialized terms.
  • Know what constitutes a stem.
  • Itemize the functions of a stem.
Week
5

Module 2: Morphology of Seed Plants

2h

Unit 3: Vegetative Structures of Seed Plants Leaf

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Vegetative Structures of Seed Plants: Leaf, focusing on leaf morphology and types.
  • Describe the anatomy of leaf.
  • Explain the morphology of leaves.
Week
6

Module 2: Morphology of Seed Plants

2h

Unit 4: Xylem and Phloem Structure of Seed Plants

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Xylem and Phloem Structure of Seed Plants, focusing on xylem and phloem structure and function.
  • Describe the anatomical features of xylem and phloem.
  • Explain the functions of xylem and phloem in seed plants.
Week
7

Module 2: Morphology of Seed Plants

2h

Unit 5: Vascular Cambium and Cork Cambium

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 5: Vascular Cambium and Cork Cambium, focusing on their roles in plant growth.
  • Understand the role of vascular cambium in secondary growth and tissue differentiation.
  • Explain the significance of cork cambium in plant development and protection.
Week
8

Module 3: Life Cycle of Seed Plants/Anatomy of seeds

2h

Unit 1: Generalized Life Cycle of Seed Plants

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 1: Generalized Life cycle of seed plants, focusing on reproduction in gymnosperms.
  • Explain the reproduction pattern in gymnosperm.
  • Outline the roles of sporophyte and gametophyte in the reproductive process of gymnosperms.
Week
9

Module 3: Life Cycle of Seed Plants/Anatomy of seeds

2h

Unit 2: Reproduction in Angiosperms

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 2: Reproduction in Angiosperms, focusing on sexual and asexual reproduction.
  • Classify angiosperms.
  • Explain sexual reproduction in angiosperms.
Week
10

Module 3: Life Cycle of Seed Plants/Anatomy of seeds

2h

Unit 3: Gametophyte Development

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 3: Gametophyte Development, focusing on mega and microsporangium.
  • Explain how Gametophyte developed in angiosperms.
  • Explain embryonic development.
Week
11

Module 3: Life Cycle of Seed Plants/Anatomy of seeds

2h

Unit 4: Fruits in Angiosperms

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 4: Fruits in Angiosperms, focusing on fruit development and types.
  • Explain development of fruit in angiosperms.
  • Discuss the structure of fruits.
Week
12

Module 3: Life Cycle of Seed Plants/Anatomy of seeds

2h

Unit 5: Anatomy of the organs of Seed Plants

2 study hours
  • Study Unit 5: Anatomy of the organs of Seed Plants, focusing on the anatomy of root, stem and leaf.
  • Explain the internal structure of root, stem and leaf.
  • Discuss the epidermis tissue.
Week
13

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision and Assignments

4 study hours
  • Review all modules and units.
  • Work on assignments and TMAs.
  • Prepare for final examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed diagrams illustrating the life cycles of gymnosperms and angiosperms, labeling all key structures and processes.

2

Develop a comparative table outlining the key differences between monocots and dicots, including root systems, leaf venation, and flower structures.

3

Practice identifying different types of fruits (simple, aggregate, multiple) and seeds based on their morphological characteristics.

4

Focus on understanding the functions of xylem and phloem, including the mechanisms of water and nutrient transport.

5

Review the different types of plant tissues (epidermal, ground, vascular) and their specific roles in plant structure and function.

6

Create flashcards for key botanical terms related to seed plant anatomy, morphology, and reproduction.

7

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas where you struggled.

8

Allocate specific study time for each module, focusing on the most challenging units.

9

Form a study group with classmates to discuss concepts and quiz each other on key information.

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