This course introduces students to the principles and practices of systematic biology. It explores the science of identifying, naming, and classifying plants, emphasizing phylogenetic and phenetic relationships. Students will learn about historical classification methods, plant nomenclature, taxonomic evidence, and specimen preparation. The course also covers sources of variation, natural selection, and the origin of species, providing a comprehensive understanding of plant systematics and evolution.
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Everything you need to know about this course
Key areas covered in this course
No specific requirements needed
This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.
How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)
Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding
Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding
Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding
Explore the career paths this course opens up for you
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Apply your skills in this growing field
Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge
Expert tips to help you succeed in this course
Create detailed concept maps linking historical figures (Units 2-4) to their classification contributions.
Practice identifying plant specimens using taxonomic keys from Units 5-6 and Module 2.
Review the principles of plant nomenclature (Module 2, Unit 3) and practice applying them to different plant names.
Focus on understanding the different sources of taxonomic evidence (Module 3) and their applications in plant classification.
Compare and contrast the different types of natural selection (Module 3, Unit 4) and their effects on plant populations.