Course

20806237 Plants, Parasites, and People
Course Information
Description
The course explores interactions between society and plant-associated microbes. Topics include plant identification, plant diversity, ecological importance of plants, and societal importance of plants including food and agriculture, material and industrial uses (fiber, fuel, dye, brewing, etc.), plant diseases and their impacts, medicines, ethnobotany, etc.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Recognize plant and fungal structures used for identification and classification
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify major plant cell structures and explain their functions
    Describe the structural features of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds
    Identify key fungal structures, including hyphae, mycelium, and spore-producing bodies
    Distinguish among major plant families using morphological characteristics
    Distinguish among major groups of fungi based on structural and reproductive features
    Use appropriate biological terminology when describing plant and fungal structures

  2. Describe the requirements for plant and fungal growth
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify the basic requirements for plant growth, including light, water, nutrients, and appropriate temperature
    Explain the role of soil composition and nutrients in supporting plant growth
    Describe the environmental conditions that support fungal growth and reproduction
    Explain how environmental factors influence the distribution and success of plants and fungi
    Connect growth requirements to agricultural practices and plant cultivation

  3. Diagram the basic processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify key inputs and outputs
    Explain the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration in the context of energy flow
    Describe the role of plants in the carbon cycle and oxygen production
    Connect plant biology to environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and habitat loss
    Evaluate the environmental significance of plants in maintaining ecosystem health

  4. Analyze the role of specific plants and pathogens in developing cultures and societies worldwide
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Written Product, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Identify specific plants that have played significant roles in human history, culture, and trade
    Describe how plant-based products such as spices, medicines, fibers, and dyes have shaped economies and societies
    Explain the historical and cultural significance of specific plant families and their products
    Identify specific pathogens that have influenced human history, agriculture, or public health
    Analyze how the relationship between plants, pathogens, and people has shaped historical events and cultural practices across multiple world regions and time periods

  5. Examine how agriculture transformed human societies on local and global scales
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Written Product, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Describe the origins of agriculture
    Illustrate the role of plant breeding and genetics in the development of modern agriculture
    Assess the environmental impact of agricultural practices, including soil degradation, water use, habitat loss, and pollution
    Analyze the social and economic impacts of agriculture on local and global communities
    Evaluate the sustainability of current agricultural practices and consider alternatives
    Discuss the role of agriculture in food security and its connection to global population growth

  6. Analyze the co-evolutionary relationship between plants, parasites, and humans
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Written Product
    Criteria
    Connect co-evolution to plant-parasite and plant-human relationships
    Describe co-evolutionary relationships between plants and their parasites or pathogens
    Relate human activities such as agriculture and trade to the evolution of plants and parasites
    Examine how plants have evolved chemical defenses and how parasites or humans have responded to those defenses
    Relate co-evolution to modern issues such as pesticide resistance, antibiotic resistance, and crop vulnerability

  7. Explore practical applications of plant and fungal biology
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product and/or Project
    Criteria
    Project addresses a topic of personal or professional interest related to plant or fungal biology, such as gardening, cooking, medicine, or industry
    Show interest in studying, growing, and using plants and fungi

  8. Analyze the role of plants and fungi in solving future societal problems
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Written Product, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Identify current and emerging societal challenges that involve plants and fungi, such as food security, climate change, sustainable materials, and medicine
    Use concepts from plant biology, genetics, and ecology
    Analyze the role of fungi in areas such as bioremediation, decomposition, and sustainable industry
    Evaluate the potential benefits and risks of biotechnology and genetic engineering in addressing agricultural and environmental challenges
    Synthesize concepts to develop informed perspectives on the future relationship between plants, fungi, and human societies