We take it for granted that plants simply exist on earth. But have you ever looked at a plant and wondered how it grows, develops, and survives in our world? Plants are complex organisms that exhibit different behaviours in order to survive. Delving into the fascinating world of plants, we will start with cells and end in organisms that adapt to survive. We will understand how plant cells are structured to perform basic functions through coordinated actions across tissues. The course will explain how plants forage in response to light, water, nutrients, and how they manufacture food, reproduce, and adapt to harsh environments. We will also understand how plants balance their need for other organisms versus defence towards enemies. We will finally explore how humans have shaped agriculture through the ages. The course will end with a visit to Oxford Botanic Gardens where we will have a chance to discover a living laboratory using knowledge acquired from the course.
This course is suited for anyone who is curious about plants and has a desire to understand their behaviour.