Module Details

Module Code: SCIA S8012
Full Title: Plant Science
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Eleanor Jennings
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: Following this course, the student with be able to critically evaluate plant community structure, distibution and Irish plant biogeography. They will gain skills in botanical field identification and recording methods.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Identify plant species and assess the community structure of a range of Irish habitats.
MLO2 Analyse botanical data from a range of habitats.
MLO3 Evaluate the distribution of plant species using appropriate field techniques.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Introduction to the plant kingdom
Plant evolution and distribution, including the major groups of plants and when they evolved; overview of the Bryophytes, seedless vascular plants (ferns and horsetails) and the seed-bearing plants.
Plant anatomy and morphology
Higher plant anatomy and morphology, in particular vegetative parts, infloresences and fruits.
Plant systematics
Introduction to plant taxonomy, nomenclature, and classification; introduction to molecular phylogenetics.
The seed-producing plants: Gymnosperms
Structure of Gymnospermae; taxonomy of the major Gymnosperm families found in Ireland.
The seed-producing plants: Angiosperms
Structure of the Angiospermae (Magnoliophyta); taxonomy of the major Angiosperm families found in Ireland.
The Irish flora
Disribution of the Irish flora, including its history; community structure and floristic composition; red data species in Ireland; issues related to invasive species.
Field Trips
Field trips will be conducted to a woodland habitat and the Botanic Gardens as well as regular field surveys of local habitats.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project10.00%
Practical30.00%
Final Examination60.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

No Course Work
Project
Assessment Type Group Project % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The student will undertake a short field-based group project with an individual report for submission on a plant group or habitat type.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Weekly practical classes on species identification (with an emphasis on gymnosperms and angiosperms) and field recording methods. This will include two field visits to selected habitats e.g. comparison of deciduous and coniferous woodland; species diversity in peatland habitats; natural grassland species ecology.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
n/a

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact Weekly practicals on plant identification with two half day field trips to selected habitats. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact Small research project on assigned plant family, focused on its evolution, identification and distribution in Ireland. Every Week 5.00 5
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John Parnell & Tom Curtis. (2012), Webb's an Irish Flora, 8th. Cork University Press, [ISBN: 9781859184783].
  • Alison M. Smith et al.. (2009), Plant Biology, 1st. Garland Science, UK, [ISBN: 9780815340256].
  • Francis Rose, ‎Clare O'Reilly. (2006), The Wild Flower Key: How to Identify Wild Plants, Trees and Shrubs in Britain and Ireland, 2nd. Frederick Warne, London, [ISBN: 0723251754].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • T.G.F.Curtis & H.N. McGough. (1988), The Irish Red Data Book 1 Vascular Plants, The Stationary Office, Dublin.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources