Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology from Coursera

This class is aimed at people interested in understanding the basic science of plant biology. In this four lecture series, we'll first learn about the structure-function of plants and of plant cells. Then we'll try to understand how plants grow and develop, making such complex structures as flowers. Once we know how plants grow and develop, we'll then delve into understanding photosynthesis - how plants take carbon dioxide from the air and water from soil, and turn this into oxygen for us to breathe

and sugars for us to eat. In the last lecture we'll learn about the fascinating, important and controversial science behind genetic engineering in agriculture.

If you haven't taken it already, you may also be interested in my other course - What A Plant Knows, which examines how plants see, smell, hear and feel their environment: https://www.coursera.org/learn/plantknows.

In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registration

Additionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here –

https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptance

Teachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschool

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction and Plant Cell Structure

Whole-Plant Structure

Photosynthesis

Plant genetic engineering

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core skills for beginning scientists

Teaches basic science in plant biology

Relevant for agricultural studies

Covers the key aspects of plant biology: structure, function, growth, development, photosynthesis, and genetic engineering in agriculture

Requires a campus exam for credit, which may limit flexibility

Introductory level, suitable for those with little background in plant biology

Reviews summary

Intriguing plant biology

Learners say that Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology is an intriguing course that teaches plant biology in an engaging way. Students say that the course is challenging if you don't have a background in biology. Despite this, Professor Chamowitz's engaging lectures and entertaining visuals make complex topics accessible and fun to learn.

Students find this course fun.

"Unlike the first course that's mostly oriented towards plant behavior, this one goes deep into their biology, photosynthesis, cells etc., and I'd never thought I'd be enjoying learning about chloroplasts."

"Professor Chamowitz is funny, intriguing and engaging, and it's easy to learn while having fun."

Students without a background in biology may find this course challenging.

"Good course for plant biology"

"A good overview of plant biology and genetics. The course was challenging in parts as my background is not in biology, plant or otherwise."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology with these activities:

Review Introduction to Plant Biology

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of plant biology, which will provide a strong foundation for success in this course.

View Seeds on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters.
Take notes while reading to improve comprehension and retention.
Complete any practice questions or exercises included in the book to test your understanding.

Compile course-related materials

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Compiling course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in preparation for the course will better prepare you to absorb materials taught in class.

Browse courses on Plant Biology

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Locate and gather all relevant materials.
Review the materials to become familiar with the topics that will be covered in the course.
Summarize the materials in your own words to enhance your understanding and retention.

Watch online tutorials on plant science topics

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Watching online tutorials can help supplement your understanding of the course material and allow you to learn at your own pace.

Browse courses on Plant Biology

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Identify reputable online sources for plant science tutorials.
Choose tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course material.
Take notes during the tutorials to enhance retention.
Review the tutorials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Six other activities

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Answer practice questions

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Regularly practicing answering exam-style questions will improve your problem-solving skills and help you gauge how prepared you are for assessments.

Browse courses on Plant Physiology

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Identify and locate relevant practice questions.
Attempt to answer the questions independently.
Review and analyze your answers.
Seek clarification or assistance for questions you got wrong.

Participate in a study group

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Studying with peers can improve your understanding of the material and provide opportunities to ask questions and clarify concepts.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Review lecture notes and assignments together.
Quiz each other to test understanding.

Create a plant science glossary

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Creating a glossary of key terms and concepts will enhance your understanding and retention of the course material.

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Identify the key terms and concepts covered in the course.
Write clear and concise definitions for each term.
Include examples and illustrations to enhance understanding.
Review and revise your glossary regularly.

Attend a plant science workshop

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Attending a plant science workshop can provide hands-on experience and allow you to learn from experts in the field.

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Research and identify relevant plant science workshops.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.
Take notes and ask questions to enhance your learning.
Apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop to your studies.

Volunteer at a botanical garden or arboretum

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Volunteering at a botanical garden or arboretum can provide practical experience and connect you with experts in the field.

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Contact botanical gardens or arboretums in your area.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in volunteer activities such as plant care, educational programs, or research projects.

Contribute to open-source plant science projects

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Contributing to open-source projects can provide practical experience, connect you with other plant scientists, and enhance your understanding of the field.

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Identify open-source plant science projects that align with your interests.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Make contributions to the project, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
Collaborate with other contributors and seek feedback on your work.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agronomist

Agronomists work to improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems. They study the growth and development of crops in order to find ways to increase yields and reduce the need for pesticides and other chemicals. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology and will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agronomist

Plant Breeder

Plant breeders develop new varieties of plants. They work with plants to improve their yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Plant Breeder

Botanist

Botanists study plants, including their structure, growth, reproduction, and classification. They are interested in understanding the diversity of plant life and how plants interact with their environment. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Botanist

Geneticist

Geneticists study genes and heredity. They are interested in understanding how traits are passed down from parents to offspring. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Plant Pathologist

Plant pathologists study plant diseases. They are interested in understanding the causes of plant diseases and developing strategies to prevent and control them. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Plant Pathologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists work to protect the environment and human health. They study the effects of human activities on the environment and develop strategies to mitigate them. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They are interested in understanding how ecosystems function and how they are affected by human activities. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Biochemist

Biochemists study the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. They are interested in understanding the structure and function of biological molecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biochemist

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists work to protect and restore natural ecosystems. They study the threats to biodiversity and develop strategies to mitigate them. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Horticulturist

Horticulturists grow and care for plants. They work in a variety of settings, including greenhouses, nurseries, and gardens. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Horticulturist

Farmer

Farmers grow and harvest crops and livestock. They are responsible for feeding the world's population. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course will help you build a foundation in plant biology, which will be essential for your success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Farmer

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are interested in understanding the role of microorganisms in the environment and in human health. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course may be useful for this career, as it will provide you with a foundation in plant biology, which could be helpful in studying the interactions between plants and microorganisms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design and create outdoor spaces. They work with plants, soil, and water to create beautiful and functional landscapes. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course may be useful for this career, as it will provide you with a foundation in plant biology, which could be helpful in designing and creating landscapes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists use science to solve crimes. They analyze evidence from crime scenes to help determine what happened. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course may be useful for this career, as it will provide you with a foundation in plant biology, which could be helpful in analyzing evidence from plant-related crimes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist

Mycologist

Mycologists study fungi. They are interested in understanding the role of fungi in the environment and in human health. The Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology course may be useful for this career, as it will provide you with a foundation in plant biology, which could be helpful in studying fungi.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mycologist