Admission requirements
Advised: Biodiversity year 2 and training flora usage are advantageous
Description
This course, of lecture and demonstrations (1st week) and one written assignment (2nd week), gives a foundation in the genetical principles underlying domestication and the systematics of the major groups of crop and plants, with particular emphasis on tropical examples. The course will thereby allow students to appreciate not only the botany of cultivated plants, their structure, evolution, and systematics, but also the relevance of these studies to the economies of both temperate and tropical countries. Specific topics include e.g. origins of agriculture, food and other economic crops arranged to commodity groups (like roots, cereals, pulses, fruits, beverages, oils & fats, timbers & firewood crops, fibres & latex, pharmaceuticals, herbs & spices, and ornamentals. In the second week comprises a literature study in couples on a chosen objective, the results of which are orally presented on the last day and in a written assignment afterwards.
Learning goals
Course objectives:
In this course one can learn about the fascinating world of what is in fact the human side of plant-animal interactions.
Final qualifications:
Students have knowledge about the botany of cultivated plants, their structure, evolution, and systematics, but also the relevance of these studies to the economies of both temperate and tropical countries.
Timetable
n.a.
Mode of instruction
Lectures, demonstrations, written assignment
Assessment method
Written assignment and oral presentation
Blackboard
n.a.
Reading list
Additional literature (not mandatory) C. Kalkman, Planten voor dagelijks gebruik. KNNV Utrecht 2003; D.J. Mabberley, The Plant-book (corr. 3nd ed 2008), Cambridge University Press
Registration
Via USIS and Bruce Hoffman
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.
Contact information
Dr. B. Hoffman
+31 (0) 63 442 1823,
hoffman@nhn.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
Location: National Herbarium of the Netherlands and Hortus Botanicus
Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands