BIO 215 - Plants and People [GEGA]
A study of the characteristics, cultural history, and current uses of plants that yield food, fiber, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. Emphasis is placed on the roles of plants in the development of civilization. Topics such as genetically engineered food and sustainable agriculture are also discussed.
Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall and Winter
Cross-Listed with BIOT 504
We frequently encounter the plant kingdom in our daily lives - in food, shelter, textiles, medicines, drugs, pesticides and perfumes. In this course, we will learn about the fascinating interactions between plants and humans. We will investigate how plants are named and classified in various cultures, how plants played an important role in the origins of civilization, and how plants may likely be the solution to serious global issues like hunger, malnutrition, and our current energy crisis. Topics will include: crop domestication (how did we get the rice and wheat all humans now depend on?); the evolution and conservation of genetic and biological diversity (why is it important to conserve the Amazon forest before it disappears?); biotechnology (is it ethically acceptable to export a crop that we manipulated in the lab that we, Americans, are reluctant to consume?); drugs and alcohol (should Michigan residents be allowed to use Marijuana for medicinal purposes?); natural dyes (how do we make blue jeans blue?); the movement of plants among cultures around the world (coffee and tea are not native to North America and yet we depend on them to start our day) and biofuel alternatives (will we all be driving cars fueled by algae soon?). These topics are selected for both their local and global impacts in order to help students become critical thinkers on important issues that have a direct influence on their daily lives. With the successful completion of this course, students will see plants, the campus, their world and their decisions in a new light. As such, BIO 215 meets the requirements of a Global Awareness course in the General Education program.
Notes -
Equivalent Courses BOTN 215, BIO 504
Previously listed as BOTN 215
Updates Course Rotation added 8/2014; Approved for GEGA 2/2012, effective Fall 2012
Winter 2025 Course Sections
Fall 2024 Course Sections
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