Undergraduate degree Courses

BPS Modules >> Second Year

Second year Botany and Plant Science Modules

BT201 ( BT208 and BT209)

Two, 2-unit modules (BT208 and BT209) are offered to Second Year students by the Discipline of Botany and Plant Science. Each of these semester courses is a stand-alone course. However, students who intend to proceed to Third-Year Botany (Undenominated Degree subject), Third-Year Environmental Science (Denominated Degree) or Third-Year Marine Science (Denominated Degree) are required to take both modules BT216 and BT217.

BT208 ( Aquatic Plant Science): 10 ECTS Credits. Taught in Semester I.

Lecturers: Dr. Dagmar Stengel, Dr. Zoe Popper.

a) Introduction to the algae: This BT208 module component provides an introduction to the fundamental biology, ecology and physiology of aquatic plants. The module covers life histories and morphological types; marine, terrestrial and freshwater environments; Cyanophyta, diatoms and dinoflagellates; phytoplankton ecology; green, red and brown algae and their characteristics; biotic interactions; introduction to algal ecology, physiology and utilisation.

b) Plant physiology: This BT208 module component provides an introduction to plant physiology. Particular emphasis is placed on the physiology and metabolism of aquatic plants (algae and macrophytes).

BT209 ( Plants, Humans and the Environment): 10 ECTS Credits. Taught in Semester II.

Lecturers: Dr. Peter McKeown, Prof. Charles Spillane; Dr. Joanne Denyer; Dr. Colin Kelleher (National Botanic Gardens)

a) Plant Biosciences for Humanity: This BT209 module component provides an introduction to the major sustainable development challenges facing humanity to 2050 and the key role that plant sciences research will play in addressing such challenges. Topics covered include origins & evolution of seed plants, origins of agriculture and crop/animal husbandry, plant domestication genetics, plant genetic resources, human use of plants (economic botany & ethnobotany), plants & human health, introduction to plant genetics and plant variation, the plant-based biorefinery & bio-economy. The module component also contains an introduction to tree biology, the ecology and evolution of trees; trees and global biodiversity; modern methods in tree biology; an introduction to forestry; products derived from trees; understanding wood structure on macroscopic and microscopic scales. Laboratory-based practicals are supplemented by a scientific study visit to the plant research and exhibition facilities at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin.

b) Terrestrial Plant Ecology, Plant Diversity & the Environment: This BT209 module component provides an introduction to ecology, physiology, taxonomy, and environmental indicator and commercial value of key plant groups in a range of terrestrial environments. Important plant groups, including mosses, liverworts, ferns and seed plants, are treated in considerable detail and with reference to both Irish and north-west European floras. Laboratory-based practicals are supplemented by a residential field course based in the NUI, Galway Research Station in Carron, Burren, Co. Clare.

Lab Practicals provide "hands on" scientific training and experimentation

The lecture part of the BT208 and BT209 modules is accompanied by complementary laboratory investigations. These facilitate "hands on" practical training and allow students to gain first-hand experience of a wide range of scientific laboratory techniques while introducing them to scientific experimentation using a considerable range of living and prepared material related to the lecture topics. The practical component of each module is assessed on a continuous basis (practical reports/essays) and accounts for 30% of the overall 2nd year mark.

Residential Field Course

A residential field course in the Burren, botanically one of the most interesting areas in western Europe, is organized each year at the NUI, Galway Research Station in Carron. As well as being introduced to this exceptional karstic landscape, students gain valuable experience in plant diversity, plant identification and techniques in field ecology. This course is strongly recommended for those intending to take Botany as a Third-Year subject.

Second Year Course Supervisor
Dr. Dagmar Stengel, Department of Botany, Martin Ryan Institute, Rm 318, is the 2nd year course supervisor and is available for consultation at most times during term. Tel: 091 49 3192. E-mail Dr Stengel.
An appointment can be made by contacting the Departmental Secretary, Síle Mhic Dhonncha (Tel: 091 49 2340).

Lectures and laboratory sessions

There are three lectures per week (Monday 10.00-11.00 h, Tuesday 10.00-11.00 h, and Thursday, 9.00-10.00h).
Practicals consist of 2, 2h sessions on Monday afternoon (14.00-18.00h). Students are normally required to attend one of these sessions.

Assessment

Written examinations take place at the end of each course, i.e. BT208 and BT209 are examined at the end of Semester I and Semester II, respectively. The examination timetable is set by the Examinations Office and will be available on the University web pages some weeks prior to commencement of written examinations.
Laboratory work is evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment (30% of overall mark).

Queries regarding 2nd Year Botany and Plant Science lectures and Labs can be directed to the 2nd Year Coordinator: Dr. Dagmar Stengel [dagmar.stengelnuigalway.ie]

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