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Tel Aviv University

Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology

Tel Aviv University via Coursera

Overview

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

Syllabus

  • Course Introduction and Plant Cell Structure
  • Whole-Plant Structure
  • Photosynthesis
  • Plant genetic engineering

Taught by

Daniel Chamovitz

Reviews

4.2 rating, based on 4 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at Coursera based on 1176 ratings

Start your review of Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of 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. As a hobbyist, the course taught me some very useful concepts and information. The final week looked at the controversial topic of genetic engineering, and provided much to think about. At the very least I am now aware of the technique involved in this process. Overall I found the course very interesting.
  • I loved the second part of the course as much as the first one. This is one of the best MOOCs out there. Professor Chamowitz is funny, intriguing and engaging, and it's easy to learn while having fun. You'll learn a lot, but with lots of interesting…
  • Profile image for Andy Kingsley
    Andy Kingsley
    I love plants so much that I have my own greenhouse at my house and I already have not a lot of plants in there but I can like there is about 5 or 6 plants in my greenhouse right now.
  • Lieke Vlaar

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