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Introduction to botany

Course Dates: 30/01/21 - 20/03/21
Time: 14:45 - 17:15
Location: Online
Tutors:
Letta Jones

A course ideal for those who are new to the science of botany. Learn about the fundamental structure of plants and identify the functions of different components; recognise some of the classification systems of the plant world and assess why these magnificent organisms are essential for our wellbeing.

This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

4 Review(s)

Introduction to botany
Description

What is the course about?

An introductory course ideal for those who are new to botany. You will be introduced to some of the secrets of these magnificent organisms.

Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden History. She taught at Capel Manor and Birkbeck Colleges for 15 years as well as at the City Lit. She is a is a Green Flag Parks judge.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

We will explore external plant structure of leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits to familiarise yourselves with their identifying features. We’ll discover the history of how they come to be named and you’ll learn more about why they matter to us all.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Appreciate the structure and correct use of common and botanical names
- Outline some of the ways in which we are dependent on plants.
- Understand the divisions of the plant kingdom
- List examples of where and why some common plants are classified in the Plant Kingdom
- Be familiar with technical botanical terms.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course and open to all, whether you have a garden or not. The course does not assume any previous study or reading, although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An interest in plants and enthusiasm for learning more are the only prerequisites. As with most courses, an open mind and willingness to listen and observe are more important than specific levels of skill.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This is an online course. Suggested reading will be discussed at the beginning of the course. You will be encouraged to look at real plants throughout the week, whether on your plate, alongside the pavement or in parks and gardens to increase your observation skills.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Something to keep notes and or questions during the classes will be useful.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HS133 Tree talk and walk: Battersea Park
HS216 Tree talk and walk: Regent's Park.

Reviews

Customer Reviews 4 item(s)

Write a review

Reviews below are by students who have attended this course, regardless of the course teacher. Please be aware you may not be booking onto a course with the same teacher.

Do join it; if you're interested in basic botany, it's a splendid course.
Course Rating
Review by Lorraine T / (Posted on 28/02/2019)
This is an excellent course for anyone who wants to know more about the world of plants and how they function within our wider world. At 4 sessions plus a fabulous 1-day visit to Kew Gardens, my only misgiving is that the course is too short. I hope that a follow-up will be offered next year, taking us to the next level
Course Rating
Review by Helen A / (Posted on 23/02/2019)
Excellent introduction to theoretical and practical plant classification and identification, with a really good and very knowledgable tutor.
Course Rating
Review by Anonymous / (Posted on 23/02/2019)
A really great, thought-provoking day about plants. We learnt very specific things about types of plants and their structure, to broader issues about the role of plants in the world and in society. I had never thought about plants in this way. The teacher had immense knowledge, but the session was very flexible, and lead by questions from the students. The practical was simple but really useful. Review by Rosebud / (Posted on 19/03/2015)
Tutor Biographies
Letta Jones

Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden History. She taught at Capel Manor College and and Birkbeck, University of London for 15 years. She now teaches classes at the City Lit, Marlborough College Summer School, Woodbrooke,Denman, Glenthorne and Knuston Hall. She is part of the Garden History Grapevine/Gardens Trust group which offers introductory and advanced courses in garden history www.gardenhistorygrapevine.wordpress.com. A guide at the Chelsea Physic Garden for 18 years, Letta now teaches on their education programme. She is a Green Flag Park judge and she also leads her own garden study tours abroad.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.

Book your place

Course Code: HS021

Sat, day, 30 Jan - 20 Mar '21

Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)

Full fee: £189.00
Senior fee: £151.00
Concession: £95.00
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Or call to enrol: 020 7831 7831

Any questions? humanities@citylit.ac.uk
or call 020 7492 2652

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

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