Do you have a desire to be closer to nature? Take a botany class and gain a deeper understanding of how plants connect us to the natural world. Botanical studies explore all aspects of plant growth and development, plant communities, and the role of plants in ecosystems. At the everyday level, botany can be your gateway to herbal healing, foraging for wild edibles, cross-cultural understanding, or just a deeper appreciation of nature's seasonal beauty.
Click here for an overview of the Certificate Program.
Learn to identify the native and naturalized trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the Northeast by their vegetative characteristics using their scientific and common names. You'll also hone your ability to use taxonomic keys and field guides.
Paleobotany,
the
study
of
plant
evolution
through
fossil
evidence,
gives
us
insights
into
Earth's
flora,
past
and
present.
In
this
class,
you'll
learn
about
the
evolution
of
plants—from
when
life
first
emerged
from
the
ocean
to
modern
day
trees
and
more...
This is the class for plant-lovers eager to up their game! Learn the terminology and basic botanical nomenclature that will help you recognize and describe key differences in common plants.
We will cover the role of plant hormones in growth and development, as well as plant movement, water transport through the plant body, and plant metabolism, including photosynthesis and respiration (anaerobic and aerobic).
Wine
carries
the
flavor
of
the
land
where
its
grapes
are
grown--something
the
French
call
terroir.
But
why
does
a
Chardonnay
from
Burgundy
taste
so
different
from
one
made
in
California,
even
though
it's
the
exact
same
grape
variety?
The
more...
Get
a
solid
grounding
in
the
basic
plant
body,
from
the
cell
to
the
roots,
stems,
leaves,
flowers,
and
fruit.
We'll
use
dissecting
and
compound
light
microscopes
to
observe
plant
anatomy,
then
introduce
the
base-level
chemistry
required
to
understand
the
more...
Among
Earth's
most
amazing
and
oldest
living
organisms,
lichens
grow
on
bark,
rock,
and
barren
soil.
They
thrive
in
rain
forests,
deserts,
the
arctic
--
even
environments
simulating
Mars!
Lichens
are
sensitive
environmental
indicators,
yet
scientists
are
only
just
beginning
more...
Discover
the
world
of
the
marine
algae
under
the
microscope
and
through
artful
preservation
techniques.
You'll
begin
with
an
in-depth
overview
of
phycological
diversity
and
ecological
impact,
before
moving
onto
hands-on
identification
of
anatomy
under
the
microscope.
Then,
you
will
more...
Plants
do
not
grow
in
isolation—they
exist
within
a
rich
and
dynamic
ecosystem
teeming
with
microorganisms.
Explore
the
fascinating
and
essential
relationships
between
plants
and
the
microbial
world
that
surrounds
them.
From
symbiotic
fungi
that
extend
the
reach
of
plant
more...
Become
a
detective
of
the
natural
world
as
you
gain
a
solid
understanding
of
how
to
read
a
forest
scene.
Discover
how
historic
events
have
affected
the
forest
landscape,
shaping
its
current
appearance
and
function.
Through
presentation,
discussion,
and
walks
more...