HERB 531

Botany and Plant Identification for the Holistic Practitioner Online

Overview

(NOTE: This course was formerly numbered BOT 501.)

HERB 531 explores plant anatomy, plant physiology, herbal ecology (including ethical wildcrafting and harvesting concepts), and field identification. With a particular emphasis on the practical use of medicinal plants, the fields of taxonomy (classification), genetics and evolution, anatomy and function of cells and plant parts, energy metabolism of photosynthesis and respiration, and the biochemical pathways producing medicinal compounds are examined. Graduates will be expected to demonstrate a strong theoretical understanding of botany, including the terminology used for plant identification, comparing and contrasting the different structures of leaves, flowers, stems, and roots used to distinguish species from one another; employing botanical theory to complete projects, practical experiments, and labs including traditional mnemonics and the ‘doctrine of signatures,’ integrated with contemporary methods of reliable plant identification; and critically evaluating various concepts, approaches, methods, and issues in the field. Field exercises will be presented so that the student can acquire practical experience. Students will also formulate a botanical experiment to prove a hypothesis of their design, analyze their results, and present them in a format recognized by the biological science communities.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate comprehension of botanical terms used for plant identification of their structures and physiology.

  • Distinguish the structure and function of plant cells and the effects of the environment on plant anatomy and adaptation.

  • Differentiate edible, medicinal and poisonous plants through botanical features and characteristics.

  • Compare and contrast plants in any environment using field guides, organoleptic methods, and the doctrine of signatures.

  • Evaluate the applicability of traditional frameworks of botanical knowledge including the doctrine of signatures within modern botanical scientific theory.

  • Explain the function of genetics in plant adaptation and propagation.

More details

Required Course Pack:

  • HERB 531 Practical Lab Kit – Click here to view the PDF of this lab kit’s contents.
  • Online Materials and Library Resources (OMLR)

Required Textbooks: 

View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.

Total Course Price:

View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping online here.

Last updated 11/4/19

Current Instructors:

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Admissions Requirements:

Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Candidates must submit official transcripts directly from the issuing institution along with one professional letter of recommendation. All applicants must be recommended for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.

Total Course Price:

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