HORT1003K Plants and People

Academic Year 2024/2025

Plants have long been used by humankind for food, shelter, medicine, cosmetics, and other purposes. They have also been used in the creation of gardens and parks and, in recent times, in sports pitches and golf courses. This module provides a broad overview of the production of foodstuffs, such as fruit and vegetables. Topics include the effects of climate change on plants, the importance of soil, ethnobotany, and landscape design.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the historical and current uses of plants by humankind and be able to discuss and analyse how plants have been utilised for various purposes, including food, shelter, medicine, cosmetics, and recreational spaces. Students should be able to discuss the impact of climate change on plants, including shifts in growing seasons, changes in precipitation patterns, and the adaptation strategies of plants. Students should be able to discuss the importance of soil quality and composition in supporting plant health and growth. This includes understanding nutrient cycles, soil conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. Students should gain an appreciation for the cultural and traditional uses of plants in different communities. Students will have an understanding of the principles of landscape design.

With regard to transferable skills, students will be able to write short reports and will have participated in group work in a class setting.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

104
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures

Individual or group work assignment

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Assignment to include mini videos and written work Week 4 Graded No

15

 No
Report(s): Students to gather data on horticultural produce and/or services Week 4 Graded No

20

 No
Exam (In-person): Midterm exam(s) to include MCQ or short answer type questions. In-person or online. Week 6 Graded No

15

 No
Exam (In-person): Written paper, short questions. 1 hour end of trimester exam
Date of exam may change.		 Week 14 Graded No

50

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided to the class after they have completed the assignments.

Name Role
Dr Caroline Elliott-Kingston Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tony Twamley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer