HORT10020 Plants and People

Academic Year 2023/2024

The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of the importance of plants for human life. Plants are the basis of life on earth and have long be used by humankind for food, shelter, medicinal, cosmetic, design, art and other purposes. They also have a fundamental role to play in the regulation of climate. Historically plants have also been used in the creation of many well known gardens and parks and in recent times sports pitches and golf-courses. This module delivered by several lecturers, both internal and visiting, and provides a broad overview of the production of foodstuffs, such as fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, cereals and important beverages such as beer and coffee. The use and production of plants for ornamental and other uses will also be discussed. The horticultural industry in Ireland and its key sectors will be outlined. The production of trees and shrubs and their use in the design and management of private gardens, parks and open spaces in the past and present will be described. The social, economic and environmental benefits of plants for both those in urban and rural areas will be examined. The topic of social horticulture and its role in the development of social capital will be also be discussed. The criteria for a successful playing surface for football and golf will be described. Students will be directed to background material in the Library and the World Wide Web. As this is a Stage 1 module emphasis is placed on linking this module with other Stage 1 modules in the Agricultural Sciences Programme in particular.