Identifying Non Flowering Plants (British Ferns)

Overview

The module will introduce learners to cryptogamic botany characteristics, focusing on ferns (vascular plants without flowers and seeds). Skills will be extended towards identification and understanding their lifecycle, economic importance and conservation.
The emphasis will be on
a. learning key differences and similarities between other cryptogams and higher plants
b. learning about their evolutionary adaptations
c. acknowledging their role in biodiversity
d. learning how to use a flora and key to identify plants, rather than learning a defined species list
e. developing skills to use digital tools, open resources, and AI to identify ferns

Characteristic adaptations in general morphology and anatomy in relation to other members of the plant kingdom will be discussed along with their evolutionary, biodiversity and economic roles.

Plants are used to define habitats in relation to biotic and abiotic factors - they are at the centre of all ecological work. Connecting learning with other core modules and with evolutionary characteristics, rationalising, and learning to use physical and digital resources specific to their domain are essential and valuable skills for field and conservation ecologists.
Emphasis will be placed on practical skills during blended workshops (in-person and where learners will apply their knowledge both in expressing and challenging opinions and beliefs. A range of specimens from local habitats alongside digital records will be explored. An optional in-person, 4-hour workshop will be held on location in Aberystwyth.
This course will build upon existing knowledge on plant morphology gained in the Identifying Flowering Plants course (XS13010). Studying this prior course will help students familiarise with morphological and anatomical characters and link it to evolution of advance characters in phanerogams (non-flowering gymnosperms and flowering angiosperms).

Programme 

Seminar and blended learning
- Introduction to morphological characters and taxonomical terms
- Introduction to anatomical characters
- Recording observations from detailed examination and identification of specimens.
- Significance of features in terms of lifecycle, adaptations and evolution
- Biodiversity and economic significance

Blended workshops
- Characteristic features and diversity of the major British plant families
- Using a British flora (Stace) and research articles,
- Identification of specimens of ferns and their allies

Field work
- Describing morphological characteristics
- Identifying specimens
- Describing habitats
- Producing a collection/ portfolio from two contrasting habitats.

Learning Outcomes

1. Observe, describe, and record, using the correct terminology and the key features necessary for the identification of plant specimens.
2. Demonstrate the use of key resources, digital tools and AI to aid and reason/ rationalise their classification and ability to communicate findings.
3. Evaluate adaptations and evolutionary significance of the characteristic / diagnostic features of the families.
4. Explore and explain the importance of ferns with respect to biodiversity and economic value.

Assessments

1. Test (200 words) 20%
2. Digital Portfolio (1500 words) 60%
3. Online Assessment (150 Words) 20%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.