Identifying Non-flowering Plants: British Ferns

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.
Learners will use their skills and knowledge to meticulously record observations, rationalise and justify decisions and gain confidence in using flora, keys, AI tools and other resources. Learners will also gather resources as they progress through the module which will aid their professional prospects alongside building interest in furthering their career in ecology.

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).

Note

This module is at CQFW Level 5