Plants & Civilization JanTerm 2008 George M. Diggs, Jr. Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies Austin College, Sherman, Texas & Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)

To Contact Dr. Diggs:

Austin College Phone: (903) 813-2246, Home Phone (903) 868-1642
Office: 317 Moody Science
Mailing Address: Department of Biology, Austin College, Sherman, TX 75090
AC Suite 61564
e-mail: gdiggs@austincollege.edu
Home page: http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/diggs.html
Office Hours: During JanTerm, office hours are by appointment.

Plants & Civilization -- Course Synopsis

Plants form the basis of all human civilizations, yet their importance is often not appreciated. They have been the cause of war and international intrigue, and have been the source of most of the foods and medicines used by humans. This course will focus on the earth’s plant life from two perspectives. First, the uses and historical impact of economically important plants will be discussed, with emphasis given to medical, drug, poison, food, and spice plants. The second perspective will be to examine the impact of humans on the botanical world including habitat destruction and extinction and the possible long-term implications of these problems. Several one-day field trips and a number of laboratory sessions are planned. Participants should be willing to spend considerable time outdoors. The course is designed for Austin College sophomores and freshmen.

For further information about this course, please contact:

Dr. George Diggs, Professor Department of Biology Austin College 900 N. Grand Ave. Sherman, TX 75090 903-813-2246 Fax: 903-813-3199 gdiggs@austincollege.edu

All text and images on this page copyright 2008, George M. Diggs, Jr.