Course Plan
Course Name: Plant Diversity
Course Code:
BOT 1201 (Theory 28 hrs, Pract. 28 hrs + Field 10 hrs, IL 14 hrs)
Course Capsule:
Historical development of biological classification, Key events of plant evolution,
Characteristics of major taxonomic groups in kingdoms Fungi, Protista (only algae) and Plantae
(excluding Anthophytes), Economic and ecological importance of fungi, algae, bryophytes,
pteridophytes and gymnosperms, Habitat preference and evolutionary affinities in and among
fungi, algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnosperms, Introduction to lichens- an alliance
between kingdoms
Course Aim:
To familiarize major categories of fungi, algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes,
gymnosperms and lichens that students come across in the surrounding, to acquire the ability
to identify them in the field, view their role as ancestors to angiosperms and to learn to
appreciate them as “useful creatures” on earth.
Course ILOs:
At the end of the course, students should be able to
1. discuss how the modern systems of Biological Classification were developed
2. explain why brown algae and diatoms are placed with water molds and downy
mildews in an exceptional group known as Heterokonta (Stramenophila)
3
discuss the importance of key events in plant evolution
4. describe the vegetative and reproductive diversity in major taxonomic groups of
fungi, algae and plants excluding angiosperms
5. recognize, identify and comment from where to collect them and to explain the
reasons for various taxonomic groups to occupy different habitats
6. explain the evolutionary affinities in and among fungi, algae, bryophytes,
pteridophytes and gymnosperms
7. explain how fungi, algae, plants and lichens become important to man
8. design and carry out collection and identification of common algae, bryophytes,
pteridophytes, gymnosperms and lichens.
Resource Requirements: Handouts, Multimedia, computers, live specimens, laboratories, lecture theatres,
greenhouse/planthouse, Botanic Garden and access to few localities with a high diversity of lower plants.
Transport Requirements:
Vehicle (bus and a van) to take students to
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya and Kadugannawa (one day field class)
Assessment Strategy: (The following might change under special circumstances)
Continuous assessment
Mid- semester examination
Class practicals and assignments
End semester assessment
Written paper (theory)
Practical exam
20%
-5% -10%
- 5% -10%
80%
- 50%-60%
- 20%- 30%
References:
1. Alexopoulos CJ, CW Mims and M Meredith (1995) Introductory Mycology, 4th Edition, Blackwell
2. Coppejans E, F Leliaert, O Dargent, R Gunasekara and O de Clerck (2009) Sri Lankan Seaweeds:
Methodologies and field guide to the dominant species, Vol 6, Abc Taxa.
3. Goffinet B and AJ Shaw (2009) Bryophyte Biology, Cambridge University Press, New York. (PDF
available)
4. Pandey BP (1993) Pteridophyta, S. Chand and Company Ltd, New Delhi
5. Vasishta PC (2000). Botany, Part IV- Pteridophyta, S. Chand and Company Ltd, New Delhi.
6. Vasishta PC (2004) Botany for Degree Students, Part III- Bryophyta, S. Chand and Company Ltd.,
New Delhi.
7. Vashishta BR (2004) Botany for Degree Students, Part V- Gymnosperms, S. Chand and Company
Ltd., New Delhi.
8. J Webster and R Weber (2007) Introduction to Fungi, Cambridge University Press
In addition, you will get a list of recommended videos available in YouTube, at the
commencement of each section.
Teaching Panel: Dr. (Mrs.) P.L. Hettiarachchi (email: phlakshmi96@gmail.com; Tel: 0771238980)
Course Coordinator: Dr. (Mrs.) P.L. Hettiarachchi