Module Details

Module Code: BOTA8001
Title: Principles of Ethnobotany
Long Title: Ethnobotanical concepts and pr
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4214 - Botany
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module addresses topics of genetic biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge of plants for the production of remedies, domestic and ritual artefacts. Issues of genetic resources preservation, biopiracy and international regulation of trade of endangered species are also investigated.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 discuss transfer of Traditional Knowledge and use of plants from native populations
LO2 debate the issue of biopiracy and management of genetic resources, in the context of fair transfer and appropriation of ethnobotanical knowledge across different Human populations
LO3 prepare documentation and certification for international trade of exotic species
LO4 contribute to an ethnobotanical investigation
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Botany
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Ethnobotany, a new multidisciplinary science
History of Ethnobotany and its evolution as a multidisciplinary science. Definition of terminology.
The ethnobotanical investigation
How is the ethnobotanical investigation conducted? Who does it apply to? Its benefits?
Exploitation of traditional knowledge
Issues of unfair trade and exploitation of traditional knowledge or genetic ressources. Biopiracy. Environmental impact.
International organisations
Role and actions of CITES, CBD and other international bodies.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Description of application of traditional uses of a plant. How this plant was introduced and how Western uses compare to traditional Native uses?
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
To interview a traditional artefact maker and discuss the transmission of traditional knowledge (Written Report)
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Plants that changed World History
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact work on project Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Richard Evans Schultes, Siri von Reis,. (2008), Ethnobotany: Evolution of a Discipline, Timber Press, [ISBN: 0881929727].
  • Gary J. Martin,. (2004), Ethnobotany: A Methods Manual, Earthscan Publications Ltd, [ISBN: 1844070840].
  • Michael Heinrich, Anna J. Jager. (2015), Ethnopharmacology, Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781118930748].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SHERB_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Herbal Science 6 Mandatory
CR_BHORT_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture 2 Elective
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 6 Elective