Studying the Interrelationships Between Plant and Animal Kingdoms: Botany Courses by Distance Learning

Botany courses by distance learning are directed towards equipping the student with a competence in a variety of botany related areas and a depth in a subset of narrowly defined programs whenever required. These courses can be basic level courses that serve as a foundation for the graduate school or post degree courses that are designed to broaden the scope of understanding on the subject.

In other words, botany courses by distance learning focus on student needs and aim to provide the student with a breadth of knowledge of plants and train the student to critically analyze and write on the different topics under study.

Imparting botany courses by distance learning--the challenge

Science is best studied in the laboratory and recreating that environment online is a difficult proposition. However, several issues have been resolved by harnessing the power of technology to serve the ends of education. Case studies are used as a means of focusing the student's attention on analytical aspects of study.

The student is guided through the thinking process with chat sessions, discussion forums, e-mail communications and so on. Videos introduce the student to the natural environment and habitats of various plant species. Optional camps at specified locations are organized to get the scattered class together for one to one interaction.

A Course Catalog

The University of Vermont's botany courses by distance learning are more broad based and emphasize the study of interrelationships with the plant and animal kingdoms and includes topics such as fungi and pathogens in plants, mycotoxins, medicinal plants, edible mushrooms, fungal diseases and pest management. The University offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and PhD and Master of Botany (non thesis) courses.

The University of Colorado offers students interested in botany courses by distance learning that are the foundation of pre degree or post degree understanding of the subject. The design of the level 3000 courses cater to the needs of those who wish to make a career in botany or who merely wish to enhance their understanding of the topic.

The Level 4000 courses are more focused and attention is directed towards the development of critical analysis skills in the student.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Botany/Zoology 450 course is an online course that is taught through the Learn@UW online environment. The course introduces the ecological environment and focuses attention on understanding the approach to problems via case studies.

The Southeastern Louisiana University also offers a number of certificate courses in Botany that study the role of plants in their environment.

Botany courses by distance learning have been designed with much thought and a lot of understanding of student needs. A well-planned course can impart to the student much more than even a residential course can offer. It can be a means of keeping in touch with the subject and drilling down into areas of specific interest or can be a first time introduction to the essence of life.

The course you select will determine what you will gain from it. So select your course with care and probe into the dynamics of life.

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