300147 UE Flowers: Structure, Function and Diversity (2024S)

This course deals with basic ontogenetic, structural, functional and ecological aspects of the flower and provides an overview of various floral forms and floral organization. Selected groups of flowering plants will be studied in more detail. The topics will mainly be presented using living material grown in the Botanical Garden but will also rely on permanent thin sections and flowers fixed in alcohol. Each course day will be documented with a short protocol. During the last part of the course, students are expected to conduct a small research project of their own dealing with structural and functional aspects of flowers. Project results will be presented orally as well as in a written report.