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Back to Understanding Plants - Part I: What a Plant Knows

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Understanding Plants - Part I: What a Plant Knows by Tel Aviv University

4.8
stars
1,791 ratings

About the Course

For centuries we have collectively marveled at plant diversity and form—from Charles Darwin’s early fascination with stems and flowers to Seymour Krelborn’s distorted doting in Little Shop of Horrors. This course intends to present an intriguing and scientifically valid look at how plants themselves experience the world—from the colors they see to the sensations they feel. Highlighting the latest research in genetics and more, we will delve into the inner lives of plants and draw parallels with the human senses to reveal that we have much more in common with sunflowers and oak trees than we may realize. We’ll learn how plants know up from down, how they know when a neighbor has been infested by a group of hungry beetles, and whether they appreciate the music you’ve been playing for them or if they’re just deaf to the sounds around them. We’ll explore definitions of memory and consciousness as they relate to plants in asking whether we can say that plants might even be aware of their surroundings. This highly interdisciplinary course meshes historical studies with cutting edge modern research and will be relevant to all humans who seek their place in nature. This class has three main goals: 1. To introduce you to basic plant biology by exploring plant senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, balance). 2. To introduce you to biological research and the scientific method. 3. To get the student to question life in general and what defines us as humans. Once you've taken this course, if you are interested in a more in-depth study of plants, check out my follow-up course, Fundamentals of Plant Biology (https://www.coursera.org/learn/plant-biology/home/welcome). In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registration Additionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here – https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptance Teachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschool...

Top reviews

DS

Aug 14, 2021

I really liked this course, the professor was engaging, clear, and informative, and did a great job explaining and simplifying the more complex biology topics so that it was digestible for beginners.

RV

Dec 12, 2016

Love the clarity of the instructors deliver which is supported by great explanations and most importantly visual aids & demonstrations. Ps... Especially loved the bloopers at the end. Nice treat! :)

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476 - 500 of 519 Reviews for Understanding Plants - Part I: What a Plant Knows

By Michiko W

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Mar 10, 2023

Learned a lot painlessly. Fascinating subject and enjoyed the tour of the working laboratory. Would love to see after passing the quiz answers and explanations to what I got right/wrong.

By Aadra G

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Jun 26, 2020

I highly commend the explanation of multiple core principles in cell biology, experiment design, and history while covering the topic. The pace suited me well.

By Bat-el P

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Jan 19, 2017

Professor Daniel Chamovitz was wonderful and very interesting. But it was difficult for me as I have very little preliminary information on plants and biology

By Marjet B

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Feb 15, 2018

Very educational! Some conclusions of some experiments I could recollect as detailed as was necessary for the final test. Learned a lot!! Thanks!

By Saleem A

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Feb 10, 2017

nicely covers the content for even a new learner its a good source of knowledge. i am impressed by the course content and teacher

By Thembelihle M

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Apr 19, 2022

Great course content, very relevant. I learned a lot about plants behavior concerning seasons, environment, weather patterns.

By Manish D

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Jan 11, 2024

it is a great learning experience with courser platform. its flexibly scheduling and OnDemand time frame is very helpful.

By SK

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Jun 18, 2017

It is a very interesting seminar, Teacher has very good communication skills. But the final exam was very difficult!

By Mohamed . T

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Jul 13, 2020

It is a good course and very developed. It woud be good to have more Laboratory expirements in the course.

By Sonal D

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Apr 12, 2020

This is a very interesting course. Very simply and nicely explained. Only Final quiz has some loopholes.

By Sandra R S

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Dec 31, 2021

The two take aways: the growing food insecurity and the negative impact of humanity on the environment.

By Shaiesta C

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Dec 24, 2022

This course was quite informative and a useful one. Looking forward to do its next part as well!

By Saikat D

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Jul 26, 2020

I liked the lectures very much. However, I think the quiz design needs more attention.

By Shirdheen R

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Aug 10, 2017

It was a very interesting course and has made me look at plants with a different lens.

By Priscilla v D

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Oct 6, 2018

I really liked this course. Definatly a success. But how do i get my cerftificate.

By Elana H

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May 3, 2017

Very compelling and easy to follow (this coming from a Liberal Arts major).

By alfonso m

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Dec 13, 2022

Molt interessant i ben explicat. Trobo a faltar la transcripció al català

By Sandra P M M

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Jan 13, 2018

The videos are quite interesting, but the final test is a bit confusing.

By Ananya K

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Jun 14, 2017

A very good course.. Really enjoyed it. Teaching was the best. Loved it

By Amusan M K

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Dec 31, 2017

Very interesting introduction into the world of plants. Amazing!!!

By CLEMENT-COTTUZ

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Nov 21, 2016

Les questionnaires sont un peu piégeux. Le cours est pas mal.

By Georgia F S

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Sep 21, 2023

The course is extensive, and the tests are a challenge.

By Francine

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Mar 24, 2017

Very interesting subject matter, presented very well

By Mark

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Nov 1, 2016

Very informative--IMPOSSIBLY HARD FINAL EXAM though.

By FAGE D

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Jan 16, 2017

Very interesting course and enthusiastic professor