Wildflowers: Identification and Folklore

 

Wildflowers: Identification and Folklore can be studied as a stand-alone course and a key course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Field Ecology at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: 10 Weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Ali Murfitt

Learning Method: Blended

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XS15410

Fee: £130.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available

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Overview

In this course we will approach the identification of wildflowers by focusing on some key wildflower families, which have a selection of both edible and poisonous species. As well as covering the botanical features important for identification, we will learn how to group the features together to give combinations of characteristics which lead to accurate identification.   
  
Throughout the course we will weave in the folklore and traditional use of the plants we find and cover key concepts important to foraging including sustainable harvesting and use.   
  
This is a blended learning module so will involve both online and in-person teaching. The online section of the module is delivered via Blackboard, our online learning environment. You will complete two self-paced, introductory units online before attending a day and a half of in-person teaching at Denmark Farm near Lampeter in Ceredigion. Following the course, you will complete a final online unit and submit your assessments. Your tutor will provide online support for the duration of the course.   

 
Programme

This is a blended learning module so one part of the module is delivered as self-paced online learning units and the other is delivered as in-person teaching. The online content is delivered using Video PowerPoint lectures and external video content. Activities, discussion boards and mini quizzes will be embedded throughout the units so the tutor can provide support and trickle feedback. A number of the activities will help the students to prepare for the assignments.  
The live teaching will consist of a small amount of classroom learning, guided identifying and foraging sessions, group activities and some practical ‘making’ sessions.  

  • Unit 1 – Introduction (Online) 
  • Unit 2 - Flowering Families and Ethnobotany (Online) 
  • Unit 3 – In-person teaching session (approx. 8 hours) 
  • Unit 4 - In-person teaching session (approx. 4 hours) 
  • Unit 5 - Ecological considerations when harvesting from the wild (Online) 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Identify five wildflower families : Asteraceae (daisy), Apiaceae (carrot), Lamiaceae (dead nettle), Brassicaceae (cabbage), Rosaceae (rose) and Rubiaceae (bedstraw), including examples of at least two species in each family.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the process to get from wildflower family to species identification, using a wildflower key and hand lens
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of best practice for safe, sustainable and ethical foraging.
  4. Explain the folklore traditions and uses of a number of species of wildflower. 

Assessments

  1. Wildflower ID Quiz (20%)
  2. Species Profile 1600 words (80%) 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.