This course introduces you to the plants, animals and fungi, from an evolutionary perspective. The course is equally divided between the fields of botany and zoology, and gives students a solid grounding in the evolution and diversity of multicellular organisms. The course is an excellent "free standing" course for students studying in other areas of science or for nonscience degrees, and is an essential prerequisite for students wishing to do further study in the plant and animal sciences. The lecture component focuses on plant and animal structure and the evolution of complexity, as well as current issues such as the impact of climate change on plant species and populations. The practical component provides the opportunity for hands-on learning about the structure and function of a number of organisms.

Assessment is based on tests for the practical component and exams for the theory component.