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Plant Science: An Introduction to Botany
In Plant Science: An Introduction to Botany, Dr. Catherine Kleier invites us to open our eyes to the phenomenal world of plant life and to the process she calls “Natura Revelata”, the joy of celebrating and learning from the secrets of nature.
As Dr. Kleier shares her knowledge with contagious excitement for her subject, she emphasizes the middle ground: Instead of focusing on cell microbiology or the study of ecosystems and habitats, she stresses the basic biology, function, and the amazing adaptations of the plants we see all around us. Dr. Kleier proposes and establishes that there is pleasure to be found in being able to identify and understand the workings of that tree outside the window.
With almost 400,000 known species and thousands more identified every year, the variety of plant life is almost overwhelming - from the microscopic to the largest organism on Earth. In this course, you will learn about the fascinating adaptations that have allowed plants to thrive in almost every corner of the world and the unique plants that have evolved as a result.
You’ll learn about the latest discoveries regarding plant communication, the myriad ways they manage and shape their own environments, and why botanists are still debating what it really means to be a unique species.
As Dr. Kleier shares her knowledge with contagious excitement for her subject, she emphasizes the middle ground: Instead of focusing on cell microbiology or the study of ecosystems and habitats, she stresses the basic biology, function, and the amazing adaptations of the plants we see all around us. Dr. Kleier proposes and establishes that there is pleasure to be found in being able to identify and understand the workings of that tree outside the window.
With almost 400,000 known species and thousands more identified every year, the variety of plant life is almost overwhelming - from the microscopic to the largest organism on Earth. In this course, you will learn about the fascinating adaptations that have allowed plants to thrive in almost every corner of the world and the unique plants that have evolved as a result.
You’ll learn about the latest discoveries regarding plant communication, the myriad ways they manage and shape their own environments, and why botanists are still debating what it really means to be a unique species.
12 pages, DVD
First published January 1, 2017
29 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 13, 2025
Apparently, this course has been sitting in my library for years. Better late than never -- I enjoyed it very much.
Professor Cather Kleier can't help delivering rather cringe jokes and puns every now and then ("coniferous trees -- they are called coniferous because their shape reminds a cone, see, cone -- conical, and I'm comical -- haha"), but her enthusiasm and passion for botany are so contagious, that this compensates for awkward jokes with a vengeance.
This course (24 half-hour lectures) is an excellent introduction into the different aspects of the science of plants: basic principles of plants classification, evolution of plants, the chemistry of photosynthesis, different kinds of reproduction, symbiosis, different habitats and adaptation mechanisms, poisonous and invasive plants, carnivorous plants, genetically modified plants -- this treasure trove of information is accompanied with lots of specific examples, usually quite fascinating.
For example, now I no longer find laughable that Vilmorin (French seeds producer whose huge shop I visited in Paris) is carrying baobab seeds. The idea of growing a baobab in your garden seemed rather impractical to me when I first spotted a packet of baobab seeds on display (not to mention growing baobabs on my balcony). But when Catherine Kleier was telling about baobabs, she explained that in Australia they were grown as a commercial crop -- after 6-8 weeks the edible roots would be similar in taste to something between a carrot and a water chestnut (I haven't even heard about water chestnuts before). So if I ever see baobab seeds again, I'll be sure to buy them.:)
By the way, this is how a baobab seedling looks like:
Image source: Wikimedia Commons, author: spacebirdy)
All in all, listening to "Plant Science: An Introduction to Botany" has been a rewarding experience.
Read in 2023.
Professor Cather Kleier can't help delivering rather cringe jokes and puns every now and then ("coniferous trees -- they are called coniferous because their shape reminds a cone, see, cone -- conical, and I'm comical -- haha"), but her enthusiasm and passion for botany are so contagious, that this compensates for awkward jokes with a vengeance.
This course (24 half-hour lectures) is an excellent introduction into the different aspects of the science of plants: basic principles of plants classification, evolution of plants, the chemistry of photosynthesis, different kinds of reproduction, symbiosis, different habitats and adaptation mechanisms, poisonous and invasive plants, carnivorous plants, genetically modified plants -- this treasure trove of information is accompanied with lots of specific examples, usually quite fascinating.
For example, now I no longer find laughable that Vilmorin (French seeds producer whose huge shop I visited in Paris) is carrying baobab seeds. The idea of growing a baobab in your garden seemed rather impractical to me when I first spotted a packet of baobab seeds on display (not to mention growing baobabs on my balcony). But when Catherine Kleier was telling about baobabs, she explained that in Australia they were grown as a commercial crop -- after 6-8 weeks the edible roots would be similar in taste to something between a carrot and a water chestnut (I haven't even heard about water chestnuts before). So if I ever see baobab seeds again, I'll be sure to buy them.:)
By the way, this is how a baobab seedling looks like:
Image source: Wikimedia Commons, author: spacebirdy)
All in all, listening to "Plant Science: An Introduction to Botany" has been a rewarding experience.
Read in 2023.
November 27, 2022
While I’ve learned a lot about botany through other courses (biology 101, cell biology, biochemistry, etc.) I’ve never taken a botany specific course. This was a great introduction. It built in my current knowledge and brought in a lot of history I was unaware of. I would love to learn more botany and this course was able to whet my interest since that’s not a possibility at this time.
October 27, 2021
Never really thought a botany course would hold my interest, but Catherine Klier made the experience exciting, and I looked forward to listening to each lecture.
October 30, 2022
i am terrified of this woman and her power
July 8, 2020
The author does a great job giving an overview of basic botany. I do think some science and chemistry background may be necessary in understanding this course. I would have enjoyed this book as a teenager or in my twenties, but I didn't enjoy it so much at my current stage of life.
My first complaint is that the author focuses on how plants are used in industry, rather than how plants fit into living communities (ecosystems). She is obviously enthused about the topic, but I find it very disturbing when she sounds happy, or even jokes, about obvious horrible events. I can't find ecocide to be a topic worthy of enthusiasm. I wish she had a range of emotions to her voice. I suspect she has become desensitized to the damage civilization has done to the world. College and science does have a way of desensitizing us humans to the pains and losses of non-humans.
In the end, this book made me lose interest in botany. I love plants! But I don't want to become desensitized to the living qualities of plants and will look elsewhere for studying plants further. Perhaps plant ecology is a better area of learning for me.
My biggest complain is the last lecture. She claims that Roundup has no harmful effects on humans. This is not shown to be true. If it were true, why is it required to where protective respiratory gear when handling the material in bulk quantities? At best, the truth is that there are conflicting studies as to the health effects of Roundup. In some studies, Roundup has been shown to cause fluid in the lungs and breathing difficulties. It stays in the environment for over a year. It damages important gut bacteria and is suspected of causing cancer and other serious health issues with long-term exposure. It is bad science to ignore one half of the data. And at least half the studies show that Roundup is extremely toxic to both human and planetary health.
My first complaint is that the author focuses on how plants are used in industry, rather than how plants fit into living communities (ecosystems). She is obviously enthused about the topic, but I find it very disturbing when she sounds happy, or even jokes, about obvious horrible events. I can't find ecocide to be a topic worthy of enthusiasm. I wish she had a range of emotions to her voice. I suspect she has become desensitized to the damage civilization has done to the world. College and science does have a way of desensitizing us humans to the pains and losses of non-humans.
In the end, this book made me lose interest in botany. I love plants! But I don't want to become desensitized to the living qualities of plants and will look elsewhere for studying plants further. Perhaps plant ecology is a better area of learning for me.
My biggest complain is the last lecture. She claims that Roundup has no harmful effects on humans. This is not shown to be true. If it were true, why is it required to where protective respiratory gear when handling the material in bulk quantities? At best, the truth is that there are conflicting studies as to the health effects of Roundup. In some studies, Roundup has been shown to cause fluid in the lungs and breathing difficulties. It stays in the environment for over a year. It damages important gut bacteria and is suspected of causing cancer and other serious health issues with long-term exposure. It is bad science to ignore one half of the data. And at least half the studies show that Roundup is extremely toxic to both human and planetary health.
May 1, 2023
I have been interested in understanding plants more recently, and this is a good place to start. Dr. Catherine Kleier shares her botanical knowledge through a series of lectures. Kleier's enthusiasm for and joy in her subject is palpable and helps readers remember key concepts.
The content is engaging and inspires learning more about plants from other popular nonfiction works. Kleier focuses on the basic biology, function, and evolutionary adaptations of the plants surrounding us everyday. I appreciated the wide breadth of subjects mentioned, from common flowers and trees, and agriculture to seagrasses, mangroves, and tropical rainforests.
However, I wish the definitions of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and berries were more strictly defined. For example, true fruits etc. should've been described in direct contrast to the false fruits etc. nonetheless categorized as fruit by our country's economy. "Well, this isn't an actual berry" etc. are thrown out there piecemeal, so while I have a better appreciation for the diversity of plant adaptation, I wouldn't be able to explain the differences between a blueberry and a raspberry, for instance.
Nonetheless, this was interesting and has piqued my desire to continue learning about this topic. I have learned some plant facts from general biology and ecology courses, but it's great to hear lectures specifically diving into these impressive life forms.
The content is engaging and inspires learning more about plants from other popular nonfiction works. Kleier focuses on the basic biology, function, and evolutionary adaptations of the plants surrounding us everyday. I appreciated the wide breadth of subjects mentioned, from common flowers and trees, and agriculture to seagrasses, mangroves, and tropical rainforests.
However, I wish the definitions of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and berries were more strictly defined. For example, true fruits etc. should've been described in direct contrast to the false fruits etc. nonetheless categorized as fruit by our country's economy. "Well, this isn't an actual berry" etc. are thrown out there piecemeal, so while I have a better appreciation for the diversity of plant adaptation, I wouldn't be able to explain the differences between a blueberry and a raspberry, for instance.
Nonetheless, this was interesting and has piqued my desire to continue learning about this topic. I have learned some plant facts from general biology and ecology courses, but it's great to hear lectures specifically diving into these impressive life forms.
December 20, 2019
Plants are structures with cell walls, vacuoles and chloroplasts. This series tells you how to mix chemicals to change color of the plants. Some of my favorite anecdotes:
Chloroplasts have chlorophyll that produce energy with sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. Glucose, oxygen and energy balance from chloroplast to mitochondria in cellular respiration. Symbiotic bacteria evolved in endosymbiosis like the double helix of DNA.
Mendel the Monk developed many of the early ideas on DNA, which is a good reminder of how science is a construct like faith. Both help us understand the world. Different means to an end like the chloroplasts and mitochondria.
Haploids and diploids form gametophytes and sporophytes with meiosis and mitosis if it is persuaded to produce sexually or asexually like a moss.
Stomata in mosses allow for gases to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. Cave mosses glow in the dark like a lens of green algae. Mosses are the old ones.
Tens of millions of years ago, azolla algae blooms turned the tropical poles into fridges atmospheres over night.
Coffee is sustainable due to its ability to grow in shade. They have fewer fruits in shade and are in uniform size, which make a more even roast. Sun grown coffee is bitter due to more sugar.
Etheline and oxyzion are the best known reasons for plant leaves changing colors, although the author says they don’t really understand it.
Chloroplasts have chlorophyll that produce energy with sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. Glucose, oxygen and energy balance from chloroplast to mitochondria in cellular respiration. Symbiotic bacteria evolved in endosymbiosis like the double helix of DNA.
Mendel the Monk developed many of the early ideas on DNA, which is a good reminder of how science is a construct like faith. Both help us understand the world. Different means to an end like the chloroplasts and mitochondria.
Haploids and diploids form gametophytes and sporophytes with meiosis and mitosis if it is persuaded to produce sexually or asexually like a moss.
Stomata in mosses allow for gases to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. Cave mosses glow in the dark like a lens of green algae. Mosses are the old ones.
Tens of millions of years ago, azolla algae blooms turned the tropical poles into fridges atmospheres over night.
Coffee is sustainable due to its ability to grow in shade. They have fewer fruits in shade and are in uniform size, which make a more even roast. Sun grown coffee is bitter due to more sugar.
Etheline and oxyzion are the best known reasons for plant leaves changing colors, although the author says they don’t really understand it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2020
Note to self: Great Courses on audio isn't the best format for me.
That's definitely not the fault of the instructor. This is a dry subject, and Catherine Kleier made it as accessible as it possibly could be. But I have no background in botany, and I'm not an auditory learner; I think in order to truly absorb the information, I'd have needed to schedule time to do nothing but listen and take notes. And I'm just not going to do that for a subject that has no practical application in my life.
That said, I decided to purchase the course after some long hikes in Wyoming, when I thought, I want to learn more about plants, since God created them, and they're so diverse and enthralling when you're immersed in them! It seemed like a way to get to know Him better. A few little nuggets did sink in here and there, but not surprisingly they were the ones for which I already had a framework: the process of photosynthesis and its relevance to ATP production (since I know biochemistry), and a few details from the desert plants segment (since I live in AZ). I finished the book despite the fact that most of it was in one ear and out the other, because every now and then, some little factoid found a place to lodge.
That's definitely not the fault of the instructor. This is a dry subject, and Catherine Kleier made it as accessible as it possibly could be. But I have no background in botany, and I'm not an auditory learner; I think in order to truly absorb the information, I'd have needed to schedule time to do nothing but listen and take notes. And I'm just not going to do that for a subject that has no practical application in my life.
That said, I decided to purchase the course after some long hikes in Wyoming, when I thought, I want to learn more about plants, since God created them, and they're so diverse and enthralling when you're immersed in them! It seemed like a way to get to know Him better. A few little nuggets did sink in here and there, but not surprisingly they were the ones for which I already had a framework: the process of photosynthesis and its relevance to ATP production (since I know biochemistry), and a few details from the desert plants segment (since I live in AZ). I finished the book despite the fact that most of it was in one ear and out the other, because every now and then, some little factoid found a place to lodge.
May 10, 2021
I'm an audio lecture fan...I like to listen while walking, hiking or washing the car. While I thoroughly enjoyed this survey course in botany, I would advise folks that really want to LEARN, pony up the extra $$ and get the video. The lecture notes are helpful...and if you have the luxury of being able to follow along, audio might be OK...it will take discipline! There are an awful lot of technical/scientific nomenclature presented...and it's hard to keep it straight (even for the botanists reviewing these lectures).
As for the content, it follows the syllabus and the content very closely...there's really no need to rehash that.
The presentation leaves me with hope for the newer generations (yeah, I'm an old guy). The enthusiasm, humor and command of the subject is nothing short of amazing. Dr Kleier has actually convinced me not to become a vegan! (And I love her 'dad' jokes!).
Great series...I knocked it down to emphasize the need to watch the lectures to really get the full meaning.
I got mine on Audible, but TGC often has this one on sale...with coupons readily available!
As for the content, it follows the syllabus and the content very closely...there's really no need to rehash that.
The presentation leaves me with hope for the newer generations (yeah, I'm an old guy). The enthusiasm, humor and command of the subject is nothing short of amazing. Dr Kleier has actually convinced me not to become a vegan! (And I love her 'dad' jokes!).
Great series...I knocked it down to emphasize the need to watch the lectures to really get the full meaning.
I got mine on Audible, but TGC often has this one on sale...with coupons readily available!
December 19, 2025
Bu kitabı da audio kitap olarak dinledim. Bir dizi dersten oluşan kitap bence kolayca takip edilebiliyor. Tabii ki bazı bölümlerde biyokimyasal tepkimelerden bahsedildiğinde bunu tamamen anlamak zor ama ana hatlarıyla neler olduğunu takip etmek yine de mümkün.
Dr. Kleier arada dad joke diyeceğimiz kelime oyunları yapıp, kendi başına gülerken bu espiriyi bir de açıklamaya çalışınca aklıma hep futbolcu Sinan Ergin geldi ve ister istemez ben de güldüm. Bu zorlama espirileri çıkardığımda kitap oldukça hoşuma gitti ama. Sayesinde yapmak istediğim bir sürü yeni fikre eriştim.
Dr. Kleier arada dad joke diyeceğimiz kelime oyunları yapıp, kendi başına gülerken bu espiriyi bir de açıklamaya çalışınca aklıma hep futbolcu Sinan Ergin geldi ve ister istemez ben de güldüm. Bu zorlama espirileri çıkardığımda kitap oldukça hoşuma gitti ama. Sayesinde yapmak istediğim bir sürü yeni fikre eriştim.
November 30, 2022
I gotta be honest I nearly stopped reading this several times because of the atrocious puns; maybe I'm just a stick in the mud but a couple times I did pause the book and wonder if I was gonna pick it up again. But it's the end of the year and I'm not close to my goodreads goal so I soldiered on. Besides that it's obvious the lecturer knows her stuff and is really passionate about it! The book was more genetics heavy than I anticipated but that's on me.
March 21, 2024
Some of the jokes were a little corn-y (ha ha), but I didn't mind.
Other than that, the information in this book was really interesting, and I think this was a fun starting point to learning about plants. I was reading just for fun, so I can't speak on its usefulness as any sort of study tool for those who are actually studying botany.
Other than that, the information in this book was really interesting, and I think this was a fun starting point to learning about plants. I was reading just for fun, so I can't speak on its usefulness as any sort of study tool for those who are actually studying botany.
June 9, 2020
Great book. Catherine does a great job of presenting technical information in a interesting and engaging way. Lot of little facts that will inform my understanding of the flora around me. As well as lots of super cheesy dad jokes...
January 8, 2023
So much interesting information and a few good recommendations for books and travel. I'd have to listen to this several times to retain a decent amount, and take notes. However, I still enjoyed listening to it very much and feel a little more informed about plantlife.
March 27, 2023
Great way to pass the time. Dr. Kleier does a great job of getting her point across and sharing information on this subject. You can really tell that she has an absolute passion for the subject and its infectious.
June 23, 2019
There's a lot of information presented here, and even with my readings on botany over the last couple of years, I found it difficult to absorb all the material in a solely audible format.
May 27, 2020
24 lectures on introductory botany. I was particularly interested in the information on poison ivy and other toxic plants. The professor was clearly enthusiastic about her field of study.
April 10, 2021
I love anything to do with plants, so this was a great listen!
May 25, 2021
A LOT of information, very interesting, although a bit demanding for a non-native speaker with little knowledge of a botanist's vocabulary.
November 11, 2021
Excellent and hokey. How many times can I say that about a science book?
December 22, 2022
I learned so much about plants at a whole new level.
I’ll be listening to this again to help cement some of the learning.
I’ll be listening to this again to help cement some of the learning.
November 27, 2023
A really informative, accessible introduction to botany.
It's nice to know I'm not the only professor who likes really bad jokes.
It's nice to know I'm not the only professor who likes really bad jokes.
March 18, 2024
Wonderfully punny. Very informative in an easily digestible way.
June 27, 2024
A good survey of plant science, I wish to read more on the subject.
July 26, 2024
Really engaging narrator
July 8, 2020
4.5/5
This book was an overview of botany and goes into a variety of topics, which I all found very interesting.
My favourite part about this entire audio course was the lecturer, however. She's was a delight, made jokes about everything, and was clearly very, very passionate about plants. Though some parts were very info dense, I felt like a friend was chatting to me the entire time, so it was easy to keep paying attention.
This book was an overview of botany and goes into a variety of topics, which I all found very interesting.
My favourite part about this entire audio course was the lecturer, however. She's was a delight, made jokes about everything, and was clearly very, very passionate about plants. Though some parts were very info dense, I felt like a friend was chatting to me the entire time, so it was easy to keep paying attention.
December 9, 2020
A good time. Filled with puns. I had a hard time following the Kelvin cycle, but that was probably down to listening at 1.5 speed while working.
Updated 12/9/20: better the second time around! The best lecture is the one about sea grasses and mangroves.
Updated 12/9/20: better the second time around! The best lecture is the one about sea grasses and mangroves.
March 2, 2019
Took me a long time to finish this. Some of it is a bit dense and taxonomical without the benefit of visuals, but got a fair amount out of it nonetheless.
June 14, 2019
Really enjoyed this book! Anyone interested on plants should read it!
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July 26, 2022Interesting survey on flowers
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews