LEWISTON – A laboratory course in applied botany will be offered this fall through the natural and applied sciences program at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College. Applied botany and laboratory (SCI 340) will examine the growth, structure, reproduction and physiology of plants.

Botany is one of the oldest branches of biology. The earth is home to more than 400,000 documented species of plant life. In turn, the planet depends upon the plants to nurture and sustain all living things.

Plants play a critical role in the complex food web. Powered by light from the sun, carbon dioxide from the air and nutrients from the soil, plants pass on energy to the life forms that consume them. And with their beauty and variety, plants also provide humans with great aesthetic pleasure.

Dr. Ike Levine, associate professor and instructor for the course, noted that the class will also examine and discuss the role of plants in human affairs. In addition, the course may be of interest to those seeking certification as science teachers in Maine. The applied botany course has a biology prerequisite.

The lecture class will meet from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, and the lab is scheduled for 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The course will begin Sept. 5. If interested, call 753-6560 for advising or registration assistance.

Other science courses offered this fall at USM/L-A will include Biological Principles, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Chemistry, Human Genetics and Pathophysiology. A complete fall course listing is available online at www.usm.maine.edu/lac/schedules.