GEE5409: Plants & Human Civilisations

Group Project
PowerPoint & Poster Presentation (Week 13; 30%)

Semester 1 (AY21/22)

PART I

BACKGROUND

To enhance self-directed learning and group work, and encourage the application of knowledge to
contemporary issues, group project and poster presentation will be carried out on assigned topics. Students are
encouraged to work cooperatively in group, research on relevant topic, prepare for PowerPoint and poster
presentation.

INSTRUCTIONS:

 Choose ONE of the topics below and give a group PowerPoint presentation, max. 20 slides, for no
more than 20 minutes to fulfill the requirements.
 A poster, Figma or PDF format, landscape, dimension 36” x 48” at 300 dpi or equivalent, shall be
produced for summarizing the major ideas of the presentation.
 You are reminded to plan, organise, and polish your PowerPoint & Poster presentation.
 Each member of your team should be involved and present in the tutorial session in Week 13. A Q&A
session will be followed after each presentation.
 You may refer to the teaching materials and glossaries and other information sources where appropriate.
Note that information from Wikipedia is NOT accepted.
 Prepare a slide showing the relative contribution of each team member to oral presentation.
 A consultation meeting with each group could be arranged in the consultation hours upon appointment.
Tutor will provide technical advice for planning and writing of the group report. You are required to
prepare a writing plan (with content and layout) for the consultation meeting.

TOPICS:
1. “Meatonomics”: Evaluate the impact of “vegetarian lifestyle” on the sustainable development of the world.

2. Colours in plants: plants as dyes for garments, the evolution of synthetic dyes and implications of colour use
in culture across civilisations.

3. Intelligence in plants: Discuss THREE physiological responses of plants to environmental stimuli and
impact to human societies.

4. How beers, wines and fermented food are made? Select THREE types of alcoholic beverages and plant-
based fermented food, and discuss the concept with basic understanding on the biology of plants and
fermentation by microorganisms.
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5. The Columbian exchange: Describe and discuss the societal, environmental, cultural changes brought by the
Columbian exchange.

6. Plant imperialism: Use THREE types of plants or its products to describe and discuss the impact of plant
imperialism on modern societies.

7. Globalisation of plant products: Use TWO types of plants product to explain whether globalisation brings
about fair trade.

8. Critically analyse the strength and weaknesses of producing pharmactural proteins with genetic-engineered
plant cells.

9. Self-suggested topic. (Prior approval should be obtained from your tutor)

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