Lectures and small group discussions focusing on topics of interest, varying from semester to semester.

"Fruits play important roles in our everyday life with their tastes, economic values, and cultural significance. Fruits’ extraordinary diversity also reflects how plants adapt to various natural ecosystems throughout their evolutionary histories. Each week, we will focus on one fruit to explore its biology, natural history, usage, symbolism, and related botanical/scientific topics, ranging from how human civilization and fruit crops have shaped each other to the chemical compounds underlying fruits’ colors and flavors. No background knowledge is required. We welcome students from all majors and of all backgrounds to enroll! ———————————— No exams, quizzes, or weekly homework. Attendance will be counted towards half of the total grade, but two absences will be automatically excused regardless of the reason, and opportunities to make up for attendance grade will be provided."

Nithya Shankar; nshankar21@berkeley.edu

Repeat Rules