BIO 1909 - FIELD BOTANY

credits: 6.0
For any student interested in investigating the characteristics of plants, botanical communities, and the species that occur there. Emphasis will be placed on identification of woody and herbaceous plants in natural habitats with a concentration on the flora of the northeastern United States. Topics covered will include plant structure, function and development; plant-environment interactions; natural history; using plant keys; and the economic and environmental value of native plants. Several mandatory field trips to local natural areas will serve to acquaint students with native flora and habitats. Students will make written and oral observations and respond to questions during field trips to regional sites of interest. During field trips, we will examine wetlands, woodlands, fields, and gardens. Students will also participate in group discussions and engage in laboratory work during weekly classroom lectures. Objectives: A student who successfully completes this course will be able to: A) Use a key to identify plants, B) Explain the concepts of ecology and community structure; describe the local plant community structure, C) Describe plant, bacteria, and fungal kingdoms, D) Demonstrate knowledge of local natural history, E) Explain the basics of plant physiology and development, F) Employ both quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills. Method of Evaluation: Lab assignments, Quizzes (three at fifty points each), Exams (three at 100 points each), Video worksheets, Field notebook, Woody plants notebook.