Number of Course: BOT 202
Name of Course: Plant Biology
Catalog/Course Description:
Comparative biology of plants. A survey of the plant kingdoms imphasizing life cycles, morphological features and anatomy.
Credit Hours: five
Instuctor Information:
Dr. Karen Antell
Badgley Hall 303E
541-962-3610
kantell@eou.edu
http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/antell.htm
Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 211 or BOT 201
Time and place of the course:
Three, two-hour classes per week, meeting M,W,F, 11:00 AM - 12:50 PM, in BH 324.
Required text and Other Materials:
Mauseth, James D. 1995. Botany, 4th Ed.; Saunders College Publ.
Learning Outcomes:
Students successfully completing this course should have an introductory to intermediate level of knowledge of the morphology and anatomy of plant leaves, stems, roots and flowers. They will have an introductory level of understanding of the processes of plant growth from both apical meristems and vascular cambium. Students will read a survey of the plant kingdoms and will learn the basic characteristics of each of the major kingdoms and divisions of organisms that are considered by many to be plants, including Cyanobacteria, Autotrophic Protista (Algae), Non-vascular plants, Lower vascular plants, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.
Course Requirements:
Students will complete all in-class assignments in their lab journals. We will cover the following chapters in the text: 5,6,7,8,28,19,20,21,22,23,24,25. Students will complete three exams and submit their lab journals for evaluation.
Grading Policies:
Exam Policies:
- exams are closed book; no books or notes may be used
- students must complete the exam within a specified two-hour time limit
- students with disabilities may have extended time for completion of exams by arrangement with instructor
- students may not leave the room during an exam
- all university policies regarding academic honesty apply and students accused of dishonesty will be referred to the dean of Student Affairs for disciplinary action
- students may not miss an exam without permission of the instructor. If you are sick, you must call me before the begining time of the exam and make arrangements for completion. No make-up exams will be given without prior permission.
Means of Assessment:
Students must satisfactorily complete three exams to receive a passing grade in the course. The course will be taught in an "active learning" format. Each class period will be introduced by the instructor, then students will be expected to complete a series of laboratory exercises. Students will complete a portfolio of assignments for the course in preparation for the exams.
Students must complete two mid-term exams, one final exam, and keep a lab journal. Final grades will be based on a total of the points accumulated on each assignment. Students must earn 90% of the total points to receive an A in the course; 80% for a grade of B; 70% for a grade of C, and 60% for a grade of D. Students earning fewer than 60% of the points will receive a grade of F.
Midterm Exam I, Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 (Plant anatomy) - 50 pts.
Midterm Exam II, Chapters 18, 19, 20, 21 (Plant Diversity)- 50 pts.
Final exam, Chapters 18-25 (Plant Diversity) - 100 pts.
Lab journal: 50 pts.
Brief Outline of Course:
I. Plant Anatomy
Chapter 5: Tissues and the Primary Growth of Stems
Chapter 6: Leaves
Chapter 7: Roots
Chapter 8: Structure of Woody Plants
II. Plant Diversity
Chapter 18: Classification and Systematics
Chapter 19: Algae and the Origin of Eukaryotic Cells
Chapter 20: Nonvascular Plants: Mosses, Liverworts, and Hornworts
Chapter 21: Early Vascular Plants
Chapter 22: Seed Plants: Gymnosperms
Chapter 23: Seed Plants: Angiosperms
Chapter 24: Fungi
General Education Category and Outcomes:
Natural, Mathematical and Information Sciences (SMI):
SMI courses focus on the physical and biological world, as well as the body of knowledge centered on concepts such as quantity, structure, space, and change using an empirical methodology. SMI courses work on the assumption that there is a rational and understandable order to the universe. Some of these disciplines introduce and work with models for understanding physical phonomena; while other are typically involved in describing and predicting physical behaviors. A central focus of SMI is on the phenomena exhibited by natural objects, organic or inorganic, and their substances; numerical analysis and statistics; and mathematical and information structures and patterns. Upon completion of course work in SMI, students should be able to employ scientific methods in the laboratory or in fieldwork as defined by the specific discipline(s) or sub-discipline(s) the student has studied, analyze and evaluate data based on discipline-defined criteria, observe accurately, integrate knowldedge and data with the fundamental concepts of the specific discipline(s) or sub-discipline(s) the student has studied, and report results effectively both orally and in writing.
Bot 202, Plant Biology II fits the criteria for the SMI category of general education because of the focus on the biological world. Study will include models for understanding the physical characteristics of plant cell structure and the organization of specilized cells within leaves, stems, roots and shoots of vascular plants. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the taxonomy, specialized structures, and reproductive processes of groups of organisms that may be considered to be plants or plant-like. Students will demonstrate increased vocabulary, content and conceptual knowledge of plant anatomy and diversity. They will demonstrate their ability to integrate and synthesize knowledge of the subject and communicate this understanding in writing.
Program outcomes that will be met by Bot 202 are Category #1, Content Knowledge and Category #2, Inquiry. The Breadth outcome that will be met by this course is #6, Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking (SMI).
Specific assignments that will be used to assess these outcomes include:
The three exams for the course each include questions in which students are asked to think creatively about plant-like qualities of different types of organisms, and demonstrate basic understanding of the roles of specilized cells and their functions in plant anatomy and morphology. Students employ approaches to inquiry from different disciplines, including chemistry, physics and history of science in composing their responses.
Statement on Academic Misconduct:
Eastern Oregon University places a high value upon the integrity of its student scholars. Any student found guilty of an act of academic misconduct (including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or theft of an examination or supplies, may be subject to having his or her grade reduced in the course in question, being placed on probation or suspended from the University, or being expelled from the University - or a combination of these. Please see Student Handbook at: http://www.eou.edu/saffairs/handbook/honest.html
Statement on American with Disabilities:
If you have a documented disability or suspect that you have a learning problem and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Program in Loso Hall 234. Telephone: 541-962-3081.
Information about Supplementary Resources:
The Plant Biology Image Gallery is located at http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/images.htm
Reading Materials:
A Horsetail's Tail?
Return to Dr. Antell home page
Website updated by Dr. Karen Antell, 7 October 2008