Skidmore College: Plant Biology
BI237: Plant Biology

Syllabus

Schedule

Resources

Assignments

Syllabus - Spring 2002

Required texts:

• "Botany" second edition, by Moore, Clark and Vodopich. McGraw-Hill, NY, 1998.

Course Objectives: A comprehensive survey of the major principles associated with the study of plants and fungi. This includes: biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, genetics, taxonomy, reproductive/developmental biology and ecology.This course will provide the student with modern information dealing with the diverse taxa of plants and fungi and their role in the biosphere. Likewise, students will learn the ways that plants have affected humankind in such areas as agriculture and medicine and how modern biotechnology is revolutionizing botany and mycology.

1. Introduction to the Plant and Fungal Kingdoms. (Chapter 1)

2. Plant biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology/genetics (Chapters 2-4, 9, 10, 11)
1. Major macromolecules and secondary constitutents
2. Construction of the plant cell
3. Mitosis and Cytokinesis
4. Basic principles of molecular biology & plant genetics

***LECTURE EXAM 1 225 points February 22, 2002***

3. Primary Physiology of plants (Chapters 5,6,7)
1. Photosynthesis and environmental adaptations
2. Respiration and Primary Metabolic Pathways
3. Nitrogen metabolism

4. Introduction to taxonomy and life cycles. (Chapter 24)

5. Prokaryotes-cyanobacteria. (Chapter 25)

6. Survey of Fungi and specific fungi-related symbioses. (Chapter 26)

7. Survey of Eukaryotic Algae. (Chapter 27)

***LECTURE EXAM 2 230 April 2, 2002***

8. Survey of the bryophytes: liverworts, hornworts and mosses. (Chapter 28)

9. Survey of ferns and fern allies. (Chapter 29)

10. Survey of gymnosperms and angiosperms. (Chapters 17, 30, 31)

11. Secondary Physiology of plants. (Chapters 12, 18, 19)
1. Hormones
2. Photomorphogenesis
3. Nastic and Tropic Responses

12. Plant ecology and biogeography. (Chapters 32, 33)

***LECTURE EXAM 3 240 points Final exam week TBA***

Lab Schedule:

1.) Week of Jan 28-- Light and electron microscopy I..

2.) Week of Feb 4- Light and electron microscopy II.

3.) Week of Feb 11-- Bacteria and microbiology..

4.) Week of Feb 18-- Algae..

5.) Week of Feb 25--Photosynthesis..

6.) Week of March 4- Lab practical 1- 125 points.

7.) Week of March 11-- Spring break.

8.) Week of March 18-- Fungi

9.) Week of March 25-- Bryophytes and ferns.

10.) Week of April 1-- Gymnosperms.

11.) Week of April 8-- Angiosperms I..

12.) Week of April 15-- Angiosperms II.

13.) Week of April 22-- Lab practical 2- 125 points.

Course Ground Rules

Please read this syllabus and its ground rules. This is the "contract" for the course.

1. Attendance: Poor attendance is often the cause for poor grades. Please attend all lectures and laboratory sessions.
1. Each student is allowed three (3) unexcused lecture absences and no laboratory absences. If you exceed these totals, you may automatically flunk the course.
2. If you must miss lecture or lab for sickness or serious personal reasons (i.e., excused absences), please see your instructors immediately. Please call or e-mail your instructor or leave a message with the Department Secretary at x 5070.
1. If you must miss a lecture for an athletic event or club event or other class event, you must tell your instructor at least 2 weeks in advance.
2. If you must miss class for an extended period of time, please contact the Dean of Studies so that they can make proper arrangements with your instructors.
3. The following are not considered grounds for excused absence: too much work in other classes, starting a weekend or vacation early, pre-registration or sleeping late.
4. Absence on a lecture exam or lab practical: If you must miss, for excusable reasons (see above), an exam or lab practical, a re-schedule of that exam/practical may be made. The time and date of that make-up is solely the decision of the instructor. Also, note that make-ups are usually more difficult than regular exams (i.e., students usually are less successful on make-ups). So, it is to your benefit to take regularly scheduled exams and preacticals.
3. If you do have an absence of any kind, it is your responsibility to obtain notes or make-up lab work.
4. Attendance is monitored by either a sign-up sheet or roll call. Make certain that you are included in that process. Please note that signing in another individual is not acceptable and is a clear violation of the Skidmore Honor Code.
5. Tardiness: If you come (i.e. 10 min or more late for lecture or lab) late. that will constitute an absence. It is your responsibility to make it to class and lab on time.
2. The course and your grade: The lay-out of grades for this course is as follows:

   Lecture exams
   Lecture exam 1	230 points
   Lecture exam 2	230 points
   Lecture exam 2	240 points
   Laboratory evaluation
   Lab Practical 1	125 points
   Lab Practical 2	125 points
   Collection	50 points
   Total for the course:
   1000 points

Grading:

• A+ = 980-1000
• A = 895-979
• B+ = 880-894
• B = 795-879
• C+ = 780-794
• C = 695-779
• D+ = 680-694
• D = 595-679
• F = Below 594

General Comments:

1. Individual tests may be curved depending on class results. Extra credit questions are provided on most exams to help your score. Final point totals are never curved.
2. If you have a documented learning disability and need extra time or require special needs, please let the instructors know at the beginning of the course. Every effort will be made to assist you, within reason.
3. There is no such thing as a "re-take" exam or dropping your lowest grade in this class.
4. Preparation for the exam or lab practical. Ask questions. Come to help sessions in lecture or review times for lab. If you want the instructors to look over practice essays- just ask. WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.
5. Remember you must follow the Skidmore Honor Code on all Graded exams, practicals, quizzes and papers in this course. If you violate the Code, the instructors will take appropriate action.
6. Lecture Notes: Take good notes in lecture. If you wish, you can tape the lectures. Review your notes after class and coordinate with book and other assigned readings. ASK questions in lecture if you need help.
7. Laboratory work: Be sure to have a good lab notebook. Use your laboratory time wisely. Review all the materials of that lab session before leaving for the day. If you have questions, please ask. Wear appropriate clothing to lab. For example, never come to lab bare-footed or within an open toed shoe- it could be dangerous. For field work, dress accordingly for the weather (e.g. raincoats,...). Finally, listen and obey all safety instructions.
8. Final general comment: You get the mark that you deserve. If you need help or have questions, please just ask. Progress along with the course. Do not blow off the beginning of the course and hope to catch up later. It rarely if ever works! Last but not least, if you enter this course with an open mind, a desire to learn, a willingness to study/work and follow the ground rules, you should do very well. Good Luck!