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Plant Ecophysiology Biology 4450/5450 Fall 2010 |
Purpose and content of course: This course is concerned with familiarizing students with the physiological responses of plants to the natural environment. The course begins with general discussions on the effects of environment on plant growth, distribution and plant adaptation. The major features of the environment (radiation, mineral nutrients, water, temperature and toxins) and their effects on plants and plant communities will be addressed.
Lecture/Lab Topics:
What is plant ecophysiology?
Growth and Plasticity
Radiation and the Plant Canopy
Photosynthesis as a Metabolic Process
Ecophysiology of Photosynthesis
Plants and Water
Plant Water Stress
Temperature Stress
Mineral Nutrition
Environmental Toxicity
Instructor: Dr. John Choinski, Professor of Biology
Lewis Science
Center (LSC) 022 or LSC 026 (Research laboratory)
Office hours:
900-1100a M; 1100a-100p TTH and by appointment.
Phone:
450-5918
E-mail:
johnc@uca.edu; Internet: http://faculty.uca.edu/johnc/index.htm
Text: Pallardy, S.G.
2008. Physiology of Woody Plants. Elsevier/Academic Press, Inc.
3rd ed., New
York. (E-book available, second edition OK)
Online text: Fitter and Hay, 3rd
edition (http://www.scribd.com/doc/4961149/Environmental-Physiology-of-Plants)
Class/laboratory meetings: 0800-1040p T, TH
(LSC 027) (CRN 16291, 16297)
Grading: Grading will be based
upon the outcomes of: 1) quizzes/lab assignments given (roughly) weekly during the semester;
2) an independent
research project; 3) class participation and 4) a comprehensive final exam. The final grade will
be computed based upon the percentage of the possible points achieved. For
example, earning 90-100% of the total points will result in an "A" letter grade.
Assignment of 'WP'
grades: For those students who are eligible for a 'WP' or
"WF' grade, you will not be assigned a 'WP' unless your grades indicate
you would have had a reasonable chance of passing the course at the time you
officially drop.
Makeup quizzes: MAKEUP QUIZZES WILL NOT NORMALLY BE GIVEN. The result of two or more missed
quizzes will be a "WF" grade. Note: You may
petition to take a makeup under extraordinary circumstances, but you will need
to substantiate why you missed (e.g. bring a note from a physician regarding a
serious illness, etc.)
Attendance: Attendance is
essential to success in this class. YOU MUST GET TO CLASS AT 8AM. TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES (OR CONSISTENT TARDINESS) WILL
RESULT IN BEING DROPPED FROM THE COURSE WITH A 'WF' GRADE.
Academic Integrity
& Conduct: Students are expected to uphold the highest
standards of academic integrity. Incidences of academic dishonesty such as cheating on
exams/quizzes or plagiarism on lab reports will be dealt with according to
the policies and procedures outlined in the student handbook. Incidences of
sexual harassment will be dealt with based upon policies outlined in the
student handbook. You are responsible for being familiar with this
document. It can be found on the Internet at
http://www.uca.edu/divisions/student/handbook/. Students found in violation
will be dismissed from the class with a WF and a report filed with the
appropriate academic advisor. Students are expected to show respect for the
instructor and their fellow students while in class and (other than asking
relevant questions) refrain from talking or disrupting the class. Should you be
asked to leave the class for any conduct violation, you will be dropped with a
WF grade. NOTE:
Cell phones must be turned off during class.
UCA Academic Integrity Statement: The University
of Central Arkansas affirms its commitment to academic integrity and expects
all members of the university community to accept shared responsibility for
maintaining academic integrity. Students in this course are subject to the
provisions of the university's Academic Integrity Policy, approved by the Board
of Trustees as Board Policy No. 709 on February 10, 2010, and published in the
Student Handbook. Penalties for academic misconduct in this course may include
a failing grade on an assignment, a failing grade in the course, or any other
course-related sanction the instructor determines to be appropriate. Continued
enrollment in this course affirms a student's acceptance of this university
policy.
Disclaimer: Every attempt
will be made to keep within the schedules set by this syllabus, although from
time to time changes may be made. The instructor will endeavor to inform the
class of these changes as soon as possible.
Disability: UCA adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need accommodation under this Act because of a disability, contact the UCA Office of Disability Services (450-3613) at the beginning of the semester.
Helpful Links:
What statistical test do I choose? A flow chart from Ambrose, H.W. and Ambrose K.P. (1995) A Handbook of Biological Investigation, Hunter Textbooks.
Jewel Moore
Nature Reserve Plants
Key to Woody Plants on UCA campus
Reading Assignments
From Textbook
Chapter 1, Introduction, p 1-6
Chapter 2, selected pages on stems, leaves
and roots, cambial growth
Chapter 3, Vegetative
Growth, pp 35-39, 53-56, 80-85.
Chapter 5, Photosynthesis, selected pages as they
apply to lecture topics
Chapter 11, 12 (Water and water stress)
Chapter 5, Temperature (in Fitter and Hay
textbook)
How
to Write a Student Research Project Proposal
HOW TO WRITE A BIOLOGY LABORATORY REPORT.htm