BIOL 433 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Winter, 2007

Course Description

Number of Course: BIOL 433

Name of Course: Plant Physiology

Catalog description: Physical and biochemical processes of plant functions, including water relations, photosynthesis, and growth and development.

Prerequisites: BIOL 211, 212, 213; or BIOL 101, BOT 202, BIOL 334

Class Format: Four, one-hour lectures per week, plus one, three-hour lab per week

Class meeting times: Lectures MWRF 10:00-10:50 am, Badgley Hall Room 324;
Lab T 12:00-2:50 PM, Badgley Hall Room 324.

Credit Hours: Five

Learning Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete Plant Physiology will have the following knowledge and skills:

- An understanding of how water moves in plants at both the molecular and organismal levels and the mineral requirements of plants. Students will conduct experiments in osmosis and transpiration to help them visualize these processes. Their understanding of these processes will be evaluated with a comprehensive closed-book essay examination covering these topics in detail.

- An understanding of the biochemical processes of photosynthesis, glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and electron transport. Students will conduct experiments in photosynthesis to help them understand these processes. Their understanding of these processes will be evaluated with a comprehensive closed-book essay examination covering these topics in detail.

- Students will develop some simple labotatory skills in measurement of volumes, weights, wind speed, temperature, and light intensity. They also will develop skills in filtration, pigment extraction, and spectrophotometer operation.

- Students will develop the ability to write a scientific research paper. Students will complete two significant writing projects in the couse, based on their own original research results. Experiments will be presented to the class in general terms, and then students will be required to develop their own specific sets of hypotheses and test criteria for most of the experiments.

Required Texts:

Hopkins, William G. 1999. Introduction to Plant Physiology, 3r^d Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Plant Physiology slide shows will be available through Pierce Library electronic reserves

Course requirements and Means of Assessment:
To successfully complete the course, students must complete two exams and two research papers. The research papers will be written by each student individually, even though laboratory experiments may be done in groups. Students will use their own experimental data for their papers. Both of the exams will be entirely essay in format. Each essay question will be worth 10 points. The exams are not comprehensive. Exam I will cover material from the unit on water movement and exam II will cover material from the unit on metabolism.

Exam I: 40 points

Exam II: 40 points

Lab write-ups: 20 points

Total : 100 points

A = 90-100 %; B = 80-99 %; C = 70-79 %; D = 60-69 %; F = below 60 %

Special Needs:
Students who have a documented disability or suspect that they may have a learning problem should contact the Disability Services Program in Loso Hall 234, Telephone: 962-3081. Students with disabilities should make their need for reasonable accomodation known to the instructor within the first two weeks of the term.

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 of 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 Section II of the 2002-2003 Student Handbook and Planning Calendar: Campus Citizenship (Academic), p. 32ff; Campus Citizenship (Behavior), p. 41ff.)

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.

Lab policies:
- Students will complete lab activities in groups of no more than three students
- Students will write their own, independent lab reports
- Students are expected to attend ALL lab sessions. If you must miss a lab for any reason, you must make arrangements with me in advance.

Links to other information regarding this course:

Outline of course content

Course Schedule

Lab Schedule

Guidelines for writing physiology papers

Dr. Karen Antell
Associate Professor of Biology
Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, Oregon, U.S.A.
Page updated 8 January 2007