Course Prefix: BOT
Course Number: 203
Course Name: Plant Biology III
Instructor Last Name: Antell
Delivery Mode: Individualized study
Course Information:
BOT 203, Plant Biology III, Individualized Study
Credits: five
Instructor Information:
Dr. Karen Antell
Badgley Hall 312
Eastern Oregon University
One University Blvd
La Grande, OR 97850
541-962-3610
kantell@eou.edu
http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/antell.htm
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 102, or BIOL 211, 212, or BOT 201, 202
Catalog/Course Description: Vascular plant taxonomy and Spring flower identification.
Required Text and Other Materials:
Walters, Dirk R. and David J. Keil.
1996. Vascular Plant Taxonomy, 4th Edition; Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company;
ISBN 0-7872-2108-2.
Supplemental Reading:
A bibliography of selected publications is available at http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203b.htm.
These are recommended for students who wish to read more than just the text.
Regional wild flower guides:
A wide assortment of regional wildflower guides is available in most bookstores.
Try to find one or two that have illustrations of the plants, as well as descriptive
information. Regional floras, such as the Flora of the Pacific Northwest, can
be difficult and frustrating for beginners to use, but may be useful later on.
Some suggested references are available at: http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203b.htm.
Camera and/or plant press:
I recommend that students photograph plants, instead of collecting them. Photographing
plants can be very rewarding and is much easier than photographing animals.
For best results, use a lens or lens attachment that allows you to focus close
to the plant. Sometimes it helps to place a solid-colored object, such as a
backpack or sheet of paper behind the plant so that it doesn't get lost in the
background. Some photographers prefer to use a flash for close-up photography,
even when outdoors, to reduce shadows or allow use of slower speed films. Photographic
prints can be included in the field journal and they are a good way to document
what you have seen without killing any plants!
If you decide to collect and prepare dried plant specimens, you will need a plant press. This is not a requirement of the course. Plant presses can be constructed easily from plywood boards and nylon straps. Blotters are used to help draw moisture from the plants. Corrugated cardboard is layered between the blotters to facilitate ventilation. Blotters and corrugates can be purchased from several biological supply companies. Some information about where plant press components can be purchased is available at: http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203c.htm. Chapter 6 in the text describes how to collect and press plants. It is vitally important that clear and accurate notes be recorded in the field journal about any plants collected. Each plant should be assigned a unique collection number. Field journal entries should include all of the information described on pages 68-69 of the text.
Course Goals/Outcomes/Objectives:
Students will read selected chapters from the text and complete two essay exams
over the material read. This will provide information about how to begin identifying
plants and how to recognize some of the most common plant families. Students
also must gain some experience with observing native plants in the field.
Course Requirements and Methods of Assessment:
Students must complete each of the four requirements listed below:
· Students will read the following chapters in the text: 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, and portions of 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19. A complete, detailed course outline is available at: http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203d.htm.
· Students will complete two written exams. Exam I will cover chapters 1-3, 6. Exam II will cover portions of the remaining chapters (parts of 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20). The specific portions to be covered are described on the expanded outline of course content on pages 4-5 of this packet.
· Students must explore their region for spring wild flowers. They must complete a field journal with notes describing their experiences and the flowers seen. Specific instructions for completion of the field journal are available at: http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203e.htm.
· Students must attend at least one field trip led by a competent field botanist. Information about the Oregon Native Plant Society is available at: http://www.NPSOregon.org.
Grading Procedure:
Exam I, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6 - 40 pts.
Exam II, Chapters 10, 12-17, 19, 20 - 40 pts.
Field journal: 20 pts.
Total: 100 pts.
A = 86-100%; B = 76 - 85%; C = 66 - 75%; D = 56 - 65%; F = below 56%
Schedule of Assignments, Tests, Projects:
Students may take the first exam any time after completing their reading of
chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4. Exams must be taken in order; the first exam must be
taken before the second.
Special Instructions:
Exams should be proctored by a qualified representative for EOU. Students may
have two hours for completion of each exam. No course notes or books are allowed
during the exam. The exams are essay format and students should write their
answers on a separate sheet of paper, either blank or lined.
Computer Technology Required:
No special technology is required for this course.
Information about Supplementary Resources:
Detailed information about contents of each chapter to be studied is available at http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203d.htm.
A list of vocabulary that students should study for Chapter 3 is available at: http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203f.htm.
A list of vocabulary that students should study for Chapter 10 is available at: http://www2.eou.edu/~kantell/bot203g.htm.
Syllabus Prepared by: Dr. Karen Antell
25 September 2002