An introduction to plants emphasizing the form and function of angiosperms. Topics include seeds, organization of the vegetative plant body, photosynthesis, water relations, transport within the plant, flowering, senescence, and how plants function in particular environments.

This course will examine past and present interactions between humans and plants with emphasis on major changes in civilization and cultures as a result of these interactions. The approach will be to consider several case studies of how unique structural and chemical properties of various plant organs have played a role in their use by humans. Not an acceptable course for students in B.Sc. Biology Programs.

Principles and methods of ecology as they apply to plants. This course emphasizes plant population biology and community ecology especially the interactions between plants and wildlife.

The physiology of water and nutrients, photosynthesis, transport and metabolism as related to the regulatory mechanisms of plant growth, development and survival.

Structure and development of cells, tissues and tissue systems with emphasis on vegetative organs.

The interpretation of floral and vegetative morphology for purposes of classification and identification of flowering plants and conifers; flower and cone structure are related to function; principles of plant classification, fundamentals of nomenclature and economic importance of selected plant families are covered. Labs stress interpretation of plant form and plant identification at the ranks of family to species by use of a key to the flora of North-Eastern North America.

The biology of fungi, and their importance in the biosphere.

A survey of morphology, life history and taxonomy of the algae; ecology, cytology and economic importance of selected groups.

The structure, life history characteristics, adaptive strategies and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of land plants. Emphasis is placed on the structural-functional and reproductive features that characterize each plant group, and which allow survival and persistence in a diversity of habitats.

An introduction to methods of preparing plant materials for microscopy. A module will be chosen from the following topics: resin embedding techniques, paraffin embedding techniques; specialized techniques for light microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Students are expected to be familiar with basic plant structure.

The physiological and biochemical aspects of the mechanisms whereby plants sustain themselves. The changing patterns of metabolism during the whole life of the plant will be followed in relation to developmental stages.

These courses, normally open to students who are in semesters 7 and 8, are specifically designed to encourage senior undergraduates to conduct research in an area of Plant Biology. The courses may be taken individually or in sequence. The two-course sequence is particularly valuable for students considering graduate work. In all instances, supervisory arrangements must be made at least one semester before starting the course; registration is contingent on the availability and agreement of a faculty supervisor.

See 17-482.