2005-2006 University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar

XII. Course Descriptions

Botany

Department of Integrative Biology.

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Additional course listings may be found in the course descriptions for Biology and Plant Biology.

Senior students are encouraged to inquire about graduate courses, particularly in the areas of Vascular Plant Systematics and Morphology, that can be taken for credit.

BOT*1200 Plants and Human Use W (3-0) [0.50]
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. Biological Sciences Programs. (Also offered through distance education format.)
Restriction(s): BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040
BOT*2000 Plants, Biology and People F (3-1) [0.50]
The course deals with the biology of plant species of historical and cultural importance. It will focus on plants used as a source of drugs, herbal medicines, industrial raw materials, food products, perfumes and dyes. Examples of plant products that will be looked at include cocaine, chocolate, tea, opium, hemp and ginseng. The relevant morphology, physiology, distribution and ethnobotany of these plant species will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040
Restriction(s): BOT*1200
BOT*2030 Plants in the Ontario Landscape F (3-3) [0.50]
In this course you will learn to identify plants and their habitats in the Ontario landscape. In addition, you will apply methods typically used for field studies in plant biology. Through a series of field exercises, this course will foster an appreciation of local natural areas and provide a foundation for further studies and careers in ecology and environmental assessment.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040
BOT*2050 Plant Ecology F (3-3) [0.50]
This course supplies the tools needed to assess plant populations and communities quantitatively. Field work is carried out at semi-natural sites on campus to provide practical experience in data collection. These data are analyzed to address conceptual and practical issues raised in lectures. This course is especially valuable for students interested in plant or wildlife biology and in environmental management.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040 or BOT*1150
BOT*2100 Life Strategies of Plants F,W (3-2) [0.50]
This course introduces the structures and processes used by plants in the greening of our planet, and how and why plants are basic to the functioning of the biosphere. This course includes hands-on experience in examining the cells, tissues and architectures of plants as well as selected processes of plant function.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040
Restriction(s): BOT*1150, BOT*2300, BOT*2400
BOT*3310 Plant Physiology F,W (3-3) [0.50]
The unique function and structure of plants is explored in relation to their growth, survival and adaptation to the environment. Photosynthesis, plant respiration, water and nutrient relations, and the control of growth and development by environmental and hormonal signals are explained through lectures and "hands-on" laboratories.
Prerequisite(s): BOT*2100
Restriction(s): BOT*2300
BOT*3410 Plant Anatomy F (3-3) [0.50]
The intricate internal structure of plants is explored in this course. The development, pattern and significance of cells, tissues and organs will be emphasized as well as the histological and microscopical methods used to study them. The lab emphasizes interpretation of plant structure as it relates to function.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040 or BOT*1150
Restriction(s): BOT*2400
BOT*3710 Classification and Morphology of Seed Plants W (3-3) [0.50]
The interpretation of floral and vegetative morphology for purposes of classification and identification of flowering plants and conifers; flower and cone structure as 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.
Prerequisite(s): BOT*2100
BOT*4380 Metabolism in the Whole Life of Plants W (3-0) [0.50]
This course follows the developmental changes that take place in plants, and explores the molecular, biochemical and physiological mechanisms that are responsible for development. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of modern experimental methods and critical evaluation of data.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040, BIOC*2580
BOT*4820 Research Opportunities in Botany I S,F,W (1-5) [0.75]
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. When the two-course sequence is selected, BOT*4820 will put emphasis on reviewing the primary scientific literature, formulating hypotheses and the design of experiments. This course must be completed before registration in BOT*4830. In all instances, supervisory arrangements must be made at least one semester before starting the course; registration with the course coordinator is contingent on the availability and agreement of a faculty supervisor.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
BOT*4830 Research Opportunities in Botany II S,F,W (1-5) [0.75]
See BOT*4820.
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.