Vascular Plant Morphology - Fall, 2006
PBIO 508 (Call #05193)
Introductory Information - This course covers the structure, development, reproductive biology and relationships of vascular plants. Included are an introduction to the concepts of sporophyte organography and homology, and to the methodology for interpreting relationships among major groups of vascular plants. Growth and development are explored from the viewpoints of embryogeny, the functioning of meristems, branching, and the dynamics of growth architecture. Major groups of vascular plants are characterized and surveyed for diversity, and phylogenetic relationships are interpreted. The course is structured to emphasize the evolutionary changes that led to the diversity of modern tracheophytes.
Research Presentation - Each student will select a research paper from the current literature (less than one year old) and present it at the end of the course. Pick a topic that relates both to morphology and to your interests. Each student will emphasize (1) what was done, (2) the significance of the research, and (3) how well it was done. This third part is to be your critical critique of the work. More detailed instructions for preparing the presentation will be given in class at the beginning of October.
Attendance Policy - No formal attendance will be taken. However, consistent attendance of lectures and laboratories will assure the best possible grade in the course.
Grading Policy - Your final grade in PBIO 508 will be determined by the cumulative scores from two midterm exams and the final exam, your laboratory work (including quality and completeness of the laboratory notebook), and your morphology presentation. The percentage of your final grade from each of these is as follows:
Midterm Exams (2 X 25%) 50%, Final Exam 30%, Morphology Presentation 10%, Lab. Work 5%, Subjective Evaluation 5% = 100%
Final grades will be based on the following percentages: A (90%), B (80%), C (70%), D (60%), and F (less than 60%).
Missed Quizzes or Examinations - Attendance at all examinations and quizzes is required. Make-up quizzes and examinations will be permitted only with a written, valid excuse from someone in authority relative to the situation.
Late Work - All work received late will be evaluated and then lowered one full grade as a penalty for the late submission.
Cheating - Academic integrity is a vital
component of each persons educational development. Anyone caught cheating on a quiz or examination, or
presenting plagiarized work will receive an F for the course. If you have any questions about academic integrity
issues, visit the
Extra Help - Both the Instructor and laboratory assistant are eager to assist you in mastering the course content. If you are having trouble or wish additional information, inform one or both of us during class.
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