FIELD STUDIES OF NON-FLOWERING PLANTS
BOT 4990/5990, Sec. 050, 3 credit hours
Syllabus - PDF
Course Description: An introduction to the diversity and evolution of non-flowering plants and related taxonomic groups—algae, bryophytes, club mosses, ferns, horsetails, gymnosperms, lichens—with emphasis on their identification, distribution, ecology, reproduction, adaptations, and evolutionary trends. This course is designed for biologists, teachers, and other individuals who want to become familiar with non-flowering plants.
Topics Covered: Principles of classification and phylogeny. Concepts of kingdoms. Life cycles and alternation of generations. Evolution of groups. Biology, ecology, and economic significance of each group. Use of taxonomic keys for identification of unknown plants. Collection and preservation of specimens. Field recognition of common species, genera, and families.
Lecture & Laboratory Activities: Lecture and laboratory work will be combined and involve a review of the topics listed above. Reading assignments will be assigned as each topic is covered. Numerous field trips will facilitate study of plants in their natural habitats.
Research Project: Each participant will develop a reference collection of the taxa encountered in the field. Individuals earning graduate credit are required to prepare synopses of each taxon.
Time Required: Approximately 8-10 hours per week outside of class will be needed to complete the reading assignments and review the material presented.
Examinations: One mid-session and one final examination will be given and will involve recognition of taxa and short-answer and essay questions covering conceptual material. Quizzes covering recognition of species, genera, and families will be given in the field. Grading Policy: The assigned course grade will be based on a percentage of the total points possible. In general, A = 100-90%, B = 89-80%, C = 79-70%, and D = 69-60%.
Textbooks: A textbook will not be used; rather journal articles and a compendium of handouts will be employed.
Other Materials: Two dissecting needles, a single-edged razor knife, 15 cm ruler, and 10X hand lens are essential. Two 3-ring notebooks holding 8.5 x 11 inch and 5.5 x 8.5 paper will be needed to hold informational handouts. All items will be available at the Station’s bookstore.
Available at the Biological Station:
- 3-ring binder, 5.5 x 8.5 : $5.92 plus tax
- 5.5 x 8.5 paper: $2.51 plus tax
- 5.5 x 8.5 dividers (pack) $1.13 plus tax
- 3-ring binder 8.5 x 11: $5.92 plus tax
- Sunscreen: $3.77-$6.37 plus tax
- Insect repellant: $3.30-$4.46 plus tax
10x hand lens: There are several available for checkout from the stockroom, but we do not have any for sale. Estimated price: $8.10
Reasonable Accommodation: The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course are requested to contact the professor, Adam Ryburn, as well as Janat Issac, UOBS, (405) 325-7431, well in advance to the start of class. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course. The Disability Resource Center is located in Goddard Health Center, Suite 166, or by calling (405) 325-3852 or TDD only (405) 325-4173.
Adam Ryburn
State University of New York at Oneonta
Biology Department
112 Science Bldg. 1
Oneonta, NY 13820-4015
Phone: (607) 436-3063
Fax: (607) 436-3646
Bio Page: employees.oneonta.edu/ryburnak/
Updated
11 March, 2008
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