This course is intended to familiarize the student with the concepts of plant physiology and habituate the student in the scientific method. To learn principles requires experiments that can be done successfully by any thoughtful student. Most of the experiments in this course fall into this category. Essential to the scientific method are clear and orderly notes and data.

The instructor for Biol 3131 - "Plant Physiology" is:
Wendell Johnson  

Please contact your instructor for the appropriate course password.

General Course Information

LECTURE:

Monday and Wednesday-10:00 p.m. - 10:50 p.m. ------ Dowell Hall 300

LABS:

Monday---------------------------15:30 p.m. - 17:50 p.m. -------Bergland 103

Biology 3131, 3 credits;

Prerequisite Biol 2022, Chem. 1001 and Chem. 1401; spring

  This is an upper division course including three (3) essential approaches: lecture-discussion, laboratory experiments and assigned readings.  Class attendance is not required, however, make-up of missed instruction is the student’s responsibility and tests and quizzes shall not be made up without prior arrangements.

This course is intended to familiarize the student with the concepts of plant physiology and habituate the student in the scientific method.  To learn principles requires experiments that can be done successfully by any thoughtful student.  Most of the experiments in this course fall into this category.  Essential to the scientific method are clear and orderly notes and data.

Students who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the semester.  This material is available in alternative formats upon request to students with disabilities.  Please call UMC Printing at 218-281-8401.

Technology Requirement

Basic computer skills are required for the collection and processing of data.

Desired Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

·         Explain the process of germination and then propose methods to alter mechanisms involved.

·         Explain water absorption and determine how environmental factors affect uptake rates.

·         Explain nutrient absorption and how environmental factors affect rates.

·         Explain translocation of water, carbohydrates, nutrients and hormones.

·         Explain how nitrogen metabolism affects plant growth and development .

·         Analyze  photosynthetic pathways of C3, C4 and CAM plants and explain how factors affecting rates can be manipulated.

·         Explain the effect of pathophysiology on plant metabolism and productivity.

·         Explain the influence of some common pollutants on plants and how these pollutants determine where plants will thrive in the future..

·         Determine how  dormancy is related to a plant's adaptation to the environment.

Required Materials

• TEXTBOOK:

  Plant Physiology, 4th Edition by Taiz and Zeiger

  LAB MANUAL:

  Lab Exercises in Plant Physiology, by Wendell Johnson

Grading

• .    10 take-home assignments (10 to 20 points each)

• ·      9 quizzes (15-30 points each)

• ·      Several prelabs @ 10 pts. Each

• ·      3 major one hour exams (100 points each)

• ·      3 special projects (50 points each) - See CORE COMPONENTS below.

• ·       Final exam (lab exam @ 100 points and class exam @ 100 points)

·         Final exam is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2 2006 at 10:00.

TOTAL POINTS:  880 (*)

  Grading at UMC:

http://www.crk.umn.edu/campusinfo/policies/grading.htm

GRADING SCALE (**)

100% - 90%                  A

89% - 80%                    B

79% - 70%                    C

69% - 60%                    D

59% - 0%                      F

Grade " + " and " - " will apply to the final semester grades.

* Minimum number of points

** This percentage is based on the highest achieved score in the class.

For more information about grades, refer to the
U of M's Uniform Grading and Transcript Policy

Academic Workload Expectations
For undergraduate courses, one credit is defined as equivalent to an average of three hours of learning effort per week (over a full semester) is necessary for an average student to achieve an average grade in the course. For example, a student taking a three credit course that meets for three hours a week should expect to spend an additional nine hours a week on coursework outside the classroom.

The foundations of undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota, Crookston focus on components involving applied learning, teamwork, communication, and problem solving. You will be involved with two components throughout the course but especially in two projects that will be evaluated.  The two projects that will be developed by the teams will be outlined in class.  In this course, the two core components that will be completed at an appropriate level are "Problem Solving" and "Teamwork". The degree of accomplishment will be evaluated on the level indicators listed below.  The two projects will be completed in the form of experiments.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Basic level Indicators

·         Identifies problems

·         Defines the parameters of the problems

·         Applies basic rules of logic to problem solving

·         Uses data and facts to solve problems

Intermediate level Indicators

·         Extracts data and facts from information that describes the problem

·         Evaluates data for relevance and accuracy

·         Integrates data from multiple sources

·         Analyzes conflicting data to predict multiple scenarios

Advance level Indicators

·         Creates a data collecting process

·         Researches multiple data sources

·         Evaluates relevancy and accuracy of data

·         Analyzes the interrelationships of events, ideas and data from several perspectives

·         Creates innovative solutions to complex problems

TEAMWORK

Basic level Indicators

·         Identifies with team

·         Attends closely to team activities

·         Completes tasks as a team member

·         Obeys team rules

Intermediate level Indicators

·         Actively participates in team activities

·         Demonstrates commitment and volunteers for special tasks

·         Works to improve team skills

·         Encourages and supports team members

Advance level Indicators

·         Assumes responsibility for accomplishing team goals

·         Motivates team members

·         Understands members strengths/limitations and resolves conflicts

·         Evaluates team activities

Course Instructional Materials

To begin the course, you need to be registered for the class. A password will be provided after you register. The password will allow you to view the complete syllabus and download any course material.

Other Information

Students with Special Needs:
Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might effect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the quarter. Tutors are available, and adaptation of methods, materials, or tests may be made as required to provide for equitable participation. This syllabus is also available in alternative formats upon request.

 UMC Campus Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty

http://www.crk.umn.edu/campusinfo/policies/dishonst.htm

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© Copyright 2007by the Regents of the University of Minnesota
Last Updated: Friday, December 22, 2006
Course Coordinator: Wendell Johnson