BIOL 312 - Plant Ecology

Credits: (4)
Plants are dynamic models for exploring basic ecological theory, and plant ecology as a discipline is poised to apply basic ecology to address contemporary environmental problems, such as managing invasive and rare species populations and handling pollinator declines as a threat to biodiversity and agriculture. This course is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of plants and their unique solutions to ecological pressures encountered within their populations, communities and ecosystems. Lecture periods will focus on introducing and defining key plant ecology concepts and terms through traditional lectures in combination with student-led discussions and small group problem-solving activities. During the lab meetings, we will employ plant ecology methods to answer questions and gain experience in the scientific method. Students will complete the course with a toolkit of techniques for effective scientific study from their experiences reading, writing and talking about plant ecology and doing plant ecology in the lab and field. Lecture and Lab. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110 Introduction to Biology I (4) -BIOL 111 Introduction to Biology II (4) (Spring, odd years)