Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - BISC 337 D100

Plant Biology (4)

Class Number: 1952

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2022
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory course covering many aspects of plant biology including the origin and evolution of plants, basic anatomy, plant growth and development and the utilization and impact of plants in human society.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to introduce the world of plants by addressing three main themes:

  1. EVOLUTION: We will explore the major plant groups from an evolutionary perspective, spanning from the first appearance of plants on the planet to the major plant groups present today. Emphasis will be placed on the origin and evolution of the flowering plants and the factors that allowed them to achieve world-wide dominance. (organisms: liverworts, mosses, ferns, conifers, grasses, other flowering plants, etc.)
  2. FORM AND FUNCTION: We will also be covering the structure and function of plant bodies and the development and life histories of different plant groups. (topics: cell types and tissues, physical support, transport of water and nutrients, reproductive structures, physical and chemical defences, etc.)
  3. PLANTS AND PEOPLE: Throughout the course what we learn about plants will be placed in a human context by discussing our relationship with plants; how we have used and depended on plants through history, in the modern age, and into the future. (topics: agriculture, medicine, forestry, cultural uses, etc.)

 

LABORATORY COMPONENT: The lab is designed to complement learning about the plant groups discussed in lecture. In the lab, students will get practical and hands-on experience with a wide range of plant species. They will be guided in learning to confidently use microscopes to observe specimens, and to interpret the results.

Grading

  • • Class Participation 10%
  • • Quizzes 20%
  • • Lab Assignments 30%
  • • Midterm Exam 15%
  • • Final Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A Photographic Atlas for the Botany Laboratory, 7ed,  by Samuel R. Rushforth, Robert R. Robbins, John L. Crawley, Kent M. Van De Graaff

I-Clickers will be required for lecture participation.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Raven Biology of Plants: Ray F Evert & Susan E Eichhorn 8th ed., W.H Freeman & Co.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.