Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - BISC 337 D100

Plant Biology (4)

Class Number: 2723

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2024
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101 and 102, both with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey and comparison of the major plant groups including their origins, evolution, anatomy, life histories, and impacts on human society. Labs emphasize microscopy and observation of plant specimens.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DETAILS:

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

  1. DIVERSITY: We will explore the diversity of the major plant groups and their evolutionary context. (organisms: liverworts, mosses, ferns, conifers, grasses, other flowering plants, etc.)
  2. FORM AND FUNCTION: We will also be covering the anatomy 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

  • • Lecture Attendance 5%
  • • Quizzes 15%
  • • Portfolio Assignments 40%
  • • 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.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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