BIO 250 Plant Form and Function

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the plant kingdom emphasizing the ways in which organismal form and structure are shaped through evolutionary and ecological processes. The primary goal of the course is for students to learn how a major life form has adapted to physical factors such as light and water and to biological factors such as fungi insects and vertebrates. Labs involve experimental analysis of fundamental processes such as water uptake photosynthesis and hormonal regulation as well as hands-on investigation of the vegetative and reproductive adaptations of the plant kingdom. Independent lab projects and fieldtrips are also key components of the course. Includes one three hour laboratory session per week.