XII. Course Descriptions
Botany
Department of Integrative Biology
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Additional course listings may be found in the course descriptions for Biology and Plant Biology.
Senior students are encouraged to inquire about graduate courses, particularly in the areas of Vascular Plant Systematics
and Morphology, that can be taken for credit.
| BOT*1200 Plants and Human Use W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will examine past and present interactions between humans and plants with emphasis on major changes in civilization
and cultures as a result of these interactions. The approach will be to consider several case studies of how unique structural
and chemical properties of various plant organs have played a role in their use by humans. Not an acceptable course for students
in B.SC. Biological Sciences Programs. (Also offered through distance education format.)
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040 |
| BOT*2000 Plants, Biology and People F (3-1) [0.50] |
| The course deals with the biology of plant species of historical and cultural importance. It will focus on plants used as
a source of drugs, herbal medicines, industrial raw materials, food products, perfumes and dyes. Examples of plant products
that will be looked at include cocaine, chocolate, tea, opium, hemp and ginseng. The relevant morphology, physiology, distribution
and ethnobotany of these plant species will be discussed.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 |
| Restriction(s): |
BOT*1200 |
| BOT*2030 Plants in the Ontario Landscape F (3-3) [0.50] |
| In this course you will learn to identify plants and their habitats in the Ontario landscape. In addition, you will apply
methods typically used for field studies in plant biology. Through a series of field exercises, this course will foster an
appreciation of local natural areas and provide a foundation for further studies and careers in ecology and environmental
assessment.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 |
| BOT*2100 Life Strategies of Plants F,W (3-3) [0.50] |
| This course introduces the structures and processes used by plants in the greening of our planet, and how and why plants are
basic to the functioning of the biosphere. This course includes hands-on experience in examining the cells, tissues and architectures
of plants as well as selected processes of plant function.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 |
| BOT*3050 Plant Functional Ecology F (3-3) [0.50] |
| This course integrates fundamental and applied aspects of plant ecology, focusing on the roles of functional traits, physiological
mechanisms, life history strategies, abiotic constraints, and biotic interactions in influencing plant distribution and abundance.
Specific topics include physiological ecology, growth and allocation patterns, influence of biotic and trophic interactions
[pollinators, pathogens, herbivores, competitors, mutualists, decomposers] on the structure and function of plant communities,
and effects of global environmental change. Labs will include a field component that explores variation in functional aspects
of plants. This course is especially valuable for students interested in plant or wild life biology and environmental management.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits including BIOL*1040 |
| Restriction(s): |
BOT*2050 |
| BOT*3310 Plant Growth and Development W (3-3) [0.50] |
| The unique function and structure of plants is explored in relation to their growth, survival and adaptation to the environment.
The control of growth and development by environmental and hormonal signals is explained through lectures and "hands-on" laboratories.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 |
| BOT*3410 Plant Anatomy F (3-3) [0.50] |
| The intricate internal structure of plants is explored in this course. The development, pattern and significance of cells,
tissues and organs will be emphasized as well as the histological and microscopical methods used to study them. The lab emphasizes
interpretation of plant structure as it relates to function.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 |
| BOT*3710 Plant Diversity and Evolution W (3-3) [0.50] |
| This course integrates mostly fundamental and applied aspects of plant evolution, focusing on the evolutionary history of
plants, classification and identification, and hypotheses related to the evolution of plant form and life history. Specific
topics include evolutionary process in plants and evolution of physiological, reproductive, behavioural, and morphological
traits. Labs will focus on methods and contemporary tools for phylogenetic reconstruction, comparative analyses, identification,
and basic morphology/anatomy. This course is especially valuable for students interested in plant or wild life biology and
environmental management.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits including BIOL*1040 |
