BSCI 442 Plant Physiology

Course Description

Life on earth would be impossible without plants.

Humans interact with plants daily. Plants supply oxygen, food, fiber, minerals, medicines and energy. Yet our knowledge of the mechanisms by which plants develop, respond and survive a constantly changing environment are poorly understood. This course will demonstrate that plants provide a fascinating model to discover the mysteries of biology and plant life.

This course combines 3 h of lecture with 3 h of laboratory each week.

The course is intended for upper level undergraduate students and graduate students interested in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of processes that affect the growth, development and adaptation of land plants. Students are expected to have a solid background in the biological sciences, chemistry (including organic), and physics. Prior background in plant science is not required. The primary emphasis will be on the concepts, principle, mechanisms of major life processes in plants. Topics include water and nutrient transport, conversion of CO2 and simple ions to starch, protein, and pharmaceuticals, and how plants use developmental programs and the environment to regulate their development and adaptation. The class will emphasize experimental approaches that include an integration of physiology, cell and molecular biology, molecular genetics and bioinformatics.

Goals of the course include: to better understand plant biology in order to face future challenges concerning food, environment and health, and to develop ability to reason and think independently.

Prerequisites: BSCI 105, CHEM 103, CHEM 233
Recommended: BSCI 330