BIOL 3720 - Plant Taxonomy
Course Syllabus - Fall 2007

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description

Number and Title:

BIOL 3720 Plant Taxonomy

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

BIOL 3720 Plant Taxonomy (3-0-3)

Plant Taxonomy will explore the relationships between major plant families, the naming and classification of plants, plant identification procedures, and the relevance of plant taxonomy to other fields of science.  The plants of Georgia will be a focus of this course.

Prerequisites:

BIOL 2500 (D or better required) 

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system.
• Able to use a the Microsoft Word^TM word processing program.
• Able to send and receive e-mail using the Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM program.
• Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will occasionally be used in this class. Outside of class, computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes:

    Major Outcomes:

1.    Knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology.

2.    Mastery of a broad range of basic lab skills applicable to biology.

4.    Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.

5.    Ability to collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data, and employ critical thinking to solve problems in biological science and supporting fields.

6.    Ability to function effectively on team-oriented projects.

7.    Appreciation for the impact of biological science on the environment and society.

Instructor Information:

Dr. Jere A. Boudell
Office: Arts and Science Building, Room G-105F
Phone: (678) 466-4772
e-mail: jboudell@clayton.edu
Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/jboudell
Office hours: M 10:30-11:30*, 12:30-1:00, & 4:30-5:30* (* in C29), W 9:20-11:20 & 3:30-4:00, F 9:30-12:00 & 3:30-4:00

Textbook Information:

• Guide to Flowering Plant Families, Wendy B. Zomlefer, (ISBN 0807844705) 
• Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas, Albert E. Radford and C. Ritchie Bell (ISBN 0807810878) 
• HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary, James G. Harris and Melinda Woolf Harris  (ISBN 0964022168) 

 

Evaluation:

Quizzes:

Quizzes can be given at the discretion of the instructor, and they can be used to assess, but are not limited to: plant identification skills and plant specimens.

Grading:

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Tentative Course Schedule*:

Textbook: Guide to Flowering Plant Families, Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas        

*This lecture schedule and lecture testing is tentative and may change. Tests may be given the week before or the week after the week listed here--or during the week predicted. Specific test dates will be announced approximately one week in advance in class.

Final Examination Schedule:

Course Policies:

Absences from EXAMS must also be accompanied by a signed physician's or judge's excuse (there are no exceptions). Without an excuse provided within one week, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed assessment.  If the student does have a valid excuse the final exam will be doubled to make up for the missed one, unless it is a final exam, in which case a makeup will be administered.  Only one exam can be excused.  Because one quiz grade is dropped at the end of the semester, there are no make up quizzes.

Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods (see above).  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority.  Without an excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work.  Late assignments must be turned in within one day of the due date and 10% will be deducted from the final assignment grade.   Assignments may NOT be sent to me via email.

Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.

No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

Students may not play video games during lecture.

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic misconduct will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at
http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

Changes or additions to this syllabus, including reading, exam schedule, grading, and course policies can be made at the discretion of the instructor at any time.

Last update: July 23, 2009