SYLLABUS

Dr. Steven J. Wolf
Office: Science 145
Phone: 667-3489
Email: swolf@arnica.csustan.edu
Office Hours: MWF 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., R 7:00 - 9:00 a.m., and by appointment.

Text: Morphology and Evolution of Vascular Plants by Gifford and Foster, 3rd, ed. Always bring text to lecture and lab. If you still have it I suggest you always bring your introductory botany text to all classes.

Course Web page: http://arnica.csustan.edu/boty3120. Consult it often for important, up to the minute information about the course.

Lectures: This course is a comparative study of the structure, development, ecology and evolution of vascular plants. Although the text is excellent in its treatment of structural morphology, it is lacking in certain areas, particularly evolutionary relationships. Since the lectures will include additional material not covered in the text, perfect attendance is a virtual necessity if you expect to pass the course.

Grading: There will be one midterm exam, a final exam and a lab book, each worth 100 pts. If necessary an exam may be taken early, but not late. Exams may consist of multiple choice, matching, short answers, and short or long essays. The instructor reserves the right to give unannounced quizzes if it becomes apparent that students are not keeping up with the material and/or there are an unacceptable number of absences. If you happen to be absent that day you will receive a grade of 0 for that quiz.

Grades: A = 100-90%, B = 89-80%, C= 79-70%, D = 69-60%, F = <60%.

Labs: There is no lab book, you are responsible for reading the appropriate sections in the text prior to each lab. The following materials must be brought to every lab period: your text, drawing pencil (4H) and drawing paper, ruler and eraser.

In lieu of laboratory practicals you will be required to prepare a bound collection of labeled drawings. Drawings should reflect careful observation rather than artistic ability. Your lab book will be graded on accuracy and completeness. Therefore if you miss a lab it will be reflected in your lab book.

Preparation of lab book

1. Drawings must be made on unruled drawing paper (photocopy paper is acceptable) and kept in a good binder.
2. Drawings must be on only one side of the paper.
3. All labels, titles, dates, names, etc. must be printed.
4. Each object drawn must have a diameter of at least 3 inches (about the size of a Petrie dish). Therefore you can fit only two drawings on a page.
5. Number your pages consecutively in the upper right corner.
6. A title must be printed and centered at the top of the page (e.g. Psilophyta).
7. A two or three line legend should be located beneath each drawing. This should include the name of the object (e.g. Psilotum), type of view (e.g. L.S.), the part being observed (e.g. sporangium) and the magnification (10X).
8. A hard drawing pencil (4H) must be used.
9. Label lines must be drawn with a ruler, they must be parallel with the edges of the paper, right justified, and they must never cross.
10. For diagrammatic drawings neat stippling or crosshatching should be used to provide greater contrast between adjacent areas. Do not shade or use colored pencils or ink.
11. Lab book is due at the final exam, December 12. Your grade will be reduced one letter grade per day late.

Lecture Topics

Lab Topics

The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

To Botany 3120 Home Page.