Syllabus

Dr. Steven J. Wolf
Office: Naraghi 269
Office Hours: MWF 9:00 - 10:00, and by appointment.
Phone: 667-3489
Email: swolf@arnica.csustan.edu
Lectures: TR 8:00 a.m - 12:13 p.m. in N-210.

Text: The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California edited by Hickman. Always bring this book to class. Textbook is required. It will be needed for identification quizzes. Any student who does not have the text on February 26 will be dropped from the course.

Class Web Page: http://arnica.csustan.edu/boty3700 Visit it often and use the resources provided.

Lab: no food or drinks are permitted in the lab.

Other Required Equipment: You must purchase a hand lens (available at the bookstore) and always bring it to class and the field.

Grading: Your grade will be derived from several (about 5) announced "short exams", a plant collection, final exam, and unannounced quizzes. The final exam will be on May 22 at 8:30 am. Announced "short exams" will be worth 20 points each, the plant collection and final exam will be worth 100 points each, and unannounced quizzes will be worth 5 points each. Additional points may be awarded for other assignments throughout the semester. 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.

The instructor also reserves the right to reduce your grade due to excessive absences and/or tardiness. You will receive only one warning. Each successive warning will result in 10 points being deducted from your grade total.

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

Plant Collection: The following rules apply to the plant collection. A total of 50 different species, representing at least 10 different families, is required. No more than 5 specimens may be woody plants. No cultivated nor domesticated plants may be included. Label information for all mounted specimens must be emailed to the instructor, in the specified format, using Microsoft Word for Windows. The completed collection (mounted specimens and email file) is due by 11 am on May 22. Grades will be reduced one letter grade per day late (including weekends). 

Plant press: You will be issued a plant press for use throughout the semester. It must be returned in good condition before your instructor will proof read your labels. Plant presses must be returned by 12:15 pm May 15. Failure to do so will result in a grade of F for the class, you will be assessed a $75 fee, and a hold will be placed on all your academic records.

Keys: it is recommended that you store your specimens in a locked drawer. Choose a drawer, note the number, and obtain a key from Neil Jacklin in the Biology Stockroom. Note, there is a substantial charge for not returning the key and a hold will be placed on all your academic records.

Cheating: There is a zero tolerance policy. Any cheating whatsoever will result in an automatic F in the class and the matter will be turned over to the appropriate student disciplinary committee. Using plant specimens you did not collect and/or falsifying locality data or any part of your collection is considered cheating.

March 11 is the last day to drop the course.

Course Objectives: This course is primarily designed to give you practical, hands on experience in the collection and identification of flowering plants. This requires a detailed knowledge of structural botany as well as an understanding of the principles and methods of plant classification. About one half of the course will consist of field trips and collecting, identifying and preparing herbarium specimens. The other half will consist of instruction in structural botany and plant classification. Since your text is primarily an identification manual it contains little information on plant classification. Most lectures will cover topics not covered in your Jepson Manual. Therefore, perfect attendance is a necessity if you expect to pass the course.

Computers: Computers play and ever increasing role in the biological sciences. In addition to a strong background in biology, most field and environmentally oriented positions require experience and/or knowledge of collection and identification techniques as well as computer word processing and database programs. There is also a wealth of biological information available via the Internet and you may be required to complete assignments using computers.

Field Trips: Five field trips will be taken during class time. Departure times will be 8:00 am sharp. Always dress appropriately and bring your hand lens and collecting equipment. No alcoholic beverages, drugs or smoking are allowed on field trips. Students must ride in university vehicles. Field trips are optional, however you must notify Dr. Wolf at least 24 hours prior to field trip departure if you plan not to participate. Failure to do so will adversely affect your grade. Note: it is illegal to collect any plant in California. We have permission to collect in the areas we visit. Therefore, it is to your advantage to attend the field trips. We may encounter a few rare plants on our field tips, however, you will be forewarned which ones not to collect so please pay attention.

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

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