The Department of Biological Sciences
http://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/biologicalsciences/
Syllabus – PLANTS IN TODAY’S WORLD
Bio Sci 104--Lecture 401, 402, 403 - Spring 2011
Instructor:
Office:
Class Hours:
Office Hours:
Phone:
Email:
ROBERT CLARE
Lapham Hall--LAP N313
401: MW 11:00am-11:50am
402: TR 2:00pm-2:50pm
403: M 5:30pm-7:10pm
TBA or by appointment
414-229-6806
rdclare@uwm.edu
Purpose of Course
The general purpose of this course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of:
1) the structure & function of plants
2) how plants are used by man
3) the relationship of plants to contemporary environmental/conservation issues.
GER Credit
The general education requirement (GER) is met by providing a basic knowledge of plant science from
which students can understand how we are integrated into our living world. Some specific goals are: to
increase the student’s understanding of the plant kingdom, how these organisms differ from other life
forms, and to increase the student’s awareness of how plants function and how they are used by humans.
In addition, students will learn about related technologies, such as genetically engineered food crops and
biofuel production. These goals are evaluated in both lecture and lab throughout the semester via exams,
quizzes, and lab reports. The potometer experiment is specifically used to assess the following goals: 1)
the ability to formulate hypotheses, 2) the development of a scientifically sound experimental design with
controls, and 3) reporting the student’s unique findings in a scientifically formatted report.
Prerequisite
None
Text
Plant & Society, 5th edition, Levetin & McMahon
Required Materials
Text:
Note that all the material in the text will not be covered in lecture. Therefore,
readings from assigned chapters should focus on relevant topics from lectureThese
readings are intended to enhance your understanding of the lecture material.
Clicker:
Student response system will be used in lecture to assess student background
knowledge and comprehension of lecture material.
Online Access:
To access powerpoint slides, quizzes and course grades go to:
https://uwm.courses.wisconsin.edu/ for the course D2L site.
Laboratory:
Text as above and lab materials will also be posted on a separate lab D2L site.
Examination Policy
There will be three 50-minute exams. The last one will be during final exam week. The exams will be
objective questions (multiple choice, matching, True/False). Questions will be answered on scantron sheets
(fill in the dots with #2 pencil). Exam questions will come from the lecture material (I will not ask
questions on material from the book that I do not cover in lecture). Make-up exams will be oral or written,
at the discretion of the instructor. In order to qualify for a make-up exam, you must call Robert Clare (2296806) or email Robert Clare (rdclare@uwm.edu) within 24 hours of the scheduled examination time.
Requests for make-up exams should be supported by documentation when possible. The final exam will
be given on the date found in the schedule of classes.
Exam
Date
Time
Place
Exam I
TBA
lecture period
lecture hall
Exam II
TBA
lecture period
lecture hall
Exam III (Final Exam)
TBA
final exam week
TBA
Grading Policy
Grades will be calculated on the basis of 3 lecture exams, D2L quizzes, class participation and laboratory work.
Performance on Lecture component of this course will comprise 60% of your course grade, and performance in the
laboratory (lab reports, lab quizzes, etc.) will comprise 40% of your course grade. Your final grade will be
determined based on the following weighted system.
Exam I
0.15
Exam II
0.15
Exam III
0.15
D2L quizzes
0.10
Class Participation
0.05
Laboratory
0.4
At the end of the semester, your final percent score will be calculated by multiplying your percent score in
each category by the weight of that category (as above) and then summing the weighted value of each
grade category. Letter grades will be assigned based on the final % grade.
Laboratory
Attendance in laboratory is required. If you will be absent due to extenuating circumstances or illness,
notify your instructor. Due to the instability of the materials used in the lab, make-up labs cannot be
scheduled. Registered students not attending Lab during the first week of the semester may be dropped
unless they contact their instructor and lab TA. (See 'Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance' policy
under 'Course Restrictions' in the Schedule of Classes).
Registration Policy
Last day to drop class without “W” appearing on academic record is 18 Feb. 2011. No drops will be
allowed after 18 Mar. 2011, except for exceptional non-academic reasons. In the event of excess
enrollment, priority will be given to students who are registering for the course for the first time.
ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. If you are a student with a disability
and require special accommodations contact the instructor early in the semester, and also contact the
Student Accessibility Center (Mitchell Hall Room 112, 229-6287, http://www.sac.uwm.edu ).
In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to a weather emergency (Call 229-4444) or a
disease outbreak, such as H1N1 swine flu, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion
of the course. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to this syllabus that will supersede this
version
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