BIOL 35000 - Introduction To Plant Physiology

Basic physiological processes and their relationship to plant structure and function. Laboratory experiments provide personal experience with a broad range of psychological phenomena.

Preparation for Course
P: BIOL 10800 and One Semester of General Chemistry.

Cr. 4.
Hours
Class 3, Lab. 3.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the microorganisms that inhabit the soil, water, air and extreme environments of the earth and their interactions.
2. Explain the techniques used to analyze microorganisms from various environmental locations.
3. Distinguish between molecular biological approaches used to study environmental microorganisms.
4. Differentiate the selective advantages of microscopic, culture-based and physiological methods used to study microbes from environmental samples.
5. Evaluate the roles microbes play in wastewater treatment, disinfection and recycling and in the remediation of organic and metal pollutants in soils and water.
6. Assess the impact of microbiota found in the root zones of agricultural crop plants and forest environments.
7. Critique scientific literature on the interactions of microbiota in the soil with plants.
8. Use microscopic techniques to view and identify bacteria and fungi inside the soils from the root zones of plants.
9. Collect, aseptically culture and identify microorganisms from air, water and soil.
10. Assess the ability of microorganisms to adapt to changes in the levels of soil nutrients and organic and metal pollutants.
11. Use molecular biological techniques to identify unknown microbes in the soil.
12. Measure the levels of microbes in drinking water.
13. Estimate organic contaminants in wastewater using the growth rates of microorganisms.