BIOL 50100 - Field Botany

Field botany is the study of plants in a landscape context. Major course themes include plant identification; plant community analysis and classification, focusing on major plant community types in northeast Indiana; an introduction to basic concepts of geology, hydrology, and soil science as they relate to the distribution and maintenance of plant communities, and a module on habitat preservation and restoration. The course includes two required Saturday field trips.

Preparation for Course
P: BIOL 21700 or Permission of Instructor.

Cr. 4.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and classify local plant species and families, and describe major vegetation types in northeast Indiana using field-based methods and taxonomic resources.
2. Analyze plant community composition, structure, and dynamics through field surveys, mapping, and ecological data collection.
3. Interpret the roles of plant interactions, functional traits, and environmental factors (soil, hydrology, and disturbance) in shaping plant communities.
4. Communicate findings from literature and field research, integrating plant identification, community analysis, and environmental context in written reports.