Courses of Study 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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PLBIO—Plant Biology |
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PLBIO 1100 - Medical Ethnobotany
Spring. 2 credits. Letter grades only.
G. Friso.
Plants have always played a key role in the history of life on Earth and have served as medicinal agents in all societies since prehistoric times. Medical Ethnobotany is the study of medicinal plants used by a group of people. Medicinal plants are either critical constituents of many modem drugs or provide templates for synthetic analogous molecules. In this course we will introduce and be acquainted with past and current plant-based natural remedies used across the globe, exploring their efficacy and mode of actions. We will analyze and compare how plants are employed in the different continents to heal (or alleviate) a plethora of pathological conditions, and consider their roles in different cultures. The course is designed for students with an interest in the natural world and in traditional medicine.
Outcome 1: Describe the value of plants for human health both verbally and in written form.
Outcome 2: Identify and define the most commonly used medicinal plants across the continents.
Outcome 3: Describe how medicinal plants are used in various cultures, how efficacy is measured, and explain in general terms the modes of action of selected medicinal plants.
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PLBIO 1120 - Issues in Social Biology: from Diet to Diseases, DNA to Deforestation
(BIONLS-AG)
Spring. 3 credits.
Staff.
An analysis of current issues of biological relevance and the biological science behind these issues. Topics will include issues such as food and nutrition, diet related diseases, antioxidants, organic produce, disease prevention, genetic testing, cancer, stem cells and animal cloning, genetically modified crops, bacteria and antibiotics, viruses, risk, statistics and epidemiology, extinction and overpopulation, invasive species, the health of the seas, resource over-utilization. The topics will vary according to current issues.
Outcome 1: To become aware of the recent advances in biology that are of social importance, and to understand the biology behind recent advances.
Outcome 2: To be able to critically evaluate and explain news reports of advances in biology and their social impact.
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PLBIO 1130 - Light and Life: The Relationship between Light and Life in the Natural World
Spring. 3 credits.
R. Wayne.
By most accounts, whether theological or scientific, light is fundamental for life. Throughout the living world, there are vital processes, such as photosynthesis and vision that are associated with light. Living organisms use the daily and seasonal changes in illumination to regulate their rhythms. However, too much of a good thing is not necessarily a good thing as too much light can result in photodamage. The extraordinary relationship between “light and life” provides an important unifying framework for understanding the luminescence of living organisms, the striking and flamboyant coloration of plants and animals as well as the inconspicuous nature of their camouflage in terms of physics, chemistry and biology. This course will enhance your understanding of the natural world through studying the relationships between light and life.
Outcome 1: Explain the relationship between light and the basic structures and fundamental processes of life over a range of levels of organization within the full scope of biology from molecules to ecosystems, integrated with the basic principles of inheritance and evolution.
Outcome 2: Apply quantitative reasoning and basic principles from the physical sciences to thinking about biology.
Outcome 3: Explain principles by which hypotheses can be evaluated scientifically using examples of observations and experiments that have shaped biological thought.
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PLBIO 1250 - Biology Seminar
Fall, spring. 1-2 credits, variable. S/U grades only.
Staff.
A first-year seminar designed for students with a strong interest in research. Students will interact with faculty while learning to read and evaluate scientific publications on current biological topics. Multiple topics and sections will be offered each semester.
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PLBIO 1560 - Application of CHEM 1560 to Plant Sciences
Fall. 1 credit. Letter grades only.
Corequisite: CHEM 1560 .
T. Owens.
Students in the plant sciences often struggle to see the relevance of material they learn in general chemistry to plant biology. The goal of this course is to bridge that gap. Using both active learning in the classroom and online problem sets, students will apply course material from CHEM 1560 to a range of situations covering both basic and applied plant biology.
Outcome 1: After completion of the course the students are expected to:
• have developed an appreciation for the relevance of chemistry to plant biology and to science in general;
• be comfortable with treating biological problems quantitatively;
• perform better in their chemistry course because of application of chemistry to situations and examples that are relevant to the students;
• work together and individually to solve problems for which they do not initially know that answer;
• think critically and apply the foundations of chemistry in the context of plant biology.
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PLBIO 2070 - Application of CHEM 2070 to Plant Sciences
Fall. 1 credit. Letter grades only.
Corequisite: CHEM 2070 .
T. Owens.
Students in the plant sciences often struggle to see the relevance of material they learn in general chemistry to plant biology. The goal of this course is to bridge that gap. Using both active learning in the classroom and online problem sets, students will apply course material from CHEM 2070 to a range of situations covering both basic and applied plant biology.
Outcome 1: After completion of the course the students are expected to:
• have developed an appreciation for the relevance of chemistry to plant biology and to science in general;
• be comfortable with treating biological problems quantitatively;
• perform better in their chemistry course because of application of chemistry to situations and examples that are relevant to the students;
• work together and individually to solve problems for which they do not initially know that answer;
• think critically and apply the foundations of chemistry in the context of plant biology.
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PLBIO 2210 - Natural Remedies and Ethnohealth
Fall. 2 credits.
Prerequisite: course work in biology and sociology and health or related area, or permission of instructor.
M. Aregullin.
This course is an introduction to two aspects of ethnomedicine/ethnohealth: (1) the study of biology of health disparities like diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases in Latinos/as, African Americans and American Indians in the United States, (2) and the botany, culture, and medical anthropology of plants and other natural remedies used by ancient cultures in the Americas and also currently used throughout the United States and the Americas.
Outcome 1: To gain a perspective on the chemistry, pharmacology and efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials of the most used herbal supplements sold over the counter in the North American market and the mechanisms of the diseases targeted with these treatments.
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PLBIO 2300 - [Global Plant Biodiversity and Vegetation]
(CU-ITL)
Fall. Next offered 2017-2018 (offered alternate years). 3 credits.
K. Nixon.
Plants are distributed across the globe in distinctive vegetation types, and have a close association with local and global climate. This course discusses factors determining vegetation structure, plant diversity, biodiversity hotspots, plant adaptations, human-plant interactions and climate change with an emphasis on ecological concepts, plant-climate interactions and plant adaptation at a very basic level. Intended for both Plant Science majors and also students without a strong background in plant sciences. An associated field trip to Patagonia that was previously offered with this course is now offered as a separate course with credits in the spring semester.
Outcome 1: Students will be able to evaluate any area of the globe and predict the general vegetation types that should occur based on an understanding of the relationship between climate and plant distribution, adaptation and form. In addition, students will be able to evaluate individual plants for morphological adaptation syndromes to drought, salinity, predation and excess water.
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PLBIO 2301 - [Field Lab in Global Plant Biodiversity and Vegetation]
(CU-ITL, CU-UGR)
Spring. Next offered 2017-2018 (offered alternate years). 2 credits.
K. Nixon.
An intensive three-week field course in Latin America over winter break (most years taken in Patagonia) studying local vegetation and flora and the relationship of vegetation to climate, geography and geology. In the field, students will receive lectures on the vegetation, learn to identify dominant plants, and undertake a directed set of vegetation transects that record species diversity and ecological parameters. The field course is followed by a 7-week course in the spring semester where each student will write a reflection and give an oral presentation, and students will assemble and analyze field data and as a group write a scientific report. In addition, the students will produce a report on the trip, detailing places visited and illustrating the trip with color images.
Outcome 1: Understand and be able to interpret the distribution of vegetation in relation to climate and soils. Observe carefully in the field, take precise and easily interpretable field notes, conduct collaborative scientific data collection and analysis. Learn capabilities for the identification of plant species in the field. Learn specific methods of data collection using ecological transects.
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PLBIO 2400 - Green World/Blue Planet
(BIOLS-AG) (CU-SBY)
Spring, summer (six-week session). 3 credits.
T. Silva.
Focuses on helping individuals understand how scientific information relates to the issues they face as citizens, in management decision making, and in public policy. To what extent should genetic engineering of crop plants be permitted? Should we place limits on fossil fuel consumption as a means of limiting global warming and global climate change? Must human endeavors be restricted in certain areas to maintain diversity? The format of this course is interactive, with lectures and discussions about how we as a society deal with controversial issues.
Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret basic Biological concepts.
Outcome 2: Integrate qualitative information to reach defensible and creative conclusions about the impacts of Climate change, Genetic Engineering, and Biodiversity on the natural world and society.
Outcome 3: Find, access, critically evaluate, and ethically use information
Outcome 4: Communicate effectively through writing, speech, and visual information via written exams, writing assignments and class discussion.
Outcome 5: Articulate the views of people with diverse perspectives on the above issues.
Outcome 6: Demonstrate the capability to work both independently and in cooperation with others.
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PLBIO 2410 - Introductory Plant Biodiversity and Evolution
(BIOLS-AG)
Fall. 3 credits.
K. J. Niklas.
Introduction to plant diversity, ecology, structure, reproduction, and evolution, with an emphasis on the flowering plants and the history of life on earth. Laboratory and lectures are integrated to provide hands-on skills and concepts. First and second weeks of laboratory are field trips, starting with the first full week of classes.
Outcome 1: You will be able to identify a minimum of eight flowering plant families and 12 vascular plant species native to the NE USA.
Outcome 2: You will be able to distinguish among the major land plant lineages.
Outcome 3: You will be able to identify the three major plant life cycles and to conceptually understand how these life cycles are related to one another.
Outcome 4: You will be able to understand and communicate the basic principles of Darwinian evolution by means of natural selection and the major principles of plant biology.
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PLBIO 2420 - Plant Function and Growth Lectures
Spring. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: two majors-level biology courses and/or PLBIO 2410 . Corequisite for plant science undergraduates (and highly recommended for other science majors): PLBIO 2421 . Recommended prerequisite: one year introductory chemistry. Primarily for undergraduates in agricultural sciences but also for any biological sciences students wanting to know about plant function; suitable as second-level course for nonmajors to satisfy biology distribution requirement. May not be taken for credit after PLBIO 3420 except by written permission of instructor.
T. Silva.
How plants function and grow. Examples deal with crop plants or higher plants where possible, though not exclusively. Topics include cell structure and function; plant metabolism, including photosynthesis; light relations in crops; plant-water relations; water uptake, transport, and transpiration; irrigation of crops; sugar transport; mineral nutrition; growth and development-hormones, responses to light, flowering, fruiting, dormancy, and abscission; stress; tissue culture; and genetic engineering of plants.
Outcome 1: To understand the physiological mechanisms by which plants capture sunlight, obtain nutrients, transport water and sugars, grow, and react to their environment, and to demonstrate an ability to integrate this knowledge into the functioning of an intact plant in a plant community or an agricultural or horticultural setting.
Outcome 2: Students will be able to understand and interpret modern research papers in the field, and also to apply their knowledge as the basis of further studies in plant cell biology, molecular biology, ecology, and agricultural or horticultural crop cultivation.
Outcome 3: In addition students will be able to explain the functioning and growth of plants to those involved in the commercial production of crops.
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PLBIO 2421 - Laboratory Investigations of Plant Function and Growth
Spring. 2 credits.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: previous or concurrent enrollment in PLBIO 2420 stronly recommended. May not be taken for credit after BIOPL 3440. Students must take lab and disc on same day.
T. Silva.
Experiments exemplify basic concepts in plant physiology, particularly concepts covered in PLBIO 2420 . The course offers experience in a variety of biological and biochemical techniques, from the cellular to whole plant level.
Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret concepts relating to plant physiology.
Outcome 2: Learn and perform basic laboratory techniques to test hypotheses and make critical observations.
Outcome 3: Demonstrate the ability to think critically, and analyze data as it relates to basic concepts in plant physiology.
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PLBIO 2440 - Evolutionary Plant Biology
(OPHLS-AG)
Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.
Prerequisite: BIOG 1500 or equivalent laboratory course.
K. Niklas.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of microevolution (evolution at or below the species level) and macroevolution (evolution above the species level) with an emphasis on plants as exemplars for understanding evolutionary theory and the interpretation of data pertaining to evolution. The topics to be covered include population generics, developmental biology (including comparative embryology and anatomy), theories about speciation (including allopatric, sympatric, and peripatric models), the empirical study of speciation (examples include autopolyploidy, and allopolypoidy), macroevolution (including species selection, kin selection, and multilevel selection theory), the evolution of multicellularity, physical constraints on evolution, evolutionary ecology, and major evolutionary transitions as recorded in the fossil record.
Outcome 1: Students will learn to think critically about evolutionary theory.
Outcome 2: Students will understand the various lines of evidence supporting the theory of evolution: evidence drawn from molecular biology, population genetics, comparative studies (of mbryology, morphology, and anatomy), biogeography, and the fossil record.
Outcome 3: Students will come to appreciate the importance of plants to understanding evolutionary theory, and to learn that much of evolutionary theory is incomplete when viewed in the absence of understanding plant biology.
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PLBIO 2450 - Plant Biology
(BIOLS-AG)
Summer (six-week session). 3 credits.
T. Silva.
Introductory botany, including plant identification. Emphasizes structure, reproduction, and classification of flowering plants. Much of the laboratory work is conducted outdoors taking advantage of several outstanding natural areas available for study. Those who lack college-level biology are expected to work closely with the instructor on supplemental instructional materials.
Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret basic Biological concepts.
Outcome 2: Ability to distinguish among the major land plant lineages.
Outcome 3: Ability to understand and communicate the basic principles of Darwinian evolution by means of natural selection and the major principles of plant biology.
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PLBIO 2470 - [Plants and People]
(BIONLS-AG)
Fall. Next offered 2017-2018 (offered alternate years). 3 credits.
M. A. Gandolfo.
The course explores the economic and agricultural importance of plants to people. Topics include the roles of plants as sources of food, shelter, fiber, and medicines, as well as the cultural and historical aspects of economic botany, and will instill an appreciation of our connection with plants.
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PLBIO 2480 - Vascular Plant Systematics
Spring. 4 credits.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in plant biology (PLBIO 2410 recommended), or permission of instructor. May not be taken for credit after PLBIO 2430 .
J. I. Davis.
An introduction to the goals and methods of plant systematics, and a survey of the diversity of vascular plants, including ferns, conifers, flowering plants, and related groups. Lectures cover the processes of plant reproduction and evolution, patterns of plant diversity and biogeography, and the methods used to analyze and interpret these patterns and processes. The laboratory presents a survey of the vascular plants with a focus on major plant families, emphasizing prominent groups in natural habitats and in cultivation.
Outcome 1: Describe the goals of systematics and the methods used to analyze and interpret the history of plant diversification.
Outcome 2: Describe major patterns of plant biogeography and the processes that have generated these patterns.
Outcome 3: Discuss the nature of plant species, the principal mechanisms of plant speciation, and the methods used to describe, name, and classify species and higher-level groups.
Outcome 4: Dissect, interpret, and describe vegetative and reproductive structures of plants, using standard botanical terminology.
Outcome 5: Discuss the nature of plant species, and speciation.
Outcome 6: Distinguish 60 families of vascular plants.
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PLBIO 2490 - Hollywood Biology: Science in Cinema
(BIONLS-AG)
Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.
M. Scanlon.
Biological subjects presented in Hollywood films. Lecture topics include the scientific method, Darwinism, development, paleobiology, animal cloning, genome sequencing, forensic DNA, artificial intelligence, eugenics, and epidemiology as background to discussions of their presentation in selected films. Themes: Genetics/Genomics; Evolution; Development; Epidemiology; Physical Anthropology; and Genetic Engineering. Does not fulfill any requirement of the biology major.
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PLBIO 3420 - Plant Physiology, Lectures
Spring. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: two majors-level biology courses. Corequisite: PLBIO 3421 or written permission of instructor. May not be taken for credit after PLBIO 2420 unless written permission obtained from instructor.
T. G. Owens.
Integrated and interdisciplinary study of the processes that contribute to the growth, competition, and reproduction of plants. Topics include, but are not limited to, plant-water relations, membrane properties and processes, photosynthesis, plant respiration, mineral and organic nutrition, stress physiology, control of growth and development, and responses to the environment. Emphasis is on the relationship between structure and function from the molecular to the whole-plant level.
Outcome 1: Each process in a plant integrates with other relevant processes to determine the overall response of the plant to a particular set of conditions.
Outcome 2: Energy affects processes at all levels of biological organization from the molecule and cell to organisms and ecosystems.
Outcome 3: The basic rules of chemistry and physics constrain the physiological behavior of plants.
Outcome 4: Cells/organisms perceive and respond to their environment, including signal transduction, intercellular communication and information processing.
Outcome 5: Structure dictates biological function at all levels of biological organization.
Outcome 6: Biological processes are regulated at all levels of biological organization.
Outcome 7: The flow of mass (atoms, compounds) and energy through a plant.
Outcome 8: Evolution underlies all aspects of biology and explains the unity and diversity of life.
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PLBIO 3421 - Plant Physiology, Laboratory
Spring. 2 credits.
Corequisite: PLBIO 3420 . May not be taken for credit after PLBIO 2421 . Similar to PLBIO 2421 but at more advanced level. Lab, disc.
T. Silva.
Experiments exemplify concepts covered in PLBIO 3420 and offer experience in a variety of biological and biochemical techniques, from the cellular to whole plant level, with emphasis on experimental design.
Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret concepts relating to plant physiology
Outcome 2: Learn and perform basic laboratory techniques to test hypotheses and make critical observations
Outcome 3: Demonstrate the ability to think critically, and analyze data as it relates to basic concepts in plant physiology
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PLBIO 3430 - Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Plants
Spring. 2 credits.
Prerequisite: one year general biology or permission of instructor.
J. Hua, J. Nasrallah.
Introduction to current studies involving recombinant DNA technology and its application to the improvement of plants. Emphasizes genetic transformation methodology, gene expression systems, and strategies for increasing productivity. The course is directed toward undergraduates who wish to become familiar with the theory and practice of plant biotechnology.
Outcome 1: Students will be able to understand the basic principles that underlie developmental processes in plants.
Outcome 2: Students will be able to understand the basic concepts and methods of molecular biology and genetics as they relate to the following questions:
• How to transfer genes to plants
• How to design vectors for transforming plants
• How to analyze plant gene function
• How to express foreign genes in new plant hosts
• How to perform transient gene expression
• How to regenerate whole plants from single cells
• How to produce stable transgenic lines with single integrations
• How to protect plants against viruses and pests
• How to improve quality traits in crop plants
• How to safeguard the environment and insure food safety
• How to evaluate claims relating to the GMO debate
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PLBIO 3431 - Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Plants
Spring. 2 credits.
Prerequisite or recommended corequisite: PLBIO 3430 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to: 24 students per laboratory.
J. Hua, J. Nasrallah.
Companion to PLBIO 3430 with laboratory activities that focus on the practice of plant biotechnology. Students construct transgenes using recombinant DNA methods, transfer genes to plants by a variety of approaches including tissue culture-based methods, assess the integration of transgenes in the host genome and analyze their expression by use of reporter gene assays and by preparing and analyzing nucleic acids. Students will also gain basic skills in bioinformatics.
Outcome 1: Students will understand the fundamental concepts underlying modern plant molecular biology
Outcome 2: Students will gain hands-on experience in implementing methods typically used in plant molecular biological studies
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PLBIO 3450 - Basic Plant Anatomy
Fall. Next offered 2017-2018 (offered alternate years). 4 credits.
Prerequisite: introductory course in biology or botany or permission of instructor. May not be taken for credit after PLBIO 3470 .
A. Gandolfo-Nixon.
Descriptive course with equal emphasis on development and mature structure. Lecture, laboratory, and reading are integrated in a study guide. The laboratory offers the opportunity to develop the practical skills required to make anatomical diagnoses and to write anatomical descriptions.
Outcome 1: To expose the student to a variety of anatomical data and concepts so that the student will have an appreciation for the content and organization of plant histology and morphology. The student will be making original observations of the materials that is a prerequisite to adequate learning and attaining the skills required for doing original research. This is done by the study of selected taxa among seed plants.
Outcome 2: To allow the student to gain the ability to perform practical diagnosis on anatomical “unknowns”. The student will become an independent observer that is prerequisite to being able to perform new anatomical studies, and to being able to apply anatomical studies to related fields.
Outcome 3: To provide the students with the necessary tools to identify plant anatomical forms, function and evolutionary diversity based on comparative studies of several taxa among vascular plants. This is accomplished by focusing on anatomical and developmental studies of selected taxa.
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PLBIO 3590 - [Biology of Grasses]
Spring (offered alternate years). 2 credits.
Prerequisite: a basic course in plant biology or permission of instructor.
J. I. Davis.
A survey of the diversity, systematics, and basic biology of grasses, with reference to related plant families (sedges, rushes, restios). Major topics include morphology, anatomy, phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, physiology, reproductive biology, species biology, ecology, and biogeography. The roles of grasses and their relatives in natural and human-influenced environments, and the key features of these plants, as related to these roles, are examined. Origins of the major cultivated species (particularly maize, rice, and wheat) are examined as well. The laboratory focuses on the structural features of grasses and their relatives, and on the use of these features in the identification of natural groups of grasses (subfamilies and tribes), in the context of a survey of the diversity of grasses and related families.
Outcome 1: Describe the overall phylogenetic structure of the grass family, and the characteristics of the major groups, including morphological, anatomical, and biochemical features such as C4 photosynthesis.
Outcome 2: Dissect and interpret vegetative and reproductive structures of grasses and representatives of related families, using standard botanical terminology.
Outcome 3: Assign representative grasses to the major subfamilies and tribes, representatives of related plant groups to the proper plant families, and identify grasses using a standard taxonomic manual.
Outcome 4: Discuss the major structures and processes involved in the reproductive biology of grasses.
Outcome 5: Discuss the history of human utilization of grasses, including major and minor food and forage crops, and the processes involved in the domestication of grasses.
Outcome 6: Describe the major ecological settings in which grasses are dominant, and the processes that operate in these communities.
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PLBIO 3800 - Strategies and Methods in Drug Discovery
Spring. 2 credits.
Prerequisite: two majors-level biology courses and organic chemistry course or permission of instructor.
M. A. Aregullin.
Covers strategies and methodologies in chemotaxonomy, chemical ecology, and ethnobotany, as they are used in chemical prospecting for new pharmaceuticals. Discusses the biosynthesis and distribution of plant secondary metabolites, the use of techniques in isolation and structure elucidation of natural products, and biological assays in the discovery of chemicals with pharmacological activity.
Outcome 1: To develop an understanding of the dynamic behind the discovery of lead chemicals in the development of a drug, the distribution of natural products with pharmacological potential, modes of action and mechanisms of disease that permit to propose therapies for their treatment.
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PLBIO 3801 - Plant Biotechnology and Society
(CU-ITL, CU-SBY)
Spring. 1 credit. Letter grades only.
Permission of department required. Offered in Shanghai, China.
J. Rose.
This course is offered as part of the CALS Signature Semester: Toward a Sustainable Future and Emerging Technologies Important to China on site in Shanghai, China. Society is facing growing challenges associated with feeding the rapidly expanding global population, while dealing with factors that limit food production, such as climate instability and loss of agricultural land. We will discuss those challenges and identify issues that will limit future food security. The course will include a review of cutting edge technologies, including advances in genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, which are used to study plants, crop production and plant genetic diversity. The application of biotechnology to agricultural crop production, and particularly the use of genetic modification technologies, is a politically sensitive issue. This course will evaluate related issues of new technologies, food, communication and the sensitivities of society to the nature of the food supply.
Outcome 1: The student will identify, evaluate and discuss major factors that will limit global crop production over the coming decades.
Outcome 2: The student will recognize and define ‘omics’ technologies that are being used to study plant biological processes and diversity.
Outcome 3: The student will assess and examine arguments that are used both for and against the use of genetically modified crops and their application to enhance food security.
Outcome 4: The student will identify and interpret biotechnologies and strategies that are being used to develop new crops and plant products that benefit society.
Outcome 5: The students from China (SJTU) and from Cornell University (CALS) will interact, such that they will learn from each other intellectually and culturally.
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PLBIO 3880 - Genetic Engineering of Food Crops: Myths and Truths
(CU-ITL)
Spring. 1 credit. Letter grades only.
Prerequisite: introductory biology. Permission of department required. Offered in Shanghai, China.
S. Gan.
This course is offered as part of the CALS Signature Semester: Toward a Sustainable Future and Emerging Technologies Important to China on site in Shanghai, China. Genetically modified (GM) crops have been a hot topic with controversy. One of the major concerns is on the GM crops’ safety when served as our food or food ingredients. The objective of this 1-credit modular course is to discuss the principles and nature of crop genetic engineering vs. conventional plant breeding, and to show case studies of genetically engineered food crops with emphases on how they are generated, how the nutritional values are improved, and how to detect or examine if one’s food may be genetically engineered or may contain GM crop-derived ingredients. This is a middle level course that emphasizes the science-based principles and practices.
Outcome 1: Understand the nature of genetic engineering of crops vs. conventional plant breeding
Outcome 2: Evaluate and assess the nutritional and economical values of various improved crops by genetic engineering.
Outcome 3: Identify and use various techniques to monitor/determine if their food is GM crops or contains ingredients derived from GM crops.
Outcome 4: Develop science-based critical thinking of the GMO issues in general and engineered food crops in particular.
Outcome 5: The students from China and from Cornell University will be able to interact such that they will learn from each other intellectually and culturally.
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PLBIO 4220 - Comparative Plant Development: Evo-Devo
Fall. 2 credits.
Prerequisites: BIOMG 2800 or PLBRG 2250 and PLBRG 3250 and PLBIO 2410 or permission of instructor.
A. Roeder, M. Scanlon.
A comparative analysis of the developmental-genetic mechanisms contributing to the evolution of plant morphological structure and diversity.
Outcome 1: Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret claims, hypotheses, and theories in the evolution of plant development and more broadly in the sciences.
Outcome 2: Communicate effectively utilizing speech, and visual information.
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PLBIO 4400 - [Phylogenetic Systematics]
Spring. Offered on demand. 4 credits.
Prerequisite: one majors-level biology course or permission of instructor.
K. C. Nixon.
Basic and advanced theory and methods of phylogenetic analysis. Introduces students to cladistic analysis using parsimony and gain experience with computer-aided analysis of taxonomic data, including both morphological and molecular data sources. Topics include applications of phylogenetic methods to biogeography and evolutionary studies.
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PLBIO 4430 - Topics and Research Methods in Systematics
Fall or spring. 1-2 credits, variable.
Permission of instructor required.
K. C. Nixon.
Series of 1-credit modules on specialized topics in systematics. Topics and instructors vary each semester. May not be taught every semester. Topics and instructors are listed in the division’s catalog supplement issued at the beginning of the semester.
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PLBIO 4440 - Plant Cell Biology
Fall. Offered alternate years. 4 credits.
Prerequisite: one year introductory biology or permission of instructor.
R. O. Wayne.
Uses evidence from microscopy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to try to unravel the mystery of the living cell. Studies the dynamics of protoplasm, membranes, and the various organelles. The mechanisms of cell growth and division, the relationship of the cytoskeleton to cell shape and motility, the interaction of the cell with its environment, and the processes that give rise to multicellular differentiated plants are investigated.
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PLBIO 4470 - [Molecular Systematics]
Spring. Next offered (offered alternate years). 3 credits. Letter grades only.
Prerequisite: BIOEE 1780 and BIOMG 2800 or BIOMG 3300 , or BIOMG 3320 , or BIOMG 3350 or written permission of instructor.
J. J. Doyle.
Theory and practice of using molecular evidence, particularly DNA sequence data, for addressing diverse systematic and evolutionary questions. Emphasis is on phylogeny reconstruction, particularly in eukaryotic systems. The organization and evolution of nuclear and organellar genomes is described from the standpoint of their suitability for systematic and evolutionary studies.
Outcome 1: Students will be able to explain the following fundamental molecular systematic concepts to scientists and to non-scientists, to apply them in their own research, and to evaluate diverse views of these concepts in the writings of others:
1) Homology as a general, overarching issue, including the concept of multiple hits, the theory of alignment of nucleotide and protein sequences, and the difference between paralogy and orthology
2) The basic theories of phylogeny reconstruction and the methods associated with them
3) The difference between gene trees and species trees
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PLBIO 4480 - [Plant Evolution and the Fossil Record]
Spring. Next offered 2017-2018 (offered alternate years). 3 credits.
Prerequisite: PLBIO 2410 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
W. L. Crepet.
Introduction to evolution, surveying major changes in plants from the origin of life to the present. Emphasizes plant form and function, adaptations to particular ecologic settings, and evolutionary theory as it relates to plants.
Outcome 1: Students will be able to distinguish among the three major early Paleozoic
vascular plant lineages.
Outcome 2: Students will be able to distinguish among the major fossil and extant pteridophyte lineages.
Outcome 3: Students will be able to distinguish among the major fossil and extant seed plant lineages.
Outcome 4: Students will understand the pattern of evolution of plants in time.
Outcome 5: Students will be able to communicate the basic principles of modern (cladistic) phylogenetic analysis including the concept of homology and of Evolutionary Biology including:
Darwinian evolution by means of natural selection.
Speciation
Adaptive radiation and the environment
The role of the fossil record in understanding evolution
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PLBIO 4500 - Light and Video Microscopy for Biologists
Fall. Offered alternate years. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: two majors-level biology courses. Permission of instructor required.
R. O. Wayne.
Students learn the relationship between reality and the image using philosophy, mathematics, and physical theory. Next they apply these tools theoretically and in practice to understand and become experts at image formation and analysis using brightfield, darkfield, phasecontract, fluorescence, polarization, interference, differential interference, and modulation contrast microscopes. They build upon our knowledge and experience to understand how analog image processors and digital image processors can influence, enhance, and analyze the images gathered by the microscope. Last they learn about many other kinds of microscopes, including confocal, near field, x-ray, acoustic, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, centrifuge, atomic force, and scanning tunneling microscopes.
Outcome 1: After successfully completing Light and Video Microscopy, students should be able to:Describe the relationship between an object and its image.
Outcome 2: Describe how light interacts with matter to yield information about the structure, composition and local environment of biological and other specimens.
Outcome 3: Describe how optical systems work. This will permit us to interpret the images obtained at high resolution and magnification.
Outcome 4: Gain practical experience with many types of light microscopy, and learn the procedures and the tricks necessary to become an excellent microscopist.
Outcome 5: While no academic knowledge is presupposed, in this class, the student will be taught how to integrate philosophical and historical thinking, mathematical skills, as well as physical, chemical and biological insight to become an accomplished, scientifically accurate and accomplished microscopist with an artistic eye.
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PLBIO 4520 - [Systematics of Tropical Plants]
Fall. Offered every three years. 3 credits. Letter grades only.
Prerequisite: PLBIO 2430 or PLBIO 2480 .
K. C. Nixon.
The families of plants encountered solely or chiefly in tropical regions are considered in a phylogenetic context in lectures, discussions, and laboratory, with the aim of providing basic points of recognition for, and an understanding of, diversity and relationships in these families.
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PLBIO 4521 - [Systematics of Tropical Plants: Field Laboratory]
(CU-ITL)
Spring. Offered every three years. 1 credit. Letter grades only.
Prerequisite: PLBIO 4520 or permission of instructor. For more details and application, contact L. H. Bailey Hortorium, 412 Mann Library.
K. C. Nixon.
Intensive orientation to families of tropical flowering plants represented in forests of the American Tropics. Emphasis is on field identification combined with laboratory analysis of available materials in a “wholebiology” context. Two-week field trip over winter break.
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PLBIO 4620 - Plant Biochemistry
Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.
Prerequisite: PLBIO 2420 or PLBIO 3420 or equivalent and BIOMG 3300 or BIOMG 3310 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
C. Catala, K. Van Wijk.
Focuses on biochemistry of plant specific processes, with the aim to obtain an integrative overview of plant biochemistry. Examples include processes such as cell wall biochemistry, pigment biosynthesis and degradation, secondary metabolism, senescence, defense mechanisms, amino acid biosynthesis, and small molecule transport. Genomics-based experimental tools such as proteomics and metabolomics are discussed.
Outcome 1: Upon completion of the course, students will have: Become familiar with a range of plant biochemical pathways and associated regulatory mechanisms (e.g. allosteric regulation, post-translational modifications, feedback regulation).
Outcome 2: Developed an understanding of how those processes are different from, or share some features with, analogous systems in non-plant taxonomic groups, such as bacteria, yeast and mammals.
Outcome 3: Gained insights into (sub)cellular compartmentalization of plant biochemical processes.
Outcome 4: Learned how multiple plant biochemical pathways intersect and influence each other.
Outcome 5: Been exposed to current literature in the field of plant biochemistry, including new analytical techniques, bioinformatics approaches and analytical paradigms in ‘model’ and ‘non-model’ experimental systems.
Outcome 6: Participated in discussions about the importance of plant biochemistry in the areas of human health, agricultural biotechnology and new and emerging applications such as bioenergy and fine chemicals.
Outcome 7: Developed skills in writing grant proposals to address central questions in both basic and applied plant biochemistry.
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PLBIO 4831 - Concepts and Techniques in Plant Molecular Biology (crosslisted) BIOMG 4831
Fall. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: BIOMG 2800 and BIOMG 3300 or BIOMG 3320 , or equivalents. Recommended prerequisite: BIOMG 3310 .
J. Doyle, J. Hua, T. Owens.
Introductory module that provides a broad overview of molecular biology concepts relevant to the plant sciences. Serves as a prerequisite to other modules in the BIOPL 483X (fall) and BIOPL 482X (spring) classes. Course covers genetic concepts relevant to molecular markers, map-based cloning, insertional mutagenesis, forward and reverse mutant screens, analysis of transcriptomes, organelle and nuclear genome structure, and transformation. Techniques include nucleic acid manipulation, blot and in situ hybridization, chromatin immunoprecipitation, high throughput sequencing, PCR, microscopy, laser microdissection, microarrays, metabolomic profiling, proteomics, protein-protein interactions, electrophoresis, and immunological methods.
Outcome 1: The overall objective of this course is to bring students from diverse backgrounds and interests to a common level of understanding in preparation for subsequent courses and research in areas related to plant molecular biology. By the end of the semester, students should be able to explain, give relevant examples of, and make predictions based on their understanding of how: fundamental concepts from biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, genetics and plant biology have been and can be integrated in their application to modern plant molecular biology modern experimental techniques in biology and related fields have been and can be applied to relevant questions in plant molecular biology limitations of these experimental techniques constrain the interpretation of experimental data. In addition, students should become more adept at objectively reading and evaluating current literature, particularly in the context of concepts and techniques discussed in the course.
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PLBIO 4832 - Proteomics and Protein Mass Spectrometry in Biology
Fall. Offered alternate years. 1 credit.
Prerequisite: BIOMG 2800 , BIOMG 3300 or BIOMG 3320 or equivalents. Recommended prerequisite: BIOMG 3310 .
K. van Wijk.
Introduction to proteomics and mass spectrometry and its application in plant biology. Includes discussion of protein separation, protein tagging and visualization techniques; principles of biological mass spectrometry and interpretation of spectra; bioinformatics tools in proteomics; comparative proteomics; phosphorylation mapping. Discusses limitations and possibilities of proteomics on plants for which little sequence information is available and experimental papers involving plant proteomics.
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PLBIO 4841 - Plant Form and Function: Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Development
Spring. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: PLBIO 4831 or BIOMG 2800 or permission of instructor.
A. Roeder, K. Niklas.
This course is broken into three sections focusing on plant anatomy, cell biology, and development. In each section, we will discuss our current understanding of the key concepts, talk about some of the remaining open questions, and describe the techniques used in research to address these questions. Topics covered will include: cell versus organismic theory, meristems, organs, anatomical evolution, the cytoskeleton, cell wall, cell growth, cell division, advanced microscopy, subcellular trafficking, cell differentiation, pattern formation, intercellular signaling, and plant hormones.
Outcome 1: Understand the fundamental concepts in plant anatomy, plant cell biology, and plant development, and recognize how these principles underlie and impact research in other areas of plant biology.
Outcome 2: Be able to evaluate experiments and the conclusions drawn from them in the scientific literature on plant anatomy, cell biology, and development.
Outcome 3: Be able to design experiments using the techniques presented in the course and describe their advantages as well as limitations.
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PLBIO 4940 - Special Topics in Plant Biology
Fall, spring. 1-4 credits, variable.
Staff.
The department teaches “trial” courses under this number. Offerings vary by semester and are advertised by the department before the semester starts. Courses offered under the number will be approved by the department curriculum committee, and the same course is not offered more than twice under this number.
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PLBIO 4980 - Teaching Experience
Fall, spring. 1-4 credits, variable. S/U grades only (letter grades with permission of instructor).
Prerequisite: previous enrollment in course to be taught or equivalent. Limited enrollment. Arts students may not count this course toward graduation but may, upon petition (one time only) to their class dean, carry fewer than 12 other credits and remain in good standing. This would affect Dean’s List eligibility but not eligibility for graduating with distinction.
Staff.
Designed to give qualified undergraduate students teaching experience through actual involvement in planning and assisting in biology courses. This experience may include supervised participation in a discussion group, assisting in a biology laboratory, assisting in field biology, or tutoring.
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PLBIO 6410 - Laboratory in Plant Molecular Biology (crosslisted) BIOMG 6410
Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only (S/U grades with permission of instructor).
Prerequisite: BIOMG 2800 or equivalent, BIOMG 3300 or BIOMG 3330 or BIOMG 3350 or BIOMG 3310 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
A. Bogdanove, M. Cilia, M. R. Hanson, J. Jander, K. Nixon, J. Rose, J. Van Eck, K. van Wijk.
Includes selected experiments on gene expression, biolistic transformation, confocal microscopy, laser capture microdissection, microarray analysis, genetic mapping and mutant analysis, transposon tagging, proteomics, and metabolite analysis.
Outcome 1: Become familiar with a set of standard methods for performing experiments with plant material in the laboratory and be able to follow and use experimental protocols
Outcome 2: Understand what information can be gained by a particular type of experimentation or data analysis as well as the limitations of the methods
Outcome 3: Be able to formulate testable hypotheses and select available experimental techniques or analytical methods in order to draw defensible and creative conclusions
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PLBIO 6470 - Systematic Biology Journal Club
Fall or spring. 1 credit (may be repeated for credit). S/U grades only.
Enrollment intended for: graduate students and advanced undergraduates in systematic biology.
Staff.
Discussions led by staff, visitors, and students on topics of current importance to systematic biology.
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PLBIO 6560 - Topics in Plant Evolution
Spring (offered alternate years). 1 credit.
Prerequisite: PLBIO 4480 or equivalent background in evolution, or written permission of instructor.
K. J. Niklas.
Series of selected topics to provide a background in plant evolution, paleobotanical literature, and evolutionary theory. Among the topics discussed are the origin of a terrestrial flora, the evolution of the seed plants, and the origin and adaptive radiation of the angiosperms.
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PLBIO 7400 - Plant Biology Seminar
Fall, spring. 1 credit. S/U grades only (no audit).
Requirement for graduate students doing work in plant biology.
K. van Wijk.
Lectures on current research in plant biology, presented by visitors and staff.
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PLBIO 7410 - Problems in Plant Cell and Molecular Biology
Spring. 2 credits.
Enrollment limited to: first and second year graduate students in Plant Cell and Molecular Biology Program.
Staff.
Introduction to the research literature in plant molecular and cellular biology through weekly problem sets and discussions.
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PLBIO 7420 - Current Papers in Plant Biology
Fall or spring. 1 credit. S/U grades only.
Permission of instructor required for undergraduates. Enrollment limited to: graduate students primarily, with priority given to majors or minors in plant molecular biology.
Staff.
Students in this class read and discuss recently published papers in plant molecular biology. A faculty member from the Plant Biology section in the School of Integrated Plant Sciences will assign the reading material and will facilitate the student discussions. To enable in-depth review and discussion, the literature reading in each semester will have a common theme, which will generally be based on the research interests and expertise of the faculty mentor. The class is intended primarily for graduate students, but undergraduates may participate with the permission of the instructor.
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PLBIO 7430 - Faculty Research in Plant Cell and Molecular Biology
Fall. 1 credit.
Written permission from member of Plant Cell and Molecular Biology Program or from coordinator for undergraduates or graduate standing is required.
Staff.
Introduction for graduate students to the research being conducted by Cornell faculty in the Plant Cell and Molecular Biology Program.
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PLBIO 7440 - Graduate Research in Plant Biology
Fall or spring. 1 credit.
Requirement for, and limited to: all graduate students in the Field of Plant Biology.
Staff.
After the first year, each student presents one seminar per year on his or her thesis research and then meets with the thesis committee members for evaluation. First-year students only attend the seminar series, they do not present. Second-year students give a 25-min. seminar, while students in their third and higher years present a 50-min. seminar.
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PLBIO 7490 - Graduate Research in Botany
Fall or spring. 1-15 credits, variable (may be repeated for credit).
Staff.
Intended for graduate students in Plant Biology who are working with faculty members on an individual basis towards a PhD thesis.
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