Rangeland Plant Ecophysiology
REWM 3500
Fall 2013
Instructor
Dr. David G. Williams
Professor
Departments of Ecosystem Science and Management and Botany
Office location: Berry Center 222A
Office phone: 307-766-2494
Email: dgw@uwyo.edu
Office hours: Wednesdays 10 AM to 1 PM and by appointment
Assistant Instructor
Tim Aston
PhD student
Office location: Berry Center 112
Phone: 612-850-9715
Email: taston@uwyo.edu
Office hours: Mondays 10 AM to 1 PM and by appointment
Teaching Assistant
Jennifer Richards
MS Student
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
Office location: Berry Center 112A
Email: jricha40@uwyo.edu
Office hours: Tuesday 10 AM to 12 Noon and by appointment
Course Meeting Time
MWF 9:00 to 9:50 am
Course Meeting Location
AgC 41
Course Website
http://www.uwyo.edu/dgw/rewm3500.html
Overview
This 3-credit course examines plant physiological processes that have relevance to the ecology and management of rangeland and forest ecosystems. Topics include carbon assimilation, water and energy relations, and mineral nutrition as applied to plant distributions, plant and system responses to grazing, and plant tolerance of extreme conditions including drought, excessive temperatures and changes in climate.
Reading Material
Required textbook: Taiz and Zeiger (2010) Plant Physiology. 5th Edition. Sinauer Associates, Inc. Publishers. Sunderland, MA. Companion website. Copies of additional reading materials (articles and textbook chapters) will be provided to students by the instructors.
Grading
3 lecture exams 300 points
3 problem sets 75 points
research exercise 25 points
attendance see below
total possible 400 points
Grade scale:
A = 360-400 points (90-100%)
B = 320-359 points (80-89%)
C = 280-319 points (70-79%)
D = 240-279 points (60-69%)
F = less than 240 points (<60%)
Exams: Lecture exams will test conceptual understanding of course material. The three non-comprehensive 50-minute exams will consist of short answer, essay-type questions and quantitative problems. Material for these exams will come directly from lectures, assigned readings and homework assignments. There is no final comprehensive exam. You must make arrangements with the instructor for retakes prior to missing a lecture exam. Retakes will be granted only to those with verifiable, legitimate excuses for missing the scheduled exam period (see above). Missed exams will count as ZERO if the above conditions are not met. Look here for exams from previous years: Exams from previous years
Problem sets: Three problem sets will address specific topics in a very practical way and in greater detail than will be discussed in lecture. These assignments are designed to provide hands-on experience with quantitative models and calculations, conceptual theories, or computer simulations that address important ecophysiological processes in rangeland and forest plants.
Research exercise: Students will conduct a collaborative research project on plant stress responses. The project will introduce students to some basic experimental methods, data analysis and interpretation in plant physiological ecology. Students will gain an appreciation for the scientific method and develop skills with scientific writing and communication in the form of a research report. It is vital to your academic and career development that you be able to convey effectively your knowledge through writing. To reinforce and refine your writing skills, all REWM courses required for the BS degree in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management will include writing assignments that will assess proper composition (e.g., grammar, punctuation) as part of the grade. You are encouraged to consider accessing numerous resources on campus that are dedicated to providing assistance for enhancing student writing skills (e.g., the Ellbogen writing center (766-5250), the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources academic success tutors (766-3046), and the Student Educational Opportunity office (766-6189)).
Attendance: We do not penalize students’ grades for unauthorized absences. Roll will be taken at each class meeting time, but this is only a way for us to monitor your involvement. Attendance will be taken into consideration when determining how to assign final grades in borderline cases, and will be used only to ‘bump up’ under these circumstances. The University policy on attendance and authorized absences is described here: http://www.uwyo.edu/dos/absences/index.html
IMPORTANT: You must make arrangements with the instructor for retakes prior to missing a lecture exam. Retakes will be granted only to those with verifiable, legitimate excuses for missing the scheduled exam period (see above). Missed exams will count as ZERO if the above conditions are not met. Problem sets must be handed in by 9 am on scheduled due dates. There are no exceptions.
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Academic Dishonesty
University Regulation 802, Revision 2 (1992), prohibits any form of academic dishonesty. An act is academically dishonest when it is an act attempted or performed which misrepresents one’s involvement in an academic task in any way, or permits another student to misrepresent the latter’s involvement in an academic task by assisting in the misrepresentation. See entire text of UNIREG 802: http://www.uwyo.edu/generalcounselsupport/clean%20uw%20regulations/UW%20Reg%206-802.pdf
Course Withdrawal
Students withdrawing from this course must notify the instructor prior to nonattendance in classes and execute drop or withdrawal in accordance with the UW General Bulletin. For more information see: http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/Students/Registration_Information.html
Additional Information
Special needs: Students needing special accommodations or special services should contact Student Educational Opportunity Services, Knight Hall, Room 330, 766-6189.
For further information see: http://www.uwyo.edu/seo/index.html
Privacy: This course abides by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, PL-380). For further information see: http://www.uwyo.edu/REGISTRAR/FERPA/
Non-discrimination statement: A campus environment characterized by diversity, free inquiry, free expression, and balanced by interpersonal civility has always been, and continues to be, a top priority of the University of Wyoming. Civil discourse is an essential aspect of the search for and transmission of knowledge. Words and actions that promote and encourage self worth, respect and dignity are consistent with the University’s mission. Conversely, words or actions that reflect prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination are antithetical to the mission of the University and can not be countenanced. Specifically, racist and other discriminatory or harassing conduct based on gender, color, disability, sexual orientation, religious preference, national origin, ancestry, or age impair and disrupt legitimate University functions. Every effort, within the context and protection of First Amendment rights, will be expended to eliminate such conduct from the campus community. Teaching our students to live productively in a multicultural/multiethnic environment here at the University of Wyoming. It is the obligation of faculty, staff, students, and the administration of the University of Wyoming to provide this environment.