Plant Physiology

Upon completion of this course, students will be able:

• To describe the basic structure and composition of plants cells
• To discern the basic functions of each plant cell organelle
• To understand the genetic, hormonal, and environmental controls of plant development
• To understand the genetic, hormonal, and environmental controls of physiological processes in plants
• To recognize that the advances and breakthroughs in plant physiology are through the application of the scientific method
• To evaluate experimental results objectively 
• To critically evaluate the scientific literature in plant physiology

Biol 3054, Biol 3064, and Chem 2003

Since this course has a laboratory component, the lecture and laboratory grades are calculated separately.  The lecture and the laboratory weigh 50% each.   If a student fails the laboratory, he/she fails the course.

The final grade is based on the following scale:

90-100   A

80-89     B

70-79     C

60-69     D

< 60       F

Lecture

Tests: There will be a total of three tests including the final examination.  The average of the three tests weighs 40% of your lecture grade.  A list of 10 to 15 questions will be handed out a week before the scheduled test date.  The test will consist of 3-4 questions selected by “lot” from the list.  The tests are not open-book tests. You should prepare concise, informative answers using your notes, textbook, journal articles, and handouts.

Test Calendar

Test 1 February 16

Test 2 April 19

Test 3  May 8, 8:00 -10 PM. Seniors are not exempt from taking the final exam unless they are graduating with honors.

Assignments and participation weigh 60% of the lecture grade.

·      Short assignments and participation 20%

·      Long assignment 40%

• Reading and Evaluating the Scientific Literature in Plant Physiology

Laboratory

Quizzes weigh 20%

Lab notebook weighs 10%

Lab reports weigh 50%. Most lab reports are due a week after each laboratory except for those laboratory exercises that have multiple lab sessions.  The instructor will announce the deadlines accordingly. Lab reports must be typed in 12-point font (Times New Roman), in 1.5-line spacing and must not exceed six pages. All margins must be 1”.  I recommend keeping the lab reports in a three-ring binder after being graded. Your lab notes (modification of procedures, observations, results, calculations, etc.) must be kept in a notebook.

Lab reports must contain:

1)  Your name

2)  Name of the lab exercise

3)  Date (when the laboratory exercise is conducted)

4)  Introduction & objectives

5)  Materials and Methods -brief description of procedures

6)  Results

7)  Discussion:   significance of the results, answers to questions, your conclusions, etc.

8) Literature Cited

REQUIREMENTS TO EARN GRADUATE CREDIT HOURS

To earn graduate credit hours, graduate students must write a review article on a plant physiology topic in the same style, as it would be submitted for publication in a scientific journal. Students will choose a plant physiology journal and follow its style.  The Weblinks module of the course Blackboard contains Internet addresses of several journals for students’ perusal. In addition, graduate students will make a presentation based on their paper to the entire class at the end of the semester. The instructor will provide the guidelines for the outline and paper proper to students at a later time.

Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments must be typed and followed the format below:

Line spacing: 1.5

Margins: 1" all around

Font: Times New Roman

Font size: not smaller than 10 point and not larger than 12

Proper English usage is required.

1.  All assignments are handed in during class.

2.  No late assignments will be accepted unless the student has a compelling reason such as an injury, illness, or family emergency and informs the instructor of the situation in a timely manner (not later than 24 hours).

1. Students must attend lectures and labs.

2. Students must be punctual.  The instructor calls roll everyday.

3.  No make-up tests, quizzes or laboratory reports will be given except in cases of authorized absences (2011-2012) Student Handbook, p.39-40), injury, illness, or family emergency.  If the reason of your absence is a non-life threatening injury or illness or a family emergency, you must contact me without delay.  If the reason of your absence is a university activity (athletic, art, music, etc.), you must furnish a letter from the instructor indicating the reason for the absence. If you must be absent from class for a long period of time because of injury, illness, or family emergency, please contact the Dean of Students.

4.  Unexcused absences from tests, laboratory quizzes, and short assignments will be recorded as zero.

5. Three absences (excused or unexcused) in the laboratory will be grounds for failure of the laboratory.  Therefore, a student who accumulates three absences in the laboratory will receive an F in the course.

1.  Questions are strongly encouraged during class.  However, if you have questions and want to discuss course material or problems with me, please come by my office during my office hours or see your lab instructor during her scheduled office hours.

2.  Students must follow the lecture outline and read the material before coming to class.

3.  Students must follow the university standards of conduct (2011-2012 Student Handbook, p. 70-80).

4.  Graduating seniors are not exempt from taking the final exam unless they are graduating Summa cum laude.

5. YOU MUST TURN OFF CELLULAR PHONES before you enter the classroom and laboratory

6.  Electronic devices are not allowed during quizzes and tests.

7. NO EATING, NO DRINKING, NO SMOKING IN THE LABORATORY AND CLASSROOM

8.  YOU SHALL NOT NAP during lectures and labs.

Cell Phone Etiquette

I personally consider answering a cell phone and text messaging in class very impolite. Students who answer their cell phone and engage in text messaging during class will be asked to leave the classroom and will be considered absent.  If a student needs to have a cell phone on because an extraordinary circumstance (e.g., having a family member sick at home or in the hospital), he/she must let me know about it before class.

Students with Disability

In accordance with the law, MSU provides students with documented disabilities academic accommodations. If you are a student with a disability, please contact me and Disability Support Services, Clark Student Center, room 168, phone: 397-4140.

Intellectual Property

By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a "limited right" in all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course.  The "limited right" shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student's work product in order to verify originality and authenticity, and for educational purposes.