PLB 441  Plant  Ecology

Fall Term (3 credits). Tues & Thurs 10:20 – 11:40

Course description.  This advanced, inquiry-based ecology course examines the intriguing ways in which plants interact with their environments and influence ecological dynamics and evolution.  We investigate how plants sense and respond to environmental stimuli, shape patterns of biodiversity, and influence Earth system function. We explore these topics in the context of the full sweep of Earth history with special emphasis on the Phanerozoic Eon and the rise of angiosperms.

As we focus on the science of plant ecology, we place strong emphasis on the professional development of each individual student. The course offers significant opportunities to strengthen one’s skills in thinking and communicating about scientific research and to consider how these skills can be employed in future careers. Each student is expected to increase his or her understanding of best practices in scientific research and skills in formulating questions and synthesizing information.