Spring Flora (336-0-20)
Instructors
Katherine Wenzell
Meeting Info
Frances Searle Building 3220: Mon 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Spring Flora merges aspects of plant evolution and identification (with an emphasis on learning about the local flora) with plant ecology (with an emphasis on ecological interactions and adaptations). This course takes a field-based approach to learn the process of identifying major components of the local flora. Understanding the vegetative and reproductive structures of plants and the use of this knowledge to identify plants with taxonomic keys will be emphasized. Ecological interactions, adaptations, and related conservation issues will also be discussed. The lecture portion of the course will take place synchronously on NU campus (in Evanston) on Monday. The field component will be offered on Wednesday, outdoors on campus, at Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL) or in nearby natural areas. Transportation can be arranged for those who need it.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: Bio 203, 339, 341, 342, 346, 347, 349, or 350; or Env Sci 202, or permission of instructor
Teaching Method
Lecture on Monday at Northwestern, and outdoor field study on Wednesday at either Northwestern (early in the quarter) or the Chicago Botanic Garden (later in the quarter). Travel time to Chicago Botanic Garden is not included in class time, so allow 45 minutes before and after class for travel.
Evaluation Method
Weekly activities, quizzes, independent project.
Class Materials (Required)
10x to 20x Magnification Loupe. Here are a number of examples:
https://www.amazon.com/SE-10x-Illuminated-Jewelers-Loupe/dp/B00OZOGDNU/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_w=TDJEn&content-id=amzn1.sym.db26482d-f2e6-4f69-a20a-6ff6cd9fa602&pf_rd_p=db26482d-f2e6-4f69-a20a-6ff6cd9fa602&pf_rd_r=ANXEDN0K4027RKSAXHMJ&pd_rd_wg=D4ha2&pd_rd_r=46a3a12c-f4b9-443c-a66d-c169877cb076&pd_rd_i=B00OZOGDNU&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/JPLC2-10X-10X-PRINTERS-POCKET-MADE/dp/B071NGSHHR/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2B1SWU984NF2M&keywords=loupe+10x+made+in+usa&qid=1674682681&sprefix=loupe+10x+made+in+usa%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPWU8S?tag=intergemsocie-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1
https://www.forestry-suppliers.com/p/61130/31940/donegan-optical-loupe-magnifier
Plant Dissection kit, similar to the one shown here:
https://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/products.php?mi=81101&itemnum=53872&redir=Y
A field notebook. Any book that you feel comfortable bringing in the field to make notes and make sketches.
Class Attributes
Prerequisites apply, see description
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 203-0, or BIOL_SCI 339-0, or BIOL_SCI 341, or BIOL_SCI 342-0, or ENVR_SCI 202-0 to register for this course.
Associated Classes
LAB - TBA: Wed 10:00AM - 12:50PM