Spring Flora (336-0-01)
Instructors
Nora Scally Gavin-Smyth
Meeting Info
TBA: Mon 10:00AM - 11:20AM
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 learning the process of identifying major components of the local flora. Understanding vegetative and reproductive structures of plants, and 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 at Evanston campus on Mondays. We will meet on Wednesdays for the field experience outdoors at the Chicago Botanic Garden or at nearby natural areas, though the first field classes of the quarter will be held at Northwestern.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: Bio 203, 339, 341, 342, 346, 347, 349, or 350; or Env Sci 202, or permission of instructor
Teaching Method
Lectures on Monday at Northwestern, and outdoor field study on Wednesdays at the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you do not have a way to get to the Garden, transportation can be arranged for you. 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 & exams, independent project.
Class Materials (Required)
10x to 20x Magnification Loupe. Here is an example:
• 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 - NON-COMPLIANT TIME/ASSIGN LATE: Wed 10:00AM - 12:50PM