Botany of Seed Plants - BIOL 201

• Course held at: Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College

• Professor: Dr. John Mischler (Faculty Profile)

• Office: Oshtemo

• Phone: (309) 264-6946

• Email: jamischler@goshen.edu

• Co-Lecturer: Ruth Mischler; ramischler@goshen.edu

Botany is the scientific study of plants. Plants and people affect each other in many ways- food, fiber, medicine, habitat, and culture. In this course we will study plant structure, the physical body of a plant (stems, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds and their adaptations); plant physiology and development, the invisible chemical reactions and metabolic pathways of plants (growth, transport, photosynthesis and respiration) and the plant-human interaction. We will encounter plants in their natural environment and learn to identify a number of local species.

During this course students will be assessed by their specific ability to:

• Display mastery of course content regarding plant structures, development, reactions and interactions.

• Communicate and evaluate botanical concepts within a broad spectrum of literary forms

Reading will be made available to students free of charge.

• Exams - 3@100pts 300pts

• Lab Write-Ups - 12@60pts 720pts

• Plant YouTube Presentation 100pts

• Group Peer Evaluation 40pts

• Exam Questions - 3@15pts 45pts

• Reflection Papers 30pts each - assigned as needed

• Other Assignments points vary - assigned as needed

| A = 94 to 100 | A- = 90 to 93 | B+ = 87 to 89 | B = 84 to 86 | B- = 80 to 83 | C+ = 77 to 79 | C = 74 to 76 | C- = 69 to 73 | D = 60 to 68 | F < 60 |

• Grade Disputes: While I strive to be fair to all students, grade disputes may occur. If you feel that you have been graded unjustly, please speak to me first. I am happy to work with all students to make sure their competency is reflected in their grade.

• Late or Missing Work: No unexcused late work is accepted. You either turn it in when it is due or you don’t turn it in at all. That being said, accommodations will be made for those with excused absences or special circumstances.

• Access to Grades: Please check Moodle as your grades will be periodically uploaded throughout the semester.

• Absences: No unexcused absences. If you know ahead of time that you will be missing class for an excused absence (doctors appointment, etc.) please make plans with me ahead of time to make up any missed work. If you must take a sudden excused absence (sickness, death in the family, etc.) please contact me as soon as you are able to make plans for making up any missed work/material. It is your responsibility to make sure all work is handed in.

• Accommodations: Please let me know if you are concerned about any issues that may inhibit your ability to learn and perform in this course. I am happy to work with all students to see that everyone has a fair chance to succeed. Goshen College offers all students equal access to classes and programs. If you have a disability and wish to request accommodations, please contact Judy Weaver in the Academic Success Center (Good Library 113). You will be asked to provide documentation of your disability. All information will be held in the strictest confidence. Phone: 574-535-7560; Email: jweaver@goshen.edu.

  • • • • More information at: www.goshen.edu/campuslife/asc/disabilities-services/

• Academic Dishonesty - We will follow Goshen College’s policy regarding discipline and academic dishonesty. At all costs please avoid plagiarism. I expect all students to adhere to Goshen’s Commitment to Community Standards

• Tutoring - The Academic Success Center provides course tutors and writing tutors at no extra cost (even in the summer!)...please use this resource!

• We all need a mental health check up from time to time. Please know that Goshen College has counselors and other mental health services available free of charge to students through Campus Life

• If you are aware of any sexual misconduct, please report it to the Title IX office on campus