BIO-224 Dendrology and Field Botany

Field study, identification and natural history of non-woody and woody plant species and the communities to which they belong. Uses of forest trees by humans and wildlife is emphasized.

Credits

3

Cross Listed Courses

CON-224

Department

• Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

For more detailed course information view the Course Outline

BIO 224: Dendrology and Field Botany

Department

Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Course Description

Field study, identification and natural history of non-woody and woody plant species and the communities to which they belong. Uses of forest trees by humans and wildlife is emphasized.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	4
Lab	0
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Practice plant identification skills using dichotomous keys for major plant groups (e.g. woody plants, wildflowers, ferns, mosses).
2. Describe morphological features (vegetative and reproductive) of major plant groups (e.g. woody plants, wildflowers, ferns, mosses).
3. Create portfolio of herbarium specimens.
4. Apply fundamental species concepts (description and ecology) to larger biome scale patterns.
5. Evaluate woody plant utilization by humans and wildlife.

Topic Outline

1. Plant classification
2. Scientific nomenclature
3. Vegetative and reproductive morphology 
4. Identification keys 
5. Important forest trees (natural history, phenology, ecology, phytogeography
6. Winter tree identification
7. Forest tree associates (shrubs, veins, herbaceous plants, ground cover species)
8. Natural community classification emphasizing the eastern deciduous forest biome
9. Special topics (e.g., old growth forests, dendrochronology, tree restoration projects)