BOT 120 — Introduction To Plant Science
This is an introductory course in plant biology designed to introduce students to fundamental and unifying principles of biology and to cover in some depth many of the facets of botany. Topics will include chemistry, cell biology with an emphasis on plant cells, plant structure and response to environment, a taxonomic survey of major plant groups including their life cycles and characteristics, plant ecology, and evolution. The course will both fulfill the general education life science lab requirement and prepare students for a life science major. Field trips to examine local plant communities are part of the class. Students will also conduct a research project, prepare a scientific paper, and make a presentation based on their project.