Course explores plant biology concepts and their connection to the world at large through lab activities, data collection, simulations, and visits to the greenhouse and herbarium. Students will also enhance their critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills while improving career readiness and gaining marketable skills applicable to any major.
Athena Title
Plants and the World Lab
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 1113E, BIOL 1103L
Pre or Corequisite
PBIO 1210
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will evaluate the impact of invasive plant species.
Students will create and interpret informative figures with data.
Students will analyze data related to a question.
Students will develop good data keeping practices.
Students will compare plant cells and tissues and their function.
Students will practice seven competencies that prepare them to join the workforce.
Students will practice the process of writing, receive feedback and improve their overall writing skills.
Students will work effectively on a team and offer constructive feedback.
Topical Outline
Lab logistics and microscope use
Cell structure in plants
Acknowledging sources of information
Plant structure (tissues characteristic of plants)
Scientific method and data collection (photosynthesis experiment)
Data analysis and creation of figures (photosynthesis experiment)
Natural selection (trip to the trial gardens and data simulation)
Plant adaptations (greenhouse visit)
Plant diversity (herbarium tour)
Data collection, cleaning, mapping, and analysis (invasive species)
Preparing scientific presentations to convey research results
General Education Core
CORE II: Life Sciences
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
