Course for non-majors that uses vegetation differences among
Georgia’s physiographic provinces as a framework for
understanding how living systems function and the interaction
of science and society. There is an emphasis on conservation
issues, including invasive species and climate change. Experts
take students on virtual hikes through special places in
Georgia.
Athena Title
Natural History of GA Plants
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
1) identify climate, soil, and vegetation differences among the 5 physiographic provinces of Georgia,
2) identify the dominant, representative species of each province,
3) understand how Georgia vegetation has changed over evolutionary and historical time scales,
4) understand the potential negative impacts of climate change and invasive and exotic species on vegetation of Georgia,
5) explain prevailing scientific theories related to vegetation changes and evaluate whether they are supported by
scientific evidence,
6) debate conservation and sustainability challenges faced by the unique and special habitats across Georgia,
7) prepare a final project on a natural area of their choice, making use of data in publicly available databases and using contemporary technology to illustrate and present such information; including making graphs or figures, developing a literature cited section, and usually constructing a PowerPoint slideshow or animation with narration.
Students will be able to identify common Georgia plants.
Students will be able to explain how climate and geology influence vegetation types in Georgia.
Students will be able to pinpoint current and historical forces of change that influence Georgia's ecosystems.
Topical Outline
I. Determinants of a species’ ranges from ecological and
historical perspectives.
This section of the course provides a foundation of basic
biological and ecological knowledge covering how plants grow,
their essential requirements, the causes and patterns of
variation in climate and soils (both within GA as well as
globally). In addition, several lectures explore geological
as well as pre-settlement and post-settlement history of the
land that would become Georgia to help the students to
appreciate the timeline of development and change in our
vegetation and habitats. Topics include:
a) Climate
b) Geology, soils, and topography
c) Deep history
d) Pleistocene history
e) Pre-European vegetation
II. Survey of major vegetation of the Physiographic
provinces.
This section of the course focuses on the variety of habitats
and vegetation types, as well as dominant species, across the
state of Georgia.
a) Vegetation of the coast
b) Vegetation of the coastal plain
c) Vegetation of the piedmont
d) Vegetation of the Blue Ridge
e) Vegetation of the Ridge and Valley, and Cumberland Plateau
III. Conservation challenges.
This section of the course examines the various major
environmental concerns that have and will impact natural
habitats and vegetation of GA, concentrating on exotic and
invasive species, forest management, and climate change.
Topics include:
a) Exotic & invasive plants
b) Diseases, pathogens, and animals
c) Rare and endangered species
d) Climate change
