ENVR 162 Applied Botany and Ecosystem Classification is an introduction to the principles of Botany and Ecosystem Classification. Botany lectures will focus on plant classification, botanical terms, plant morphology, and plant physiology. Topics include: plant cell structure, plant tissue function and structure, photosynthesis and respiration, transpiration and translocation. Botany labs will focus on learning to identify about 100 native plants commonly found in the West Kootenay Region of B.C., specifically key indicator species. Ecology lectures will focus on ecosystem classification using the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (BEC) of B.C. Other key topics include the study of climatic factors, disturbance and succession, landscapes and stand structure. Ecology labs focus on classifying ecosystems (including soils, site and vegetation) to site series using BEC. Labs are mainly field based.
Corequisite: ENVR 164
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Explain and use scientific methodology related to botany (plant classification systems, dichotomous keys, plant morphology and life cycles, photosynthesis and respiration, transpiration and translocation)
- Explain and use scientific terminology related to landscape ecology (ecological succession, biodiversity, disturbance)
- Collect, identify and describe the plant species and autecology of selected native plants in the West Kootenay region of BC
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system of BC, including the evaluation of ecosystems to the site series level
- Exhibit professionalism by actively participating in class/lab discussions and field exercises, exhibiting a professional work ethic, and being responsible, attentive, and supportive
Teaching and Learning Approach
This course will be taught through a combination of lecture materials, class discussion, online tools,
assignments, guest lectures, and applied field/lab exercises and activities. Students will participate in groups and
individually in a variety of learning activities including problem-based learning and reflective practice in both
classroom and field settings. All materials will be posted on the course Moodle page.Learning Resources
Required:
Coupe R, Parish R, Lloyd D, editors. 1996. Plants of southern interior British Columbia and the inland northwest.
(Available at the Selkirk College Bookstore)
MacKillop D, Ehman A. 2016. A field guide to ecosystem classification and identification for Southeast British
Columbia: the South-Central Columbia Mountains. Victoria, B.C: Province of British Columbia, Ministry of
Forests. Download at: https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/docs/lmh/LMH70.pdf
Clark M Ann, Choi J, Douglas M. 2018. OpenStax Biology 2nd Edition.
(Available online at: https://openstax.org/books/biology-2e/pages/1-introduction)
Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. 1. Welcome to Selkirk College and the School of Environment and Geomatics Introduction to ENVR 162
2. 2. Plant Classification and Plant Keys Taxonomy, Botanical Terms Plant ID
3. 3. Plant Cells, Tissues, Organs.
4. 4. Plant ID
5. 5. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Plant ID
5.
6. 6. Transpiration and Translocation Plant ID
7. 7. Life Cycles (Alternation of Generations)
8. 8. Intro to Biogeoclimatic Classification System (BEC)
9. 9. BEC Continued, Intro to ecosystem field data collection.
10. 10. No Lecture (Fall Break) Ecosystem data evaluation and BC Standards.
11.
11. Natural Disturbances in Ecosystems, Lecture Quiz 2 (7.5%)
12. 12. Succession in Forested Ecosystems, Ecosystem data assessment.
13. 13. Landscapes and Biodiversity
14. 14. Lecture Review
15. 15. Final Project Due (25%)
Assessment
| Title |
Learning Outcomes |
Value |
| Task 1: Lecture Quiz 1 |
1, 3 |
7.5% |
| Task 2: Plant ID field quiz |
3 |
5% |
| Task 3: Systematics/plant families online assignment |
1 |
5% |
| Task 4: Plant ID field exam |
3 |
25% |
| Task 5: Lecture Quiz 2 |
1, 2 |
7.5% |
| Task 6: Plant Portfolio Assignment |
1, 3 |
10% |
| Task 7: Ecosystem lab assignments |
4, 5 |
5% |
| Task 8: Ecosystem lab exam |
2, 4 |
10% |
| Task 9: Final Project |
1-4 |
25% |
| Total |
100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.