STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Recognize and understand terminology, facts, methodologies, and concepts related to the nature of plant biology.

 II.     Apply the concepts to interpret new situations relating to the biology of plants.

 III.    Recognize and understand characteristics of the major categories of plants on earth.

 IV.     Experience in the laboratory and in the field the principles, procedures, and techniques of plant biology research, including measurement, data representation, problem solving, and critical analysis.

 V.      Appreciate plant biology as a science and realize the importance of plant research and plant conservation in today¿s society.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      The Biology of Plants

         A.      The Characteristics of Life.

         B.      The Chemical Basis of Life.

         C.      The Cellular Basis of Life.

         D.      The Genetic Basis of Life.

         E.      The Diversity of Life.

         F.      Taxonomy.

         G.      Evolution.

 II.     Phylogeny of Plants

         A.      Origin of Life on Earth.

         B.      Photosynthetic Prokaryotes.

         C.      Plant-like Protists.

         D.      The Evolution of Plants.

 III.    General Characteristics of Plants

         A.      Plant Cells, Tissues, and Organs.

         B.      Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration.

         C.      Meristematic Growth.

         D.      Sexual and Asexual Reproduction.

         E.      Alternation of Generations.

         F.      Terrestrial Adaptations.

 IV.     Classification of Plants

         A.      Classification Criteria.

         B.      Major Divisions of Plants.

         C.      Common Colorado Plants.

 V.      The Structure and Function of Seed Plants

         A.      Fertilization and Seed Development.

         B.      Seed Germination and Seedling Development.

         C.      Shoots and Roots.

         D.      Hormonal Regulation.

         E.      Primary and Secondary Growth.

         F.      Mechanisms of Transport of Substances.

         G.      Plant Nutrition and Soils.

 VI.     Reproduction in Flowering Plants

         A.      Flowers.

         B.      Pollination Mechanisms.

         C.      Fruits.

         D.      Seed Dispersal Mechanisms.

 VII.    Ecology

         A.      The Biosphere.

         B.      Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems.

         C.      Changes in Populations and Communities.

         D.      The Role of Plants in Ecosystems.

         E.      Terrestrial Biomes.

         F.      Environmental Concerns.

 VIII.   Plants and People

         A.      Agriculture.

         B.      Horticulture.

 IX.     Medicinal Uses of Plants