Plant related courses offered by the Bates Biology Department

BIO 117. Plants and Human Affairs.

A survey of economically and historically important plants, with emphasis on aspects of agronomy, forestry, plant biochemistry, and ethnobotany. Plant products studied include perfumes, spices, medicinals, fermentation products, oils, rubber, textiles, wood, sugar, cereals, and legumes. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO 124 or s20. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO s11. Enrollment limited to 40. [S] B. Huggett.

BIO 190. Organismal Biology/Lab.

An introduction to the biology of plants and animals with an emphasis on the evolution of structure, function, and diversity within these groups. The inquiry-based, collaborative laboratory studies introduce students to fundamental principles of form and function in the organismal world, the quantitative analysis of data, scientific writing, and utilizing the primary literature. This course is intended to serve as the entry point for all life science majors including biology, biological chemistry, neuroscience, and environmental studies (science concentration). Not open to students who have received credit for BIO 101. Enrollment limited to 70. [S] [L] [Q]Normally offered every year. Staff.

BIO 221. Plant and Fungal Diversity/Lab.

A survey of fungi, plant-like protists and monerans, algae, bryophytes, ferns and fern allies, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. Lecture, laboratory, and field studies emphasize diversity in morphology, physiology, evolution, ecology, and human uses. Prerequisite(s): one 100-level biology course. Open to first-year students. [S] [L] [Q] B. Huggett.

BI/ES 232. Global Change in Terrestrial Systems.

In this course students investigate how global change is affecting terrestrial ecosystems. Plants are the dominant organisms in these systems. Students discuss how adaptations to particular environments may favor or hinder individual species in the future, and how ecology and physiology interact when it comes to species responses to global change. They consider processes from the leaf to ecosystem levels and discuss how natural and agricultural systems are likely to be affected by changes in temperature and water availability, rising carbon dioxide and gaseous pollutants, and alterations in soil chemistry and nutrient availability. Prerequisite(s): BIO 117, 124, 190, or ENVR 203. Open to first-year students. [S] Staff.

BIO 265. Invasive Plant Ecology/Lab.

Species transported and established beyond their original range may become invasive, changing the distribution and abundance of local species, and altering the composition, structure, and dynamics of local communities. This course uses knowledge of the ecology of plants—including individual adaptations and abilities; population dynamics; community patterns and dynamics; life history and reproduction; and interactions with mutualists, competitors, and herbivores—to recognize and evaluate the patterns and causes of invasive plant species’ effects on communities and ecosystems. Discussions of research literature emphasize the mechanisms of effects; field laboratories emphasize identification, assessment in common and rare local community types, and management planning. Some Saturday field trip laboratories are required. Prerequisite(s): BIO 190, 221, or 270. Enrollment limited to 12. [S] [L] Staff.

BIO 270. Ecology and Evolution/Lab.

An introduction to ecological and evolutionary patterns, principles, and processes. Topics include life history and adaptation, speciation, mechanisms of evolution, population dynamics and interactions, community structure, and ecosystem processes. Laboratories include experimental investigations of several levels of biological organization using cooperative lab groups. Prerequisite(s): BIO 190. [S] [L][Q] [W2] Normally offered every year. Staff.

BI/ES 271. Dendrology and the Natural History of Trees/Lab.

In this field-based course, students engage in the scientific study of the natural history and identification of trees and important shrubs native to New England, and some commonly planted non-native trees. Topics include the anatomy, function, taxonomy, biology, and uses of trees. Lecture topics support weekly outdoor laboratories, which include trips to such field sites as the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, and Wolfe’s Neck State Park. Study of the woody flora of New England serves as a foundation for further work in biology, environmental studies, conservation, or related fields. Prerequisite(s): BIO 117, 124, 190, or ENVR 203. Enrollment limited to 18. B. Huggett.

BIO 380. Plant Physiology/Lab.

A study of organismal and cellular functions important in the life of green plants. Topics include mineral nutrition, water relations, metabolism, and regulatory processes. Prerequisite(s): BIO 242. Enrollment limited to 20. [S] [L] [Q] B. Huggett.

BIO s37. The North Woods.

An investigation of the patterns and history of New England’s forests and associated plant communities, with an emphasis on field study and research. Students review the influences of geological patterns, climate, unusual soil and water conditions, natural disturbances, invasive plants and insects, and human activities on community type, occurrence, and history. Central to the course are visits to a variety of field sites, where students learn to describe the structure, composition, and history of several communities. Primary literature is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): BIO 270 or ENVR 310. Enrollment limited to 8. [S] [L] B. Huggett.

BIO s38. Plant Ecology.

Plants form the base of terrestrial ecosystems and, because they are easy to observe, play a prominent role in ecological research. This course explores interactions between terrestrial plants and their environments, focusing on the population and community levels of ecology. It emphasizes independent field research and will include substantial time spent outdoors, as well as some overnight field trips. A major goal of the course is to enable students to apply ecological knowledge to decision-making, particularly in the context of conservation efforts. Prerequisite(s): Biology 270. New course beginning Short Term 2016. Enrollment limited to 20. C. Essenberg.