Botany 305 “Principles of Plant Structure”

(aka “Plant Morphology and Evolution”)

To be offered in the Spring of odd years for the first time in a decade!

Integrated Lectures (Tues/Thurs: 9:55-10:45) & Labs (Tues/Thurs: 1:20-3:15 OR 3:30-5:25)

Instrutor: Dr. Ken Cameron, Professor of Botany (kmcameron@wisc.edu)

4 credits.  Intermediate. Biological Sciences

Official Course Description: Principles of plant structure focusing on major organ systems (roots, stems, leaves) of flowering plants, but including relevant examples from other plant groups. Structural adaptation of plants living in unusual environments; comparison of reproductive structures in terrestrial plants; lecture and lab.

Unofficial: This course presents a broad survey of the diversity of the plant kingdom in the context of their evolutionary history.  The structural differences among extant bryophytes, lycopods, ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants will be emphasized along with study of fossil plants.  Hands-on methods of light and scanning electron microscopy will be taught, and students will have direct access to preserved as well as living specimens in the greenhouse, UW’s new Mesozoic Garden, and the field.