Natural Science 0218 - Experiments in Plant Ecology

The plant kingdom is vastly diverse, and this diversity structures ecosystem function and ecological interactions within communities. How do scientists study plants, and how does society influence the interpretation and communication of these scientific findings? We will cover topics in plant structure and function, ecology, and consider the intersection of sexism and pollen, xenophobia and invasion ecology, and sentience and botany. Our goal is to find wonder in the natural world, develop tools for observing natural history, and create a foundation for understanding plant ecology This course will rely on reading primary literature and conducting original experiments in the associated lab to learn about experimental design with an emphasis on hypothesis testing, methods of data collection, and introductory data analysis. The ability to pose clear questions, state hypotheses, and design experiments to test these hypotheses is of fundamental importance for all learners, regardless of plans for a future career in science Keywords:botany, biology, research methods

Environments and Change This course can be used to fulfill the Division II Project requirement Students should expect to spend 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time BOOKS: Title:How to do Ecology: a concise handbook Author:Karban, Huntzinger, and Pearse ISBN:9780691245751 Cost:27.95 Library Materials: How to do Ecology 3rd Edition. Karban, Huntzinger, and Pearse Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to all Creation. Olivia Judson