Time Schedule:
Veronica Sandra Distilio
BIOL 489
Seattle Campus
Supervised readings and group discussion. Recommended: one upper division course emphasizing plant biology
Class description
This course explores plant reproductive biology with an evolutionary perspective, from the ecological to the molecular levels of organization. It includes subjects such as the effect of habitat fragmentation on plant reproduction, plant-pollinator co-evolution, sex determination and sex chromosomes, the genetic basis of angiosperm flower development and pollen-ovule signaling.
Student learning goals
Learn to read the primary literature critically and effectively: distill main ideas, interpret figures and draw your own conclusions from the data presented
Understand the evolution-of-development approach in biological research.
Have a broad background in evo-devo research in plant biology in relation to similar approaches in other organisms (e.g. animal body patterning and HOX genes).
Gain an appreciation of some of the most fascinating areas of current research in plant biology, with an emphasis on the genetic basis of plant evolution.
General method of instruction
The instructor introduces the weekly topics followed by student presentations of research articles and group discussion.
Recommended preparation
BIOL 354 OR 355 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Read assigned journal articles thoroughly before class. Use background readings to help clarify concepts, look up any related articles that can help understand your assigned reading. Participate actively in discussions. Prepare your presentation with plenty of advance time, get feedback from instructor before presentation.
Class assignments and grading
Weekly readings (10-15 pages), questionnaire to assess learning at the end of each week, one individual presentation, one quiz question at the beginning of each session.
50% individual presentation (includes preparing written questionnaire for class discussion) 30 % participation in discussions/preparedness 20% weekly questionnaires and quiz question
