Time Schedule:
Sharon L Doty
ESRM 490
Seattle Campus
Individual tutorial study of topics or courses under development to address the latest scientific developments in forest resources. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
Description of how plants and animals adapt to environmental challenges, and how mutualistic relationships with microbes are involved in some of the adaptations. Specifically, we will discuss how plants survive on the rocks (low nutrients), at the beach (high salt), at hot springs, after eruptions. We will also discuss some of the environmental challenges that animals face including getting energy from eating nothing but grass, surviving predation using luminescent bacteria (in marine animals), high altitude, osmotic shock (fresh water to salt water and back again). We will also touch on astrobiology.
Student learning goals
In order to understand mechanisms, students will be taught the simplified basics about microbes, microbial physiology, plant physiology, nutrient acquisition, plant hormones, cell to cell communication, etc. The lectures will generally cover first the big picture, then narrow in to the possible mechanisms.
General method of instruction
PowerPoint presentations and overheads.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites. Although no text book is required, any basic biology text such as the required for Biology 180 would be helpful.
Class assignments and grading
One writing assignment on any one of the topics discussed in class.
Two midterms, a final exam, and one writing assignment.
