This course will examine the ecology of plants at different levels: individual, population, and community.  Our focus will be on the interactions of plants with eachother, with other organisms, and with their environment.  A general background in ecology is assumed (Prerequisite: PCB 3043, a general ecology class, or permission of instructor).  Basic principles and foundations of the field will be considered as well as current research. Readings will come from a textbook (see syllabus that follows) and articles from the literature to expand the topics.  Lectures will be interspersed with discussion activities to maximize student participation in the learning process.  Students will each have several opportunities to lead class discussions, as well as being prepared to participate in each discussion.  Graduate students will have greater responsiblities, and handle the more difficult papers, in these discussions. 

You are expected to be on time to class, and to stay the full period. You are expected to maintain high standards of academic honesty. Any student found in violation of these standards will earn an automatic F and be reported to the Deans Office, no exceptions made. In accordance with FIU's policy on academic honesty, as set forth in Section 2.44 of the Academic Affairs Policies and Procedures Manual (http://academic.fiu.edu/docs/aapolicies.htm), it is expected that students in Plant Ecology will not submit the academic work of another as their own. Additional discussion of academic honesty and integrity may be found in the Manual of Student Conduct.

Learning Outcomes

Students pursuing lab activities will gain experience in field and lab research in plant ecology, be able to collect and analyze data, and interpret findings in written and oral presentations.  They will succeed in working in teams, monitoring the growth of experimental plants, and measuring the outcome of manipulative experiments in the field.  All these skills will prepare them for future work in natural areas management, research, or teaching in science.