Department of Biology
Plant Systematics: Bio 435
General Biology

Plant Taxonomy or Systematic Botany is the science of identifying, naming, and classifying plants. While plant taxonomy itself is an interesting field, it is also vital to many other botanical and biological fields. Plant ecology, the study of the interactions of plants with each other and their environment depends on persons with a good taxonomic background. Wildlife studies, wetland studies, and resource management studies also require identification of the species in the plant community.

There is a demand for individuals with good plant identification skills. For example, most National Forests and Natural Resource agencies hire a field botanist. Wetland delineation involves being able to identify wetland plants.
This course will give you the basic skills necessary to identify plants. The course will acquaint you will the science of Systematic Botany and with some of the extensive terminology taxonomists use to identify plants. You will also become familiar with the major plant families and will learn to identify many local species on sight.

Catalog Description:
Plant Systematics (Bio 435) - 3 semester hours, 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab per week. The diversity of plants, their identification, naming, classification and evolution. Field trips required. Prerequisite: Three semesters of biology. Lab fee $10. Travel fee required.

 

 

Instructor: Dr. VanKely

Rotation: This course is ONLY offered during the Spring semester.

 

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