Physiological Plant Ecology
EEOB 674
Autumn Quarter 2001
(Call # 18837-6)

Instructors:
Dr. Peter S. Curtis
292-0835, rm 058 B&Z
Office Hours: M 4-5, R 2-3, curtis.7@osu.edu

Dr. Brian Bovard (week 4)
292-6454, rm 030 B&Z
Office hours by appointment, bovard.1@osu.edu

Lectures:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:30-11:48
Room 014 B&Z

Recitation/Demonstration:
Thursday 10:30-11:48
Room 014 B&Z

Prerequisites:
EEOB 413.01 (General Ecology) and 15 credit hrs in biological science.
PB 436 (Plant Physiology) or equivalent recommended.

Textbook:
Lambers, H., F.S. Chapin III, and T.L. Pons. 1998. Plant Physiological Ecology. Springer-Verlag, New York.
Plus additional required readings

Overview:
In this course we consider fundamental principles governing whole-plant and stand-level responses to the environment. Major topics include: photosynthesis, respiration, water and nutrient relations, plant growth analysis, symbioses, herbivory, and biosphere-atmosphere interactions. Demonstration sessions focus on exposure to techniques of modern plant physiological ecology.

Grading:
1st midterm exam 50 pts
2nd midterm exam 50 pts
Term paper outline 10 pts
Peer edit 25 pts
Term paper 50 pts
Final exam 50 pts
Total 235 pts

Course grade will be assigned on the basis of the percentage of the total points earned where: 93% or greater = A, 90-92% = A-, 87-89% = B+, 83-86% = B, 80-82% = B-, 77-79% = C+, 73-76% = C, 70-72% = C-, 67-69% = D+, 60-66% = D, less than 60% = E.

Wk # DATE LECTURE TOPIC READINGS* OTHER
1 19-Sep Introduction & historical overview 1-8  
  20-Sep Recitation 1: Term paper and peer editing. TBA  
  21-Sep Photosynthesis 1: Diffusion, conductance, assimilation 10-24  
2 24-Sep Photosynthesis 2: Responses to the light environment 25-50  
  26-Sep Photosynthesis 3: Response to water and nutrients 50-61  
  27-Sep Demo 1: Gas exchange with the LI-6400 Ch 11 P  
  28-Sep Photosynthesis 4: C4 and CAM plants 62-89  
3 1-Oct Radiation 1: The energy balance 210-220  
  3-Oct Radiation 2: Responses to extreme temperatures 221-229  
  4-Oct Demo 2: Light and temp measurements Ch 6.4, 7.4 P  
  5-Oct Literature disc 1: photosynthesis and radiation L1  
4 8-Oct Water relations 1: Principles of water movement 154-168  
  10-Oct Water relations 2: Water movement through the plant 169-195  
  11-Oct Demo 3: Water relations & leaf area measurements Ch 9.2 P  
  12-Oct Water relations 3: Adaptations to drought and salinity 195-204  
5 15-Oct Literature disc 2: water relations L2    
  17-Oct Respiration 1: Principles and response to stress 96-122    
  18-Oct Recitation 2: exam review      
  19-Oct EXAM 1 (through 15 Oct)      
6 22-Oct Respiration 2: Role in the plant carbon budget 122-134    
  24-Oct Nutrient relations 1: Acquisition and uptake. 239-266    
  25-Oct Demo 4: Practicing with the gear   Term paper outline due.  
  26-Oct Nutrient relations 2: Dealing with extreme soils. 266-282    
7 29-Oct Nutrient relations 3: Nutrient use efficiency. 282-292    
  31-Oct Plant growth analysis 1 TBA    
  1-Nov Literature disc 3: nutrient relations L3    
  2-Nov Plant growth analysis 2 TBA    
8 5-Nov Relative growth rate 1: Determinants of RGR 299-339    
  7-Nov Relative growth rate 2: Variation in RGR. 340-345    
  8-Nov Literature disc 4; growth analysis L4    
  9-Nov Biotic interactions 1: Symbioses 378-408    
9 12-Nov Veterans Day, no classes      
  14-Nov Biotic interactions 2: Secondary chemistry 413-433    
  15-Nov Recitation 3: exam review   First drafts due to peer reviewers  
  16-Nov Biotic interactions 3: Competition 458-483    
10 19-Nov EXAM 2 (through 16 Nov)      
  21-Nov Recitation 4: peer editing revisited      
  22-Nov Thanksgiving, no classes      
  23-Nov Columbus day observed, no classes      
11 26-Nov Biosphere-atmosphere interactions 1 503-515 Drafts due back to authors  
  28-Nov Biosphere-atmosphere interactions 2 TBA    
  29-Nov Literature disc 5; biosphere-atmosphere interactions L5    
  30-Nov Global climate change and ecosystem processes TBA    
12 3-Dec     TERM PAPERS DUE, 5:00p  
  5-Dec FINAL EXAM 7:30 am (comprehensive)      
 
           

*Page listings refer to Lambers et al., chapter listings followed by 'P' refer to Pearcy et al., and 'L' listings refer to the list of assigned journal readings.