AQUATIC PLANTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Course description: The course will cover aspects of the biology and ecology of aquatic vascular plants from freshwater (marsh and riparian) and estuarine environments. We will also examine the construction and uses of constructed wetlands. The course will include short field trips to a constructed wetland and local riparian zones during the class period and one Saturday field trip to a wetland in Arizona.

Course objectives: Aquatic plants are generally defined as those higher (vascular) plants completing their life cycles wholly or partly in a submerged state or in saturated soil. The goals of this course are: i) to learn the basic taxonomy of common aquatic plants, ii) to become familiar with the habitats where aquatic plants are commonly found, iii) to understand the functioning of nutrient cycles in aquatic systems, iv) to know the various definitions of wetlands and important legislation applicable to wetlands, v) to understand the concepts of mitigation, restoration, constructed wetlands, effluent dominated streams and wetlands, and how these are implemented, vi) become familiar with control and management of aquatic plants in perturbed and man-made ecosystems, vii) become familiar with aquatic nuisance plant species and their role in the environment, viii) become familiar with the primary literature (scientific journals and reference books) in this field. The lab portion will focus on use of small ecosystems for study, short field trips to local wetlands, and familiarization with field instruments and water testing kits.

Instructors: Drs. Fitzsimmons ph. 626-3324  and  Glenn ph. 626-2664
Instructors e-mail: kevfitz@ag.arizona.edu and eglenn@ag.arizona.edu

Office Hours: T & Th 12:00 in CBS 410, or by appointment at ERLab

Required Textbook: Wetlands 3rd Ed., Mitsch and Gosselink

Exams: will be comprehensive and questions will come from lectures, textbooks, labs, student presentations, handouts and field trips. (Hint: topics which arise in two or more of these areas are the most likely to show up on exams.) Mid-terms will be reviewed in the class period following the exam. Short field trips will be conducted during the class period and attendance is required.

Grading: 2 mid-terms (higher score counts for 20%, lower score 15%)
final 25%
papers 20%
labs and plant collection 10%
presentation & participation 10%

574 Research Project: Design, conduct and report a field or lab experiment developed with the instructors.

Research Paper: Pick subject, run keyword search in library, read pertinent literature on topic, prepare review paper

• 474 - two papers, one presented to the class
• 574 - two papers, both presented to the class
• 574 - one of above papers will be experimental project write-up, also presented to class
• 574 - prepare a lecture and discussion on a pertinent topic approved by the instructors.
• 574 - Graduate students are expected to perform and participate at a higher level and grading of tests, papers and presentations will be more rigorous.

Class participation: Much of the learning from this course comes from discussions during labs, field trips and during student presentations. Students who do not take part in these activities will be at a disadvantage to students who do take part in discussions and activities. The 10% of the grade devoted to participation and presentation will be graded on the oral presentation and participation in class discussions.

Late and missed assignments: Scores on assignments turned in late will be reduced 10% per day. Lectures, labs, field trips and student presentations are integral to the course structure and exam questions will come from all these aspects. In case of missed lectures, labs, or field trips, handouts will be provided but student is responsible for getting class notes. For extenuating circumstances, call and leave message at 626-3324.

Course grades: Course grades will be determined on a

• 90 - 100 = A
• 80 - 89 = B
• 70 - 79 = C
• 60 - 69 = D basis.
• Incompletes will follow University policy.

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