Economic Botany (BIOL 3603)
Summer Session I (June 20 – July 25, 2019)
To help you decide if online learning is right for you, check out our Online Learning Suitability Self-Assessment.
Take a look at this free, online book How to Succeed With Online Learning.
REASONS TO TAKE ECONOMIC BOTANY ONLINE THIS SUMMER
Dr. Adam K. Ryburn
Email: aryburn@okcu.edu
Office Phone: 405.208.5044
Office: SSM 202B
Office Hours: Arranged by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
This course examines the discipline of plant biology that focuses on the study of plants that are economically important to people, including plants that are sources of food, fibers, medicines, gums, insecticides, etc. The course introduces the student to the vocabulary and principles of plant biology. It covers the broad areas of plant taxonomy, anatomy, morphology, physiology, diversity, ecology, and economic importance. Success in this course will depend upon each student's accumulation, appreciation, and application of botanical knowledge.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The following course objectives and sub‐objectives will be emphasized this semester:
TEXT & REQUIRED MATERIALS
Simpson, Beryl and Molly Conner-Orozaly. 2013. Plants in Our World: Economic Botany – 4th Edition. McGrawHill Publishing. ISBN: 9780073524245.
COURSE PROCEDURES
This course is offered in the liberal arts tradition; thus you are expected to learn a body of facts and concepts. Topics will be discussed in depth in order that you will have an understanding of the discipline's origins and present diversity.
Due to the online nature of this course, lectures are offered in two formats designed for different learning styles:
Online “chat” discussions, as well as office hours, will take place using D2L.
A tentative schedule of course topics is listed below. Lecture notes will consist of introductions to the important facets of economic botany. Reading and video viewing assignments will be made periodically. You are responsible for all assigned material. Complete assigned readings prior to their discussion in lecture. The material presented in the course can be difficult, but will be easier to understand if you read the book first.
QUIZZES AND ASSIGNMENTS: Quizzes and homework assignments (announced via email and on D2L course page) will be given periodically in online. These short exercises will cover your knowledge on current topics. It will be each student’s responsibility to complete the quizzes by the assigned deadline. No deadline extensions will be made.
EXAMS: Three online exams will be given on the following dates. A deadline of two hours will be placed on each exam and must be completed by 10:00pm CST on the following dates. Each exam is comprehensive, thus covers all the material presented during the entire semester. Each exam will be worth 100 points.
Monday, July 1
Monday, July 15
Thursday, July 25
FORMAT OF EXAMS AND QUIZZES: Exams and quizzes alike will include a mix of questions in various formats: multiple choice, identification, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, labeling of drawings or diagrams, and essay. Identifications represent short answers—generally written as sentence fragments or phrases—that include specific factual information as who, what, when, where, why, how, and the scientific significance of the item. Each exam and quiz will be evaluated in terms of spelling, grammar, clarity of expression, and creativity, as well as technical expertise.
POLICY ON MISSED EXAMS: If you are unable to take an exam on the specified date and time, you must contact me prior to the exam or within 12 hours of the date of the exam and provide a valid, documented excuse (doctor's note, arrest report, etc.) as to why you cannot take the exam in order to schedule a make-up. Failure to notify me within 12 hours will result in a grade of zero for that exam. This policy will be strictly enforced.
CLASS POINTS
Discussion/Participation/Mis. Assignments -------------------------- 40%
Exams (3 x 20pts)---------------------------------------------------------- 60%
GRADE LEVELS (conversion of points into letter grade):
Grade Percentage
A 93-100; A- 90-92
B+ 87-89; B 83-86; B- 80-82
C+ 77-79; C 73-76; C- 70-72
D+ 67-69; D 63-66; D- 60-62
F <60
No extra credit will be given for papers, readings, reports, etc. for the purpose of grade improvement
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY: A grade of Incomplete (“I”) will only be assigned if documented extraordinary circumstances preclude you from completing the course, and only if the circumstances are beyond your control. Procrastination specifically is not a reason. Also, it is OCU’s policy that retroactive withdrawals or assignment of incompletes will not be allowed after the semester’s end. The “I” will be removed in accordance with university policy stated in the 2016-2017 web-based undergraduate catalog (pgs. 38-39).
ACADEMIC HONESTY: The University’s codes of academic honesty and conduct (stated in the 2016-2017 web-based undergraduate catalog, pgs. 30-31) will be rigorously observed. In addition to the university criteria, the instructor makes the following provisos: any incident of academic dishonesty or academic misconduct, including plagiarism, copying someone else’s work, group work (if not assigned), etc., when confirmed will result in a failing grade for the particular assignment and possible failure of the course. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that other individuals do not see quiz or exam answers. All cases of academic dishonesty, regardless of perceived severity, will be reported to the student academic dean and the Provost/VPAA of the University.
STATEMENT ON SEX AND GENDER-BASED DISCRIMINATION: Under Title IX, all students have the right to an education free of sex or gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Issues addressed by Title IX include acts of discrimination, pregnant or parenting status, sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sex or gender-based hate crimes. Title IX applies to students, faculty, staff, guests, and anyone accessing OCU programs and services. As OCU employees, all faculty members are required to report form of discrimination, harassment, or violence addressed by Title IX to the Title IX Coordinator within 24 hours. After receiving a report, students will be contacted by one of OCU’s Title IX administrators to discuss the report, the support the University can provide, and options for pursuing a resolution to the issue through the University. To make a report or learn more, please contact OCU’s Title IX Coordinator by calling (405) 208-5075 or visit http://www.okcu.edu/admin/hr/titleIX/index; which also contains links to other local resources, OCU’s non-discrimination policies and procedures, and contact information for the University’s Title IX administrators. For emergencies, contact OCU’s police department at (405) 208-5911. For free and confidential support on campus, contact University Counseling by calling (405) 208-7901. For medical issues, contact the Campus Health Center at (405) 208-5090. They are confidential as well.
ADA/SECTION 504: If students believe that they need accommodations for a documented physical, psychiatric, or learning disability, please contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator at (405) 208-5895 for an appointment to discuss needs and the process for requesting accommodations. The Disabilities Services Coordinator is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will issue students with a documented Letter of Accommodation, as appropriate. Since accommodations may require early planning and are not provided retroactively, please contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator as soon as possible. Students with approved accommodations should meet with Dr. Ryburn during office hours to discuss how to meet these needs. Additionally, Dr. Ryburn is available during office hours to speak with students about other concerns, such as medical emergencies or arrangements in case the building must be evacuated.
DISTANCE EDUCATION POLICY: Complaints regarding distance delivered classes must be filed with a designated board, bureau, or agency for the state in which you reside. Information for each state and the District of Columbia can be found at www.okcu.edu/about/consumer.
The instructors reserve the right to modify the requirements of the course, the format of the examinations, and the scheduling of activities as necessary to enhance the learning process.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF LECTURE & LABORATORY ACTIVITIES
Summer Session I (June 20 – July 25, 2019)
To help you decide if online learning is right for you, check out our Online Learning Suitability Self-Assessment.
Take a look at this free, online book How to Succeed With Online Learning.
REASONS TO TAKE ECONOMIC BOTANY ONLINE THIS SUMMER
- Gas prices are too high and you don’t want to commute to campus to take a summer course.
- You want to take a summer class but don’t want to have to be in Oklahoma City to do it.
- Trying to weigh whether to work this summer or catch up or get ahead on course work and online classes let you do both.
- You really want to take a class from the comforts of your own home (or your parent’s place).
- You want to take an upper level biology elective during the summer, and Economic Botany satisfies.
Dr. Adam K. Ryburn
Email: aryburn@okcu.edu
Office Phone: 405.208.5044
Office: SSM 202B
Office Hours: Arranged by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
This course examines the discipline of plant biology that focuses on the study of plants that are economically important to people, including plants that are sources of food, fibers, medicines, gums, insecticides, etc. The course introduces the student to the vocabulary and principles of plant biology. It covers the broad areas of plant taxonomy, anatomy, morphology, physiology, diversity, ecology, and economic importance. Success in this course will depend upon each student's accumulation, appreciation, and application of botanical knowledge.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The following course objectives and sub‐objectives will be emphasized this semester:
- Provide an understanding and appreciation of plants. As animals, it is difficult for us to relate to plants, but plants are highly evolved organisms just as well adapted to their life styles as animals are.
- Encourage careful observation, curiosity and thinking about plants.
- Discuss the origins of agriculture.
- Compare and contrast the major plant families used by humans for food.
- List and describe the major plant textiles and how they are used.
- Discuss spices, herbs, perfumes, oils, waxes, and other plant products.
- Describe in detail at least 10 medicinal plants and be able to relate how their compounds work in the human body.
- Relate several poisonous compounds found in plants and their effects.
- Describe how plants are used in beverages such as beers, coffee, tea, wine, chocolate, etc.
- Know the major plant oils, both agriculture and therapeutic, and their histories.
TEXT & REQUIRED MATERIALS
Simpson, Beryl and Molly Conner-Orozaly. 2013. Plants in Our World: Economic Botany – 4th Edition. McGrawHill Publishing. ISBN: 9780073524245.
COURSE PROCEDURES
This course is offered in the liberal arts tradition; thus you are expected to learn a body of facts and concepts. Topics will be discussed in depth in order that you will have an understanding of the discipline's origins and present diversity.
Due to the online nature of this course, lectures are offered in two formats designed for different learning styles:
- PowerPoint slides converted to Adobe (.pdf) format (3 slides per sheet)
- PowerPoint slides with accompanying voiced lecture by Dr. Ryburn
Online “chat” discussions, as well as office hours, will take place using D2L.
A tentative schedule of course topics is listed below. Lecture notes will consist of introductions to the important facets of economic botany. Reading and video viewing assignments will be made periodically. You are responsible for all assigned material. Complete assigned readings prior to their discussion in lecture. The material presented in the course can be difficult, but will be easier to understand if you read the book first.
QUIZZES AND ASSIGNMENTS: Quizzes and homework assignments (announced via email and on D2L course page) will be given periodically in online. These short exercises will cover your knowledge on current topics. It will be each student’s responsibility to complete the quizzes by the assigned deadline. No deadline extensions will be made.
EXAMS: Three online exams will be given on the following dates. A deadline of two hours will be placed on each exam and must be completed by 10:00pm CST on the following dates. Each exam is comprehensive, thus covers all the material presented during the entire semester. Each exam will be worth 100 points.
Monday, July 1
Monday, July 15
Thursday, July 25
FORMAT OF EXAMS AND QUIZZES: Exams and quizzes alike will include a mix of questions in various formats: multiple choice, identification, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, labeling of drawings or diagrams, and essay. Identifications represent short answers—generally written as sentence fragments or phrases—that include specific factual information as who, what, when, where, why, how, and the scientific significance of the item. Each exam and quiz will be evaluated in terms of spelling, grammar, clarity of expression, and creativity, as well as technical expertise.
POLICY ON MISSED EXAMS: If you are unable to take an exam on the specified date and time, you must contact me prior to the exam or within 12 hours of the date of the exam and provide a valid, documented excuse (doctor's note, arrest report, etc.) as to why you cannot take the exam in order to schedule a make-up. Failure to notify me within 12 hours will result in a grade of zero for that exam. This policy will be strictly enforced.
CLASS POINTS
Discussion/Participation/Mis. Assignments -------------------------- 40%
Exams (3 x 20pts)---------------------------------------------------------- 60%
GRADE LEVELS (conversion of points into letter grade):
Grade Percentage
A 93-100; A- 90-92
B+ 87-89; B 83-86; B- 80-82
C+ 77-79; C 73-76; C- 70-72
D+ 67-69; D 63-66; D- 60-62
F <60
No extra credit will be given for papers, readings, reports, etc. for the purpose of grade improvement
INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY: A grade of Incomplete (“I”) will only be assigned if documented extraordinary circumstances preclude you from completing the course, and only if the circumstances are beyond your control. Procrastination specifically is not a reason. Also, it is OCU’s policy that retroactive withdrawals or assignment of incompletes will not be allowed after the semester’s end. The “I” will be removed in accordance with university policy stated in the 2016-2017 web-based undergraduate catalog (pgs. 38-39).
ACADEMIC HONESTY: The University’s codes of academic honesty and conduct (stated in the 2016-2017 web-based undergraduate catalog, pgs. 30-31) will be rigorously observed. In addition to the university criteria, the instructor makes the following provisos: any incident of academic dishonesty or academic misconduct, including plagiarism, copying someone else’s work, group work (if not assigned), etc., when confirmed will result in a failing grade for the particular assignment and possible failure of the course. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that other individuals do not see quiz or exam answers. All cases of academic dishonesty, regardless of perceived severity, will be reported to the student academic dean and the Provost/VPAA of the University.
STATEMENT ON SEX AND GENDER-BASED DISCRIMINATION: Under Title IX, all students have the right to an education free of sex or gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Issues addressed by Title IX include acts of discrimination, pregnant or parenting status, sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sex or gender-based hate crimes. Title IX applies to students, faculty, staff, guests, and anyone accessing OCU programs and services. As OCU employees, all faculty members are required to report form of discrimination, harassment, or violence addressed by Title IX to the Title IX Coordinator within 24 hours. After receiving a report, students will be contacted by one of OCU’s Title IX administrators to discuss the report, the support the University can provide, and options for pursuing a resolution to the issue through the University. To make a report or learn more, please contact OCU’s Title IX Coordinator by calling (405) 208-5075 or visit http://www.okcu.edu/admin/hr/titleIX/index; which also contains links to other local resources, OCU’s non-discrimination policies and procedures, and contact information for the University’s Title IX administrators. For emergencies, contact OCU’s police department at (405) 208-5911. For free and confidential support on campus, contact University Counseling by calling (405) 208-7901. For medical issues, contact the Campus Health Center at (405) 208-5090. They are confidential as well.
ADA/SECTION 504: If students believe that they need accommodations for a documented physical, psychiatric, or learning disability, please contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator at (405) 208-5895 for an appointment to discuss needs and the process for requesting accommodations. The Disabilities Services Coordinator is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will issue students with a documented Letter of Accommodation, as appropriate. Since accommodations may require early planning and are not provided retroactively, please contact the Disabilities Services Coordinator as soon as possible. Students with approved accommodations should meet with Dr. Ryburn during office hours to discuss how to meet these needs. Additionally, Dr. Ryburn is available during office hours to speak with students about other concerns, such as medical emergencies or arrangements in case the building must be evacuated.
DISTANCE EDUCATION POLICY: Complaints regarding distance delivered classes must be filed with a designated board, bureau, or agency for the state in which you reside. Information for each state and the District of Columbia can be found at www.okcu.edu/about/consumer.
The instructors reserve the right to modify the requirements of the course, the format of the examinations, and the scheduling of activities as necessary to enhance the learning process.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF LECTURE & LABORATORY ACTIVITIES
