Botany (Bot)

www.public.iastate.edu/~botany/
David J. Oliver, Chair of Department
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): Isely
Professors (Emeritus): Lamotte, Lersten, Smith, Stewart, Swenson
Distinguished Professors: Tiffany
University Professors: Horner
Professors: Clark, Farrar, Oliver, Rodermel, Spalding, van der Valk, Wendel, Wurtele
Associate Professors: Colbert, Crumpton, Jurik, Moloney, Raich, Wallace
Assistant Professors: Nason

Undergraduate Study

For undergraduate curriculum in liberal arts and sciences, major in botany, see Liberal Arts and Sciences, Curriculum.

The Botany department offers broad opportunity for the study of many basic and applied aspects of plant biology. The botany and biology majors and other undergraduate programs in which the department participates prepare students for a wide range of science-related occupations, including biotechnology, biology teaching, medicine and pharmacology, conservation and outdoor recreation activities, and research and development. The botany and biology majors offer excellent preparation for graduate study in biological sciences, or in such applied disciplines as agronomy, forestry, horticulture, and plant pathology. Graduates of the botany major understand the basic principles of plant structure, function, ecology, and evolution, and are able to communicate effectively about plant biology.

Botany is one of the basic biological sciences. Undergraduates majoring in Botany must therefore obtain a general biological foundation by taking courses in the biology program (see Biology, Cross-Disciplinary Program). Botany faculty are involved in both the organization and teaching of Biology courses, thus

Biology and Botany are integrated for the

benefit of the student.

In addition to the basic Liberal Arts and Sciences requirements, Botany majors must also complete:

1. Biol 201, 201L, 202, 202L, 301, 301L, 302, 302L, 303, and 312 (22 credits);

2. 18 credits at the 300 level or above in botany from an approved list, including Plant Anatomy (Bot 404) and at least one course from each of the other three major disciplines within Botany;

3. Phys 111 and 112 (8 credits);

4. Two courses in Mathematics (calculus and/or statistics) from an approved list (7-8 credits);

5. Two semesters of general chemistry with labs and at least one semester of organic chemistry with lab (13 credits);

6. A grade of C or better in Engl 104 and 105, and a C or better in an approved writing course (or satisfactory performance on a departmental writing exam). A list of approved courses is available in 353 Bessey Hall.

Additional courses in other areas of the biological sciences are recommended depending upon the student’s interests. Qualified students are encouraged to enrich their program through an independent study or research project (Bot 490) under the guidance of a faculty member. Courses at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, or other field laboratories are also recommended.

In addition to the courses listed above, students in consultation with their advisers choose electives that address their individual interests and needs.

A second major or minor in Biology with a major in Botany is not permitted.

Teacher Licensure: Botany majors seeking licensure to teach biology in secondary schools must meet requirements of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Education as well as those of the Botany major. In addition they must apply formally for admission to the Teacher Education Program. See Index, Teacher Education Program, and Teacher Licensure.

Botany Minor: The department offers a minor in Botany, which may be earned by completion of 15 or more credits in Botany courses with at least 6 credits in courses numbered 300 or above and earned at ISU with a grade of C or higher. The minor must include 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college or university requirement.

Graduate Study

The department offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with a major in Botany, and minor work for students majoring in other departments. Within the Botany major one of the following areas of specialization may be designated: aquatic and wetland ecology, cytology, ecology, morphology, mycology, physiology and molecular biology, or systematics and evolution.

The department also participates in the interdepartmental majors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Genetics; Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology; Plant

Physiology; Toxicology; and Water Resources. (See Index.)

Prospective graduate students need a sound background in the physical, biological, and mathematical sciences and English. The department requires submission of Graduate Record Examination aptitude test scores.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 320, 321, 330, 403, 403I, 404, 406, 422I, 461I. 484, 484I, 487.

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

Bot 102. Biology of Plants
(2-4) Cr. 2. SS. 8 weeks. Function, structure, development, and evolution of plants. Primarily for students who do not have a professional interest in plant science.

Bot 202. Field Botany
(2-4) Cr. 2. F.SS. 8 weeks. Field and laboratory studies of plants in various local habitats. Includes trees, shrubs, flowering plants and other green plants, lichens and fungi. Not recommended for students with professional interest in plant science.

Bot 301I. Iowa Natural History (Same as Ia LL 301I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 302I. Plant-animal Interactions (Same as Ia LL 302I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 303. Biological Evolution (Same as Biol 303.)
See Biology.

Bot 304. Plants and People
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in Biol 201. Wallace. Uses of plants and fungi by humans and the importance of plants in the past, present and future. Discussion of fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, spices, beverages, oils, fibers, wood, medicines, and drugs, in the context of their agricultural, cultural, and economic roles in modern societies. Emphasis on origins and worldwide diversity of culturally important plants, their characteristics, and uses.

Bot 306. Plant Taxonomy
(2-4) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: Biol 201. Wendel. Principles of plant classification, survey of flowering plant families, identification and field study of local plants.

Bot 312. Ecology (Same as Biol 312.)
See Biology.

Bot 312I. Ecology (Same as Ia LL 312I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 320. Plant Physiology
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 301 or Gen 320; Biol 302 or BBMB 301; Chem 231 or 332; Phys 106 or 111. Spalding. Application of physical and biological principles to the understanding of plant processes involved in assimilation, metabolism, and regulation of growth and development. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 321. Plant Physiology Laboratory. A
(0-3) Cr. 1. S. B: (0-6) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: Biol 202L; credit or enrollment in 320. Spalding. Laboratory to accompany 320. 321B will include independent group research projects. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 330. Environmental Systems (Same as Env S 330, EnSci 330.)
(2-4) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Biol 202 or Micro 201, Chem 164 or 178, Math 165 or 181. Crumpton. Dynamics of natural environmental systems. Systems approach to the analysis of material and energy flows, including physical and biological aspects of environmental systems and their functional connections. Laboratory emphasizes environmental modeling and simulation. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 340. Biodiversity (Same as Env S 340.)
(4-0) Cr. 2. S. Second 8 weeks. Prereq: One course in life sciences. Clark. Survey of the major groups of organisms and biological systems. Definition, measurement, and patterns of distribution of organisms. Sources of information about biodiversity. Not intended for major credit in the biological sciences.

Bot 356. Dendrology (Same as For 356.)
(2-6) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Biol 201. Farrar. Taxonomy, morphology, and ecology of North American species of woody plants of importance in timber production and wildlife food and cover.

Bot 364. Biology of Aquatic Plants and Algae
(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 202 or Micro 201. Introduction to algae and aquatic plants with emphasis on ecological relationships in lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Bot 364I. Biology of Aquatic Plants (Same as Ia LL 364I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 367I. Plant Taxonomy (Same as Ia LL 367I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 399. Undergraduate Seminar
(1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. S. Prereq: Junior classification and 8 credits in botany. Meetings of students and faculty to discuss topics of current interest in plant science. Opportunity to develop written and oral communication skills.

Bot 403. Environmental Biogeochemistry (Same as EnSci 403, Geol 403.)
(3-2) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: EnSci 330. Raich. Biological, chemical, and physical phenomena controlling material, energy, and elemental fluxes in the environment. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 403I. Evolution (Same as Ia LL 403I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 404. Plant Anatomy
(3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Biol 202L; 306 recommended. Characteristics of cell and tissue types in vascular plants. Anatomy of developing and mature stems, roots, and leaves, including secondary (woody) growth. Introduction to the special anatomy of flowers and seeds. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 406. Principles of Mycology (Same as Micro 406.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 10 credits in biological sciences. Tiffany. Morphology, taxonomy and ecology of fungi; their relation to agriculture and industry. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 422I. Prairie Ecology (Same as Ia LL 422I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 461I. Introduction to GIS Landscape Modeling (Same as Ia LL 461I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 484. Plant Ecology
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 312. Moloney. Principles of plant population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 484I. Plant Ecology (Same as Ia LL 484I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 487. Aquatic and Wetland Microbial Ecology (Dual-listed with 587; same as EnSci 487, Micro 487.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry. Crumpton. Introduction to major functional groups of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms and their roles in aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Emphasis on energy flow and nutrient dynamics. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Bot 490. Independent Study
Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. Prereq: 7 credits in botany, permission of instructor. No more than 9 credits of 490 may be counted toward a degree in botany.

                A. Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology

                B. Morphology

                D. Mycology

                E. Systematics and Evolution

                F. Plant Ecology

                H. Honors

                I. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (Same as Ia LL 490I) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

                J. Cytology

                K. Aquatic and Wetland Ecology

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, open to qualified undergraduate students

Bot 501I. Freshwater Algae (Same as Ia LL 501I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 505. Plant Diversity and Evolution
(2-6) Cr. 4. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 10 credits in biological sciences. Farrar. Current concepts of plant phylogeny from the origin of land plants through the origin of angiosperms, with emphasis on morphology, reproduction and evolutionary trends in bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms.

Bot 512. Plant Growth and Development (Same as Gen 512, MCDB 512, P Phy 512.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 320 or a course in developmental biology; 545 or BBMB 404, 405 or Gen 520. Wurtele and Becraft. Plant growth and development and its molecular genetic regulation. Hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, and action. Signal transduction in plants.

Bot 513. Plant Metabolism (Same as P Phy 513.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 320, Phys 111, Chem 331; one semester of biochemistry recommended. Spalding. Photosynthesis, respiration, and other aspects of plant metabolism.

Bot 529. Plant Cell Biology (Same as MCDB 529.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 320, Biol 301, 302 or BBMB 405. Rodermel. Organization, function, and development of plant cells and subcellular structures.

Bot 531I. Conservation Biology (Same as Ia LL 531I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 535I. Restoration Ecology (Same as Ia LL 535I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 542. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques (Same as Zool 542.)
See Zoology.

Bot 545. Plant Molecular Biology (Same as MCDB 545, P Phy 545.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 320, Biol 302. Organization and function of plant nuclear and organelle DNA; regulation of gene expression. Methods of generating novel genetic variation. Impact of plant biotechnology on agriculture.

Bot 552. Pteridology
(1-3) Cr. 2. Alt. SS., offered 2002. Prereq: 10 credits in biological sciences. Farrar. Morphology, taxonomy, and ecology of the lower vascular plants, with emphasis on ferns.

Bot 558. Paleobotany
(1-3) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 10 credits in biological sciences. Farrar. Introduction to morphology, identification, and phylogeny of fossil plants from Pre-Cambrian to present.

Bot 562. Evolutionary Genetics (Same as Gen 562.)
See Genetics.

Bot 563. Molecular Phylogenetics (Same as Zool 563.)
See Zoology.

Bot 564. Wetland Ecology (Same as EnSci 564.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 15 credits in biological sciences. van der Valk. Ecology, classification, creation and restoration, and management of wetlands. Emphasis on North American temperate wetlands.

Bot 564I. Wetland Ecology (Same as Ia LL 564I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 566. Molecular Evolution (Same as Gen 566, Zool 566.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Seminar/discussion course covering the fundamentals of molecular evolution. Emphasis is placed on original scientific literature and current topics, including rates and patterns of genetic divergence; nucleotide and allelic diversity; molecular clocks; gene duplication; genome structure; organellar genomes; polyploidy; transposable elements; and modes and mechanisms of gene and genome evolution.

Bot 568. Advanced Systematics (Same as Ent 568, Zool 568.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Principles and practice of systematic biology; taxonomy, nomenclature and classification of plants and animals; sources and interpretation of systematic data; speciation; fundamentals of phylogenetic systematics.

Bot 569. Biogeography (Same as Zool 569.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F. Prereq: Biol 303 or equivalent; permission of instructor. Principles underlying the geographic distribution of organisms throughout the world; influences of geology and tectonic movements, climate, migration, dispersal, habitat, and phylogeny on present distribution patterns; biogeographic methods.

Bot 570. Landscape Ecology (Same as A Ecl 570.)
(2-3). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: Permission of instructor; Bot 588 or A Ecl 588; a course in calculus. The study of ecological and evolutionary processes within a spatial context with emphasis on behavior, population and community dynamics.

Bot 575. Field Mycology
(2-6) Cr. 4 each time taken. SS. Prereq: 5 credits in botany. Tiffany. Collection and identification of fungi and relation of their occurrence to environmental factors. Field trips.

Bot 575I. Field Mycology (Same as Ia LL 575I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 580I. Ecology and Systematics of Diatoms (Same as Ia LL 580I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Bot 582. Functional Ecology
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: Biol 312. Jurik. The nature of adaptations to physical and biotic environments. Biophysical, biomechanical, and physiological bases of the structure, form, growth, distribution, and abundance of organisms.

Bot 584. Ecosystem Ecology (Same as EnSci 584.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: Combined 12 credits in biology and chemistry. Survey of the structure and functioning of major terrestrial ecosystems. Nutrient cycles, energy flows, and biotic and abiotic controls over ecosystem structure and composition.

Bot 585. Community Ecology
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 484. Factors controlling species diversity, species abundance, and the structure and function of communities in space and time. Weekend field trips to various vegetation types.

Bot 587. Aquatic and Wetland Microbial Ecology (Dual-listed with 487; same as Micro 587.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry. Crumpton. Introduction to major functional groups of autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms and their roles in aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Emphasis on energy flow and nutrient dynamics.

Bot 588. Population Ecology (Same as A Ecl 588.)
(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Biol 312, Stat 401, a course in calculus. Concepts and theories of population dynamics with emphasis on models of growth, predation, competition, and regulation.

Bot 590. Special Topics
Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken. Prereq: 10 credits in botany, permission of instructor.

                A. Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology

                B. Morphology

                D. Mycology

                E. Systematics and Evolution

                F. Plant Ecology

                I. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (Same as Ia LL 590I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

                J. Cytology

                K. Aquatic and Wetland Ecology

Bot 595. Agrostology
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 306. Clark. Structure, identification, classification, phylogeny, and economic aspects of grasses and related families.

Bot 599. Creative Component
Cr. arr. Research toward nonthesis master’s degree.

Courses for Graduate Students

Bot 612. Seminar in Plant Development
Cr. 1 each time taken. S. Prereq: Bot/Gen 512 (can be taken concurrently). Becraft, Wurtele. In-depth discussion and critique of journal articles on current topics of interest to participants.

Bot 641. General Mycology (Same as Micro 641.)
(2-6) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Pl P 407. Tiffany. First semester of a full-year course. Taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and phylogeny of slime molds and fungi (ooymcetes, chytridiomycetes, zygomycetes, ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, and fungi imperfecti).

Bot 642. General Mycology (Same as Micro 642.)
(2-6) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 641. Tiffany. Continuation of 641. Taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and phylogeny of slime molds and fungi (oomycetes, chytridiomycetes, zygomycetes, ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, and fungi imperfecti).

Bot 679. Light Microscopy (Same as Micro 679.)
(2-9) Cr. 5. Every fourth semester beginning Fall 2001. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Horner. Current theories encompassing light optics and their applications for specimen preservation, paraffin and resin sectioning, general staining, histochemistry, cytophotometry, immunocytochemistry, autoradiography, image digitization, processing and presentation, and photomacro- and photomicrography. Limit of 10 students.

Bot 680. Scanning Electron Microscopy (Same as Micro 680.)
(2-9) Cr. 5. Every fourth semester beginning Fall 2002. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Horner. Current theories encompassing scanning electron optics and their applications for high and low vacuum microscopy, specimen chemical and cryo-preservation methods, x-ray microanalysis, backscattered and topographic imaging, image digitization, processing and presentation, and photomicrography. Limit of 10 students.

Bot 681. Transmission Electron Microscopy (Same as Micro 681.)
(2-9) Cr. 5. Every fourth semester beginning Spring 2000. Prereq: Bot 679 and permission of instructor. Horner. Current theories encompassing electron optics and their applications for chemical and physical specimen preservation, ultramicrotomy, general staining and cytochemistry, immunocytochemistry, autoradiography, negative staining and shadowing, x-ray microanalysis, image digitization, processing and presentation, and photomicrography. Limit of 10 students.

Bot 696. Seminar in Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology (Same as Agron 696, BBMB 696, For 696, Gen 696, Hort 696, MCDB 696, P Phy 696.)
Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S. Presentations and discussions of recent literature and problems under investigation.

Bot 698. Seminar
Cr. 1 each time taken. Meetings of botany faculty and students to discuss recent literature and problems under investigation.

                A. Vascular Plants

                B. Non-vascular Plants

                C. Systematics and Evolution

                E. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (Same as MCDB 698.) See Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

                F. Ecology

                G. Aquatic and Wetland Ecology

Bot 699. Research
Cr. var.

                A. Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology

                B. Morphology

                D. Mycology

                E. Systematics and Evolution

                F. Plant Ecology

                I. Iowa Lakeside Laboratory (Same as Ia LL 699I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

                J. Cytology

                K. Aquatic and Wetland Ecology

Courses Offered at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is affiliated with the University of Southern Mississippi. Iowa State students may register for the following University of Southern Mississippi/GCRL courses and transfer them to their ISU degree programs. Written permission of the ISU coordinator for the GCRL, 201 Bessey, is required for this arrangement. Inquire at 201 Bessey for further information.

MAR 420. Marine Phycology
Cr. 2. SS. Prereq: 10 credits in biology, including botany. A survey, based upon local examples, of the principal groups of marine algae, treating structure, reproduction, distribution, identification, and ecology.

MAR 420L. Marine Phycology Lab
Cr. 2. SS. Lab to accompany 420.

MAR 421. Coastal Vegetation
Cr. 2. SS. Prereq: 10 credits in biology including botany. A study of general and specific aspects of coastal vegetation with emphasis on local examples.

MAR 421L. Coastal Vegetation Lab
Cr. 1. SS. Lab to accompany 421.

MAR 422. Salt Marsh Plant Ecology
Cr. 2. SS. The botanical aspects of local marshes; includes plant identification, composition, and structure.

MAR 422L. Salt Marsh Plant Ecology Lab
Cr. 2. SS. Lab to accompany 422.

MAR 490. Independent Study

MAR 491. Special Topics