Plant Ecophysiology

This course is designed for ecologists, wetland biologists, and wildlife biologists seeking to learn how plants survive in their environment. Emphasis is placed on understanding the developmental and physiological plasticity exhibited across the plant kingdom. Students who participate in class will be able to (i) explain the environmental challenges that limit plant growth and (ii) discuss the physiological mechanisms plants have evolved to adapt to these constraints.  Some topics include water balance, plant “decision making” as it relates to nutrients and photosynthesis, allelopathy, and the elemental defense hypothesis. 

No formal plant biology classes are required. 

• Textbook: Plant Physiology and Development. Seventh Edition. Lincoln Taiz, Ian Max Møller, Angus Murphy, and Eduardo Zeiger Emeritus Author. ISBN: 9780197577240. https://exa.unne.edu.ar/biologia/fisiologia.vegetal/PlantPhysiologyTaiz2002.pdf

• Various webpages and other resources introduced throughout the course

Module 1: Plant Evolution- algae to angiosperms

• To understand the evolution of different phylum across the plant kingdom and discuss the unique aspects of plant cells and anatomy.

Module 2: Water and nutrient balance in plants

• To understand why water and nutrient availability constrain plant growth, and the different evolutionary strategies to survive when these factors become limiting.

Module 3: Physiological and developmental plasticity in plants

• To understand how hormones influence plant growth and development during uncertain environmental conditions.

Module 4: Ecological aspects of photosynthesis

• How photosynthesis is measured in the field

• Adaptations to photosynthesis

• How plants respond when light is limiting or excessively toxic

Module 5: Abiotic stress physiology

• To understand how plants respond to salt, heavy metals, flooding, and drought

Module 6: Plant interactions with beneficial microbes, pathogens, and insects.

• To appreciate the vital symbiotic relationships between plants and microbes, and to discover how plants have evolved a vast array of chemicals to deter herbivores.

Module 7: Approaches to improving food security

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Jan 6 - Mar 23, 2025 (Early bird ends Nov 4th): $425 student / $525 professional

  *Early bird saves $75

FORMAT:

• 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• Receive Mentor Direct Constructive Feedback on your Capstone Project and a 1:1 Mentor-Mentee Session to refine your intervention plans and enhance your project's impact.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Conservation Planning with CWS

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project

• Go to our Academic Credit Page for details

DATES & PRICES:

• Winter: Jan 6 - Mar 23, 2025 (Early bird ends Dec 6th): $575 professional / $675 student

  *Early bird saves $75