Horticulture 201H, General Horticulture, Honors Section, Course Syllabus
Spring 2004
Instructors:
- Dr. Marla Binzel, Associate Professor of Horticulture
Course Description: General Horticulture is a 3 credit hour course with 2 weekly class meetings, including lecture and discussion sessions. The course describes the structure, growth, and development of horticultural plants from both practical and scientific approaches. Topics presented include basic anatomy, physiology, morphology, genetics, and biotechnology of horticultural plants, environmental effects on plant growth and development, basic principles of propagation, greenhouse and outdoor production, nutrition, pruning and chemical control of growth, pest control and branches of horticulture.
Class Meetings: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:10 - 12:25, 101 Horticulture Forest Science Building
Instructor's Office Hours: Arranged by appointment.
- Marla Binzel, 519 HFSB, 845-8938, m-binzel@tamu.edu
- Course Objectives: General Horticulture presents the fundamental
concepts of plant structure, growth, and development using horticultural
plants as models. An introduction to the basics of plant biology, physiology,
reproduction, and genetics and how these functions are affected by environmental,
chemical and mechanical manipulation will be presented. Students will make
presentations on topics they have examined in depth during discussion sessions.
Specifically, the course will:
- Familiarize students with basic terminology, and the structure/function relationships of plant tissue and organ systems;
- Acquaint students with the basic physiological and genetic mechanisms involved in plant growth and development throughout the entire life cycle from seed germination to plant senescence;
- Explore the ways man has developed to manipulate growth and development of horticultural plants for food production and beautification of interior environments and landscapes;
- Learn to use the computer to search for information and present that information in a form for others to use;
- Develop skills in researching a topic and leading a discussion; topics will include contemporary issues that impact horticulture such as biotechnology, world food problems, natural resource conservation, global warming, and sustainable production systems.
Required Text: The Biology of Horticulture, by John Preece and Paul Read. John Wiley & Sons, publishers. ISBN 0-471-05989-7. Other texts, periodicals, and computer reference resources will be assigned as needed.
Recommended Alternative Text: Horticulture, Principles and Practices, by George Acquaah. Prentice Hall, publishers. ISBN 0-13-5182755-1. An extensive and exhaustive treatment of the science and technology of horticulture and the biological principles that underpin them. Supplemented with outstanding illustrations.
Aggie Horticulture Online: Aggie Horticulture is a World Wide Web server connected online through Internet. Aggie Horticulture is accessible from any computer on campus (or anywhere in the world!) having Internet client software (for example, Mosaic or Netscape). Students will use Aggie Horticulture as a tool for accessing electronic databases of horticultural information and will develop assignments for posting on the Internet.
| Exams and Grading: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lecture Exams (2) | 50% | 200 points |
| Group Project (see scoring guide) | 20% | 80 points |
| Assignments and Worksheets | 5% | 20 points |
| Final Exam | 25% | 100 points |
| Total Points Possible = 400 points | ||
Make-Up Exams: Make-up exams will only be given for official University excuses. Either Dr. Binzel or Dr. Lineberger must be informed personally within 24h of missing the exam. All make-up exams must be taken within 7 days of the originally scheduled date of the exam or the student will receive a grade of zero.
Late Assignments: Late assignments are penalized at a rate of 10% loss in points per day late including weekends.
Changes in Schedule: The instructors reserve the right to change the order and content of lectures as necessary. Group discussion and exam dates (excluding the final) may be changed by the instructor, but at least 5 days notice will be given.
Aggie Code of Honor: "Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal nor do they tolerate those who do."
Students are expected to attend all classes, complete assignments on time, and participate fully in class discussions and group projects. Violations will be handled in accordance with the Texas A&M University Regulations governing academic integrity.
HORT 201H Home | Aggie Horticulture