All course information is listed within this syllabus.

AEPS 851: Applied Plant Population Biology (3 credits). This course involves a series of lectures, quizzes, and exams designed to develop student competency in the theoretical background and practical application of plant population biology in order to enhance plant material selection, ecological diversity, protect threatened and endangered species, and utilize the benefits of genetically superior plant materials.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor

Instructor for AGRO 851

David R. Huff, Ph.D.
Professor of Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics

Department of Plant Science
210 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building
University Park, PA 16802

E-mail: Use Canvas Inbox or drh15@psu.edu

Research Interests

My research program performs basic and applied genetics on a wide range of grass species including some native to North America. My lab routinely uses DNA markers, flow-cytometry, and RNA expression analysis as aids to sort through the complex genomes of these grasses during the breeding process. In addition, I use these techniques to identify genetic boundaries (either discrete or overlapping) at the level of populations for both commercial cultivars and endemic natives. In the area of crop improvement, my program focuses on enhancing turf quality, seed yield, persistence, disease resistance, and tolerance to salinity and extreme temperatures (both heat and cold). Lastly, I perform a range of genomic investigations on the reproductive biology of these grasses including such systems as apomixis, dioecy, and fungal-induced hermaphroditism.

Course Overview

The course is designed to give potential superintendents and managers of large landholdings (such as golf courses, highway roadsides, game lands, and military installations), the skills necessary for making sound ecological decisions regarding the choice and management of plant materials utilized in land restoration and revegetation.

Course Schedule

For due dates, refer to your Syllabus and Calendar within Canvas.

Course Materials

No textbook is required for this course.

Assignments

Quizzes

There will be a total of 18 quizzes throughout the course.

Exams

There will be a midterm exam worth 100 points and a final exam worth 100 points.

Grading Policy

The following table is the grading criteria for the course.

Grading Criteria
Requirement Cumulative Point Value
Quizzes 120
Midterm Exam 100
Final Exam 100
TOTAL: 320

The following table is the grading scheme for the course.

Grading Scheme
Letter Grade Percentage Points
A 100% – 94% 301–320
A- < 94% – 90% 288–300
B+ < 90% – 86% 275–288
B < 86% – 83% 266–274
B- < 83% – 80% 256–265
C+ < 80% – 76% 243–255
C < 76% – 70% 224–242
D < 70% – 60% 192–223
F < 60% < 192

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information.

NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" under World Campus Student Resources.

Online Students Use of the Library

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Technical Requirements

This course is offered online and it is assumed you possess the minimum system requirements and computing skills to participate effectively. A list of technical requirements is listed on World Campus' Penn State Technical Requirements page.

Minimum Skills

  • You should have an understanding of basic computer usage (creating folders/directories, switching between programs, formatting and backing up media, accessing the internet).
  • You must be able to conduct word processing tasks such as creating, editing, saving, and retrieving documents.
  • You must be able to use a web browser to open web pages, download files, and search the internet.
  • You must be able to use an e-mail program to send and receive messages and to attach and download documents/files.
  • You must be able to download and install programs or plug-ins from the internet.

Getting Help With Canvas Courses

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Accessibility Information

Netiquette

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Penn State Policies

Login Policy

Students are expected to log in regularly to keep up to date with announcements, discussions, etc. The class will progress at a regular pace throughout the semester and there are specific due dates and times for assignments, etc.

Course Availability

Your course will be available to you beginning the first day of class and will remain open for one year. After one year the course will close.

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Please read the academic integrity guidelines for the College of Agricultural Sciences.

A lack of knowledge or understanding of the University's academic integrity policy and the types of actions it prohibits and/or requires does not excuse one from complying with the policy. Penn State and the College of Agricultural Sciences take violations of academic integrity very seriously. Faculty, alumni, staff, and fellow students expect each student to uphold the University's standards of academic integrity both inside and outside of the classroom.

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Copyright Notice

All course materials students receive or to which students have online access are protected by copyright laws. Students may use course materials and make copies for their own use as needed, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor's express permission is strictly prohibited. University Policy AD40, Recording of Classroom Activities and Note-Taking Services, addresses this issue. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University's Code of Conduct, and/or liable under federal and state laws.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

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Accommodations for Persons With Disabilities

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In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus' disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Accommodations for Military Personnel

Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.

Use of Trade Names

Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by World Campus, Outreach and Cooperative Extension, the College of Agricultural Sciences, or The Pennsylvania State University is implied.

Subject to Change Statement

Please note that this Course Syllabus is subject to change. Students are responsible for abiding by such changes.

Course Availability

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