REN R 321/720 TREE PHYSIOLOGY
2020/21
COURSE OUTLINE
(Policy about course outlines can be found in Course Requirements, Evaluation Procedures and Grading of the University Calendar).
Instructor:
Dr. Janusz J. Zwiazek Professor
Department of Renewable Resources 438 Earth Sciences Bldg.
Telephone: 780-492-2358 Fax: 780-492-1767
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: by appointment, contact by email or phone.
Teaching Assistant:
Mengmeng Liu
Department of Renewable Resources 448 Earth Sciences Bldg.
Telephone: 403-890-9136 Email: [email protected]
Lectures: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 9:00-9:50 AM online, the Zoom link https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/j/93022557533 is also provided on eClass.
Laboratories: TBA.
Recommended Textbook:
Pallardy S.G. 2008. Physiology of Woody Plants (3rd edition). Academic Press, Toronto. ISBN 979-0- 12-088765-1. Available as the electronic resource, University of Alberta Libraries access:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780120887651/physiology-of-woody-plants
Other Useful Sources of Information:
Books:
A number of general plant biology and plant physiology books could be useful for students who need to refresh their general knowledge of plant biology including:
Raven, P.H., Evert, R.F. & Eichhorn, S.E. 2005. Biology of Plants (7th edition). W.H. Freeman and Company/Worth Publishers, New York. ISBN 0716710072
Ahmed, M. 2008. Plant Physiology. Aavishkar Publishers, Distributors, eISBN: 9789350433348 (electronic resource, University of Alberta libraries access)
Other Sources:
University of Alberta eClass, lecture notes, lecture handouts.
INTRODUCTION
REN R 321 Tree Physiology aims to give the student a theoretical and practical overview of basic life processes in trees. After successful completion of this course, the student should be able to understand the processes of tree growth and development and how various environmental factors and cultural practices influence these processes. The course will emphasize the physiology of the principal tree species in the northern boreal and mixed-wood forests.
TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE
September 2,4 Course Introduction; Introduction to Growth Processes.
Shoot Growth Patterns I. Reading: Textbook pp. 1-7, 45-55.
September 9,11 Shoot Growth Patterns II. Reading: Textbook pp. 1-7, 45-55.
Root Growth Patterns. Reading: Textbook pp. 68-72.
September 14,16,18 Energy Conversions. Reading: Handout.
Enzymes and High Energy Compounds. Reading: Textbook pp. 169-175.
Photosynthetic Pigments and Photochemistry. Reading: Textbook pp. 107- 110.
September 21,23,25 Photosynthesis: Light Reactions I. Reading: Textbook pp. 110-116.
Photosynthesis: Light Reactions II. Reading: Textbook pp. 110-116.
Photosynthesis: Dark Reactions. Reading: Textbook pp. 116-122.
September 28,30, October 2
Respiration I: Types of Respiration, Glycolysis. Reading: Textbook pp. 173- 175.
Respiration II: Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport, Fermentation. Reading:
Textbook 175-180.
Photosynthesis: Factors Affecting Photosynthesis I. Reading: Textbook pp.
122-167.
October 5 Review: growth patterns, photosynthesis, respiration.
October 7 Midterm Test 1. Covers all lecture material and recommended readings from September 2 to October 5.
October 9 Photosynthesis: Factors Affecting Photosynthesis II. Reading: Textbook pp.
122-167.
October 12 Thanksgiving – no classes
October 14,16 Factors Affecting Respiration. Reading: Textbook pp. 180-194.
Mineral Nutrition I. Reading: Textbook pp. 255-285.
October 19,21,23 Mineral Nutrition II. Reading: Textbook pp. 255-285.
Nitrogen Metabolism. Reading: Textbook 233-254.
Cell Water Relations. Reading: Handout.
October 26,28,30 Uptake and Transport of Water; Transpiration. Reading: Textbook pp. 290- 323, 325-355.
Drought Stress and Flooding Stress. Reading: Textbook pp. 355-366.
Measurements of Tree Water Relations I. Reading: Textbook pp. 288-292.
November 2,4 Measurements of Tree Water Relations II. Reading: Textbook pp. 288-292.
Review: factors affecting respiration, mineral nutrition, water relations.
November 6 Midterm Test 2. Covers all lecture material and recommended readings from September 2 to November 4.
November 9,11,13 Reading week – no classes
November 16,18,20 Water Relations and Planting Stress. Reading: Handout.
Plant Hormones and Other Endogenous Growth Regulators I. Reading:
Textbook pp. 367-377.
Plant Hormones and Other Endogenous Growth Regulators II. Reading:
Textbook pp.367-377.
November 23,25,27 Phloem Transport. Reading: Handout.
Effects of Temperature on Growth, Low and High Temperature Stress.
Reading: Handout.
Dormancy, Hardiness and Low Temperature Stress. Reading: Handout.
November 30, December 2,4
Reproductive Growth, Seed Physiology, Seed Germination and Seed Testing.
Reading: Textbook pp. 87-106.
Secondary Metabolism and Tree Growth. Reading: Textbook pp. 217-232.
Salinity Stress. Reading: Handout.
December 7 Review: topics TBA
Please note that three review sessions with the dates listed above in the tentative lecture schedule will be offered to review the course material before each midterm test and final exam. The details will be provided in class.
MIDTER TESTS AND FINAL EXAM
Both midterm tests and the final exam will be the closed book exams and will be held online. The details will be provided in class.
Midterm Test 1: Wednesday, October 7, 9:00 – 9:50 AM.
Midterm Test 2: Friday, November 6, 9:00 – 9:50 AM.
Final Exam: Monday, December 14, 2:00 – 4:00 PM.
LABORATORIES
The laboratories will consist of web-based “virtual” lab exercises and of a study project.
The virtual lab exercises will involve providing answers to questions in the form of short reports. Due dates for these lab reports will be announced in class. The lab reports must be submitted by email ([email protected]) to the Teaching Assistant before or on the due date.
The study project will be carried out individually. The students will be asked to select one of the three topics listed below and do a thorough research of the selected topic using all available sources.
Research topics:
1. Tree biotechnology and the applications of biotechnology in tree improvement.
2. Post-planting stresses and their impact on the physiology of tree seedlings.
3. Environmental challenges to oil sands reforestation and their impact on the physiology of plants.
The report for the study project is due on December 7, 2020. There will be 20% deducted per day for late reports. The reports must be emailed ([email protected]) to the instructor before or on the due date.
EVALUATION
1. Relative Weight
Test/Assignment % Total
Midterm Test 1 - 10 Midterm Test 2 - 20 Lab Project Reports - 15 Student Participation - 5
“Virtual Lab” Reports - 10
Final Exam - 40
2. Grading
% Grade
92 – 100 - A+
83 – 91 - A
80 - 82 - A-
77 – 79 - B+
73 – 76 - B
70 – 72 - B-
66 – 69 - C+
62 – 65 - C
58 – 61 - C-
55 – 57 - D+
51 – 53 - D
< 51 - F
Representative past final examinations will be posted on eClass.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES No electronic devices, including calculators, permitted.
PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING
The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty.
Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.governance.ualberta. ca) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
ATTENDANCE AND MISSED EXAMS
Lectures: The textbook does not cover some parts of the course material. Lecture attendance is strongly recommended. All lectures can be attended online through https://ualberta-
ca.zoom.us/j/93022557533. The link can be also found on eClass. Please keep the microphones off during the lectures unless otherwise instructed. Indicate questions by raising hand in Zoom. Whenever possible, the lectures will be also recorded and posted on eClass.
Exams: When a student is absent from an examination, or fails to hand in assignments or other term work on time, that student may apply for an excused absence. Students should contact the instructor as soon as they are able to do so. If a student fails to notify an instructor within a reasonable time of their request for an excused absence, the instructor may deny the request unless the student provides a legitimate reason for the delay. For missed midterm tests, the options include a makeup test on an alternative date determined by the instructor or moving the weight of the test to the final exam. When a student is absent from a final examination for a legitimate reason, that student may apply to their Faculty Office for a deferred examination.
OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING COURSE MATERIAL
Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
