• Eastern Kentucky University Herbarium
• Memorial Science 170 and Coates15
• Richmond, KY 40475
• Phone: 859-622-6257

Course Description:  This course focuses on the biology, ecology, and taxonomy of aquatic and wetland plants. It is designed for upper level undergraduates and graduate students. Biology and science teachers, environmental consultants, and federal/state employees working in environmental areas should find this course particularly useful. It will include many field trips, including a 3-day, weekend trip to Reelfoot Lake in western Tennessee.

For questions, contact Dr. Jones at ron.jones@eku.edu, or phone 859-622-6257.


Students not enrolled in the university need to first be admitted to EKU. After being admitted, students can enroll in summer courses by going to EKUdirect on the EKU homepage.

For a tentative species list click here.


Prerequisite:  BIO 131. Collection, identification, and recognition of the vascular aquatic and wetland plants; their structural and functional modifications. 6 lec/lab.

Text:  Jones, R.L. 2005. Plant Life of Kentucky, An Illustrated Guide to the Vascular Flora.
Jones, R. L. 2007. Readings for Aquatic and Wetland Plants.


Objectives:   The objective of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of vascular aquatic and wetland plants through a study of their morphology, classification, identification, reproduction, and ecology. The course will emphasize the aquatic and wetland plants that occur in central Kentucky, but will also include selected species from western Kentucky and southeastern U. S.

Lecture Outline:

1. Introduction
2. Terminology
1. Vegetative and reproductive parts
2. Life Forms of aquatic plants
3. The Aquatic and Wetland Environment
1. Environmental Factors
2. Classification of Aquatic and Wetland Habitats
3. Characteristics of Lacustrine and Palustrine habitats

LECTURE EXAM I

4. Representative families of aquatic vascular plants
1. Pteridophytes--family and generic features
2. Gymnosperms -- " "
3. Monocots -- " "
5. Morphological adaptations of aquatic plants
1. Roots, stems, leaves
2. Heterophylly
3. Regeneration and hibernacula
4. Sexual adaptations
6. Geography and systematics of aquatic and wetland vascular plants (ranges, endemism, dispersal, systematics)
7. Representative families of dicot aquatic vascular plants
8. Remote identification techniques: aerial photography, satellite imagery; recognition of aquatic and wetland habitats by remote sensing.
9. Estuarine and Maritime Habitats: representative aquatic and wetland plants of coastal regions
10. Economic and ecological aspects of aquatic plants
1. Growth and succession of aquatic communities
2. Economic value--food, medicines, ornamentals, etc.
3. Evaluation and restoration of wetlands
4. Control of aquatic weeds
11. Representative families of wetland plants.

Laboratory and Field Schedule:

Field Trips:  Field trips will be scheduled during the five-hour class sessions. If possible, a few all-day (or overnight) weekend trips will also be scheduled. These trips will involve the location of aquatic habitats, and the collection and identification of species Laboratories: Labs will be scheduled during the 5-hour class sessions and will involve the keying of specimens.

Travel Expenses:  The majority (or all) of travel expenses will be funded by the Dept. of Biological Sciences. For long-distance trips and associated expenses (ie. to Reelfoot Lake) which the Department may not be able to fund completely, students may be asked to contribute a modest amount to support the trip.


Point Totals:
    

Field Quizzes	100 points
Lecture Exam I	100 points
Graduate Student Reports	50 points
Final Lab Exam	100 points
Final Lecture Exam	100 points
Total Points:	400 (450 for graduate students)

Course Grade:  Determined as follows:

89.6% to 100%  = A
79.6 to 89.5  = B
69.6 to 79.5   = C
59.6 to 69.5   = D
below 59.5   = F

Attendance:  Credit for the class will not be allowed if there is a recorded absence of 20% or more in either lab or lecture. Make-ups for lecture exams will be allowed in case of excused absences.