Plant-related courses are offered by a variety of U-M departments, with new offerings each term and more in development!
Browse alphabetically on this page, use the search box above to search for a keyword, or explore listings based on topics or teaching methods by clicking on the links below:
| Ecology | Cell & Development | Humans & Plants |
| Systematics / Evolution | Environment & Sustainability | Field-Based Courses |
(Links to the most recent offerings of these courses follow the descriptions.)
ANTHRARC 480. Practica in Archaeological Research Techniques
Juniors and above or permission of instructor. (1 – 3). May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. May be elected more than once in the same term.
This course provides students with theoretical background and hands-on experience in the documentation and analysis of a range of archaeological remains. The course is subdivided into units or sections, focusing on some combination of the following: the analysis of ceramics, lithics, fauna, botanical remains, soils, archaeological photography, mapping, and drafting.
ANTHRARC 497. Museum Anthropology
Junior standing. (3). May not be repeated for credit.
This course examines museums in anthropological theory and practice, tracing the history of anthropology museums from colonial collecting institutions to active collaborators with source communities. We explore issues of ownership, representation, ethics, and research potential of museum collections. Field trips and projects with museum collections provide hands-on learning experiences.
BIOLOGY 102. Practical Botany
(4). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Credit is granted for a combined total of 17 credits elected in introductory biology. W.
BIOLOGY 205. Developmental Biology
BIOLOGY 162 or 163; or BIOLOGY 171 and either 172 or 174; or BIOLOGY 195. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
This course is designed to give students an introduction to animal and plant developmental biology. The course covers embryological, genetic and molecular biological approaches towards studying how development occurs. Topics include: cell movement during gastrulation, control of cell division, cell-cell communication and regulation of gene expression.
BIOLOGY 212. Plants and Human Health
BIOLOGY 171 & 172/174, or BIOLOGY 195. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) (3). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in BIOLOGY 230.
Plants are the ultimate source of all human food and most medicine, and also play essential roles in environment for healthy human life. In this course, students learn basic botany, human use of plants as food and medicine, and the important relationship between environment and human health.
BIOLOGY 230. Introduction to Plant Biology
BIOLOGY 171, (172 or 174), & 173; or BIOLOGY 195 & 173. (4; 5 in the half-term). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in BIOLOGY 212. F; Sp/Su at the Biological Station. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
This course presents a broad, integrated overview of plant biology including economic and environmental aspects. The main themes are plant diversity, structure, function, development, and ecology.
BIOLOGY 255 / ENVIRON 255. Plant Diversity
(4). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
This course examines plant diversity by groups, ranging from algae and nonvascular plants through primitive vascular plants and culminating in flowering plants. Using an evolutionary perspective, it treats plants as organisms and emphasizes the innovations and structural adaptations of the various plant groups as well as life history strategies. Weekly field trips allow exploration of local natural areas.
BIOLOGY 281 / ENVIRON 281. General Ecology
BIOLOGY 171, (172 or 174) & 173; or BIOLOGY 195 & 173; AND a laboratory course in CHEM (BIOLOGY 172 and 173 are strongly recommended). (3). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in EEB 381 or ENVIRON 381. F and W.
The course introduces the basic concepts and principles of ecology as applied to the study of individuals, populations, and communities of both plants and animals.
FA 2017 | WN 2017 | FA 2016 | WN 2016 | FA 2015
CLARCH 350-001. Topics in Classical Archaeology (Environmental Archeology)
CLARCH 221, 222, or 323. (3). (HU). May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
How and in which ways past environments have changed throughout human history? How have these changes affected past civilizations? How great an impact have humans really made on the environment, from prehistory right up until today? This course will investigate the dynamic relationships between human societies, culture and the ‘natural world’ in the past and it will explore the complexities of human-environment interactions using a diachronic and comparative perspective only possible through an archaeological lens. After a brief survey of the methods and techniques applied in environmental archaeology and through the discussion of case studies, students will consider how we can use what we have learned from the archaeological record to live in a globalized, sustainability-focused world. Given the interdisciplinary nature of environmental archaeology this course will engage a diverse range of disciplines, approaches and research techniques including: ecological theory, paleoclimatology, paleoecology, human paleontology, dating methods, sedimentology, pedology, geomorphology, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, geochemistry, history and sociocultural development.
EARTH 115. The Emerald Planet
(1). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
This minicourse explores the major events in the co-evolution of plants and the Earth. Topics include: how plants moved onto land, the rise of the first forests, the invention of flowers and their impact on animals, and how plants bring about and respond to environmental change.
EARTH 432. Plant Paleobiology
BIOLOGY 171 or GEOSCI 116, or 119, or 120, or 205/206, or graduate standing. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Rackham credit requires additional work.
Plants have played important roles in the terrestrial biosphere for over 500 million years. This course explores the evolution and ecology of plants through this time, including the transition to land, early plant life, origin of major groups and plant structures, and the impact plants have on shaping our planet.
EEB 320 / ENVIRON 311. Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands: Introduction to Aquatic Ecosystems
One course in BIOLOGY or permission of instructor. (4). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in ENVIRON 331/EEB 321 (Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands). Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
Field and lecture based introduction to the scientific study of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Introduces basic physical/chemical/biological concepts and techniques; emphasized ecological literacy and seeks to develop interpretive skills and reasoning. Includes overview of aquatic fauna and flora, and a survey of the ecology of major types of rivers and streams, lakes, wetlands, and ocean estuaries. Interactions between the hydrological cycle, the landscape, and human activities provide the basic theme around which ecosystem presentations are organized. Lab sections develop basic chemical and biological identification skills during the first half of the course; the second half focuses on weekly field trips to representative ecosystems and their ecological evaluation.
EARTH 450 / ENVIRON 450. Ecosystem Science in the Rockies
Introductory Geology [EARTH 119&118 or 116 or 120, or ENVIRON 119&118 or 116], AND (either General Ecology [ENVIRON 281 or BIOLOGY 281] or Introductory Environmental Science [EARTH 201 or 202 or 284, or ENVIRON 209 or 202 or 284]). (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) At least two courses from the following list: Environmental Geochemistry EARTH 325), Geobiology (EARTH 313), Earth Materials (EARTH 315), Earth’s Surface and Sediments (EARTH 305). (5 in the half-term). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
This is a 4-week course taught at Camp Davis, WY using the Rocky Mountains as a field laboratory to gain field-based knowledge and experience while developing an understanding of geological and meteorological processes and the distribution and function of grasslands, forests, and alpine ecosystems of the region. This course is designed for majors in geological and environmental sciences, natural resources and other students who have a general interest in this subject matter.
EEB 321 / ENVIRON 331. Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands: Introduction to Aquatic Ecosystems (UMBS)
Consent of department required. One course in BIOLOGY. (5 in the half-term). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in ENVIRON 311/EEB 320 (Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands).
Field and lecture based introduction to the scientific study of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Introduces basic physical/chemical/biological concepts and techniques; emphasized ecological literacy and seeks to develop interpretive skills and reasoning. Includes overview of aquatic fauna and flora, and a survey of the ecology of major types of rivers and streams, lakes, wetlands, and ocean estuaries. Interactions between the hydrological cycle, the landscape, and human activities provide the basic theme around which ecosystem presentations are organized. Lab sections develop basic chemical and biological identification skills during the first half of the course; the second half focuses on weekly field trips to representative ecosystems and their ecological evaluation.
EEB 348 / ENVIRON 348. Forest Ecosystems
Consent of department required. BIOLOGY 171, (172 or 174) & 173; or BIOLOGY 195 & 173. (5 in the half-term). (NS). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Su at Biological Station.
Focused on ecology in forest species and components of ecological systems, this course emphasizes hands-on field study in diverse upland and wetland forests. It stresses integrating topography, soil, climate, and vegetation, plus the dynamics of fire and regeneration ecology. This ecocentric approach is applicable in temperate forest ecosystems throughout the world.
EEB 372 / ENVIRON 372. General Ecology Laboratory
BIOLOGY 171, (172 or 174) & 173; or BIOLOGY 195 & 173; AND concurrent or prior enrollment in BIOLOGY 281/ENVIRON 281. (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
This course combines a mixture of tools needed to become ecologically proficient. This includes applying the fundamental concepts from ecology, the protocol for conceptualizing and conducting experiments, the statistical tests used to test hypotheses, and the tools needed to present work through communication. The lab exercises have a mixture of ecological practices, field experiments, hypothesis testing, statistical analyses, and written/oral communication.
EEB 381 / ENVIRON 381. General Ecology
BIOLOGY 171, (172 or 174) & 173; or BIOLOGY 195 & 173; AND a laboratory course in CHEM. (5 in the half-term). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
Fundamental concepts and principles of ecology of both plants and animals applied to the study of individual organisms, populations, and communities. Field and laboratory work emphasized the collection and analysis of basic data. A formal introduction to the discipline of ecology and suitable as a prerequisite for intermediate and advanced courses in the subject.
SU 2017 | SP 2017 | SU 2016 | SP 2016
EEB 390. Evolution
BIOLOGY 171 or (195 & 173); prior or concurrent enrollment in BIOLOGY 305. (3; 5 in the half-term). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
This course covers the fundamentals of evolutionary biology with a focus on living organisms. It includes a historical survey of the development of evolutionary theory from ancient philosophers to the present, and critical examination of phylogenetic systematics, natural selection, population genetics, molecular evolution, micro-evolution, and macro-evolution.
FA 2017 | WN 2017 | FA 2016 | WN 2016 | FA 2015
EEB 391. Introduction to Evolution: Quantitative Approach
MATH 115, 120, 185, or equivalent. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) Any introductory course in probability and statistics. (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in EEB 390 or EEB 392.
This course examines evolutionary biology based on a number of key concepts and partial formal theories. It includes the history of life, microevolution, and macroevolution along with the data and methods for obtaining it. The course extensively uses simple concepts of calculus, probability theory, and computer science.
EEB 392. Evolution (UMBS)
BIOLOGY 171 or (195 & 173); prior or concurrent enrollment in BIOLOGY 305. (5 in the half-term). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in EEB 391 (Quantitative Evolution) or EEB 390 (Evolution). This course is taught at the University of Michigan Biological Field Station (UMBS) in the spring and/or summer terms only.
This course covers the fundamentals of evolutionary biology with a focus on living organisms. It includes a historical survey of the development of evolutionary theory from ancient philosophers to the present, and critical examination of phylogenetic systematics, natural selection, population genetics, molecular evolution, micro-evolution, and macro-evolution. This course is taught at the University of Michigan Biological Field Station (UMBS) in the spring and/or summer terms only.
EEB 408. Modeling for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
MATH 115 or equivalent; and BIOLOGY 171, 172 or 174, & 173 or BIOLOGY 195 & 173. (Or Graduate Student standing.). (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
An introductory course in the creation and analysis of mathematical models in ecology and evolutionary biology, teaching students the derivation and analysis of simple models formulated using ordinary differential or recursion equations, and demonstrating the application of those skills to example core models in ecology and evolutionary biology.
EEB 416 / MCDB 416. Introduction to Bioinformatics
BIOLOGY 305 and EEB 390, or graduate standing. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Rackham credit requires additional work.
Introduction to Bioinformatics is an advanced elective for upper-level Program in Biology majors and graduate students that wish to gain exposure to the basic principles of bioinformatics as well as guided practice using the typical computational tools of the field.
EEB 436 / ENVIRON 436 / NRE 436. Woody Plants: Biology and Identification
BIOLOGY 162 or 171. (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Rackham credit requires additional work.
Ecology, systematic and identification of trees, shrubs, and vines are studies in weekly field trips to diverse Michigan ecosystems–including upland, wetland, and floodplain forests. Lectures focus on glacial landscape history, biogeography, and ecology of Michigan forests.
EEB 455. Ethnobotany
Two college-level courses in BIOLOGY. (5 in the half-term). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
EEB 457. Algae in Freshwater Ecosystems
Two laboratory courses in Botany. (5 in the half-term). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. (Offered in even years at the Biological Station). Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
EEB 459. Systematic Botany
BIOLOGY 171, (172 or 174) & 173; or BIOLOGY 195 & 173; OR BIOLOGY 255. (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. F. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
Principles of systematic botany, including training in the major groups of vascular plants in terms of their morphology, anatomy, cytology, ecology, and reproductive biology, as well as problems win numerical taxonomy, biosystematics, and botanical nomenclature. Laboratory includes plant specimens and visual aids.
EEB 463. Neotropical Plant Families
BIOLOGY 215 or EEB 459. (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
This course will introduce students to generic-level organization of 25 neo-tropical plant families. Families covered are 1) ecologically widespread and abundant in the neo-tropics or 2) of taxonomic or economic significance. Meetings include lectures on comparative morphology, anatomy, and ecological/economic significance of families and their included genera, and a laboratory during which students examine dried specimens.
EEB 468. Biology of Fungi
BIOLOGY 305, EEB 390, or BIOLOGY 281 strongly suggested. (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
This course provides an introduction to the fungi through lectures, laboratories, and field trips. We explore fungal biodiversity, ecology, genetics, and the importance of fungi in food and human health. Practical experience, such as isolation and identification of mushrooms, yeasts, and molds is included.
EEB 472. Plant-Animal Interactions
BIOLOGY 281. (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. W.
EEB 476 / ENVIRON 476 / NRE 476. Ecosystem Ecology
General Ecology and a 400-level course in Aquatic or Terrestrial Ecology. (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. W.
Current theories about the control and function of ecosystems, the approaches and techniques being used to test these theories, and the application of theory to the management and restoration of ecosystems.
EEB 477. Laboratory in Field Ecology
A course in Ecology. (5). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. F. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
EEB 482. Freshwater Ecosystems: Limnology (UMBS)
Sophomores and above. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) One course in each of the following: Ecology, Chemistry, and Physics. (5 in the half-term). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who are enrolled in or have completed BIOLOGY 482, EEB 483, or EEB 484.
This is a lab course that focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological controls of aquatic ecosystems. It addresses major topics such as nutrient enrichment, food/web interactions, and invasive species. The lab component provides instruction on modern field techniques and laboratory analyses used in aquatic research. This course is taught at the University of Michigan Biological Field Station (UMBS) in the spring and/or summer terms only.
EEB 483. Freshwater Ecosystems: Limnology
Sophomores and above. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) One course in each of the following: Ecology, Chemistry, and Physics. (4). (BS). (QR/1). May not be repeated for credit. No credit granted to those who are enrolled in or have completed BIOLOGY 482, EEB 482, or EEB 484. W.
This is a lab course that focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological controls of aquatic ecosystems. It addresses major topics such as nutrient enrichment, food/web interactions, and invasive species. The lab component provides instruction on modern field techniques and laboratory analyses used in aquatic research.
EEB 485. Population and Community Ecology
(4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Rackham credit requires additional work.
Principles governing the phenomena of single and interacting populations are examined, from basic tenets to cutting-edge research questions. Population and community-level perspectives are integrated by drawing parallels between approaches and considering how to scale up from the phenomena of one or a few species to the structure and dynamics of whole communities.
EEB 489 / ENVIRON 430 / NRE 430. Soil Ecology
BIOLOGY 162 or 171 and 172 and 173, and General Chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in ENVIRON 436/EEB 436 and ENVIRON 435/NRE 435 highly recommended. (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. F. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
Soils as central components of terrestrial ecosystems. Major emphasis is placed on physical, chemical, and biological properties and their relationships to plant growth and ecosystem processes. Understanding is developed using a combination of lectures, field- and lab-based exercises, and individual research.
EEB 491. Phylogenetic Methods and Theory
BIOLOGY 171, 172 or 174, & 173 or BIOLOGY 195 & 173. (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
This course covers theory and methods used in phylogenetics. Topics will include sequence manipulation and alignment, dataset assembly, phylogenetic reconstruction, tree searching, character reconstruction, and dating analyses. Prior programming experience is helpful but not required; familiarity with computers is assumed.
EEB 498. The Ecology of Agroecosystems
A course in Ecology. (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. F.
EEB 556. Field Botany of Northern Michigan
A course in Systematic Botany (EEB 459). (5 in the half-term). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Satisfies a Biology laboratory requirement.
ENVIRON 421. Restoration Ecology
BIOLOGY/ENVIRON 281 and EEB/ENVIRON 372 OR EEB/ENVIRON 381. (4). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. Rackham credit requires additional work.
This course offers an introduction to the science, policy, and social issues around ecological restoration and explores where local agriculture fits in the larger context of restoration. We examine and discuss a multitude of restoration projects – urban, rural, and natural areas – through the use of case studies, field trips, and guest lectures from local practitioners of restoration ecology. Field trips to local restoration sites will include field exercises to learn how to collect data for site inventory, monitoring, and assessing restoration success.
MCDB 321. Introductory Plant Physiology Lectures
BIOLOGY 162 or 163 or [171 and (172 or 174)] or 195. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) College Physics recommended. (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
The course introduces the basic concepts and mechanisms that underlie plant functions: 1) plant cell psysiology; 2) cellular and internal transport; and 3) plant growth and development.
MCDB 430. Molecular Biology of Plants
BIOLOGY 305; and MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351. Or Graduate standing. (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit. W.
Basic aspects of molecular genetic/biochemistry as they pertain to plants: genome and gene structure and expression; processes of protein synthesis and localization; and the interaction of these macromolecules within and between cells.
MCDB 433. Plant Metabolic Biochemistry
BIOLOGY 305 and (MCDB 310, BIOLCHEM 415, or CHEM 351). (Prerequisites enforced at registration.) (3). (BS). May not be repeated for credit.
The course examines the major biochemical pathways that occur in plants, with emphasis on the chemical reactions and pathways that are unique to plants.
Contact
Green Life Sciences Initiative
Admin. Email:
green-life-science@umich.edu
A collaborative effort with the Program in Biology and faculty from:
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Molecular, Cellular, & Devel. Biology
School for Environment and Sustainability
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Civil & Environmental Engineering