Weed Science is a 3-credit hour class consisting of lecture, student readings and other assignments, and laboratory. Resident (in-state) tuition and fees for undergraduates is reported by UF's CFO to be $126.25 per credit hour, thus this course should cost $378.75 The parallel graduate level course available for graduate students only is AGR6932, Section 9212, and the tuition for graduate students is reported to be $341.29 per credit hour. For general information on UF-Davie academic program including B.S. degree offerings, certificates, and classes please call 954-577-6371 and ask for Academic Programs or link to academic programs from the web site above. For general information on University of Florida courses and curricula please visit http://registrar.ufl.edu

Description

Weed Science PLS4601c is an introduction to basic and applied aspects of weed science. Topics are weed biology and ecology, herbicide families and physiology, and weed control techniques including biological and cultural control of weeds. The lab will cover weed identification, weed growth, population ecology, and herbicide application.

Time and location

First meeting is Thursday, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., for 13 weeks beginning May 14, 2009 (calendar below); schedule may vary, and we will try to have an all-day field trip. This course has been listed as "Directed study"which means that students who cannot attend in person every session may complete a considerable portion of the course work by correspondence, subject to approval by the instructor. Location: Room 204a at the University of Florida Fort Lauderdale Center (map and directions below).

Objectives

to learn the biology and ecology of weeds, which are more than just undesirable plants;

to strengthen a foundation in biology and plant sciences including plant identification, population biology, physiology;

to become adept at understanding weed management systems and concepts of optimization in crop management and protection of natural areas.

Prerequisites

Introductory Botany (BOT 2010C) or Introductory Biology (BSC 2010); and Introductory General Chemistry (CHM 2040) are not required but are highly recommended. Students must be capable of college-level writing and conducting independent library research. Students using any University networked computer may search references using our institutional subscription to the Turfgrass Information File http://tgif.msu.edu

Text

Ross, Merrill A. and Carol A. Lembi. 2009. Applied Weed Science: Including the Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants, 3/E. Prentice Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ. ISBN-10: 0135028140 or ISBN-13: 9780135028148. The publisher's suggested retail price is $95.20 but it is also available through a discount distributor for $85.63 not including shipping and handling.

Background

Occasionally other readings will be available provided to students. Additional resources are available at public libraries and can be purchased commercially.

Other activities

There may be an all-day field trip.

Instructor

Dr. Phil Busey, Office: Room 141 Forman Building. Phone: 954-577-6337 or FAX 954-475-4125. If I do not answer, leave a message. Better yet, contact me by e-mail turf@ufl.edu

Consultations

By appointment (preferably) and drop-in (if I am available). Available usually Wednesday 3:00 to 5:00, for short visits, other times by appointment.

Grading

The course grade will be determined from a combination of quizzes, 1-hour exams, a final exam, and class and lab participation which may include homework. Material covered on exams may come from lectures, discussion, questions and answers in class, the text book, field trips, and student papers. Exam scores will derive at least 50% from multiple-choice questions. There will be no make-up exams. However, students who present unavoidable conflicts may make advance arrangements to take an oral exam. Class participation, which determines at least 10% of the grade, is based on regular attendance, asking questions in class, and being helpful to other students.