Online
Spring, Fall
Credit: 3 graduate 
Instructor(s): Anthony Slominski

Course Description

This course will explore plant ecology at the individual, population, community, and landscape levels. We will read about and discuss topics in plant physiology, plant responses to stress, population growth, adaptation, community assembly, and community structure. Quantitative measures for assessing populations and communities will be addressed. Techniques in field-based research and data analyses will be explored through an inquiry-based research project. 

Students taking this course will acquire a practical and theoretical knowledge of numerous aspects of plant ecology. Students will sharpen their critical analysis skills by reading, interpreting, and discussing instructional texts, as well as past and current peer-reviewed scientific literature. As a graduate course, it is expected that students will develop the skills to independently analyze data from the field, and effectively communicate research results in a written format.

Meeting Place and Times

Participants login to the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4 - 6 times per week and spend at least 8 - 10 hours per week while the course is in session, either online or offline working on course related assignments, to stay current and successfully complete this 3 credit graduate course.

Instructor(s)

Dr. Anthony Slominski researches the effects of environmental change and insecticide exposure on plant and bee health, as well as plant-bee interactions.  He is currently an assistant teaching professor in the Ecology Department at MSU and an instructor in the Land Resources and Environmental Science Department at MSU. Dr. Slominski's teaching interests include plant ecology, biology, and evolution.

Prerequisite

General biology, general ecology, and LRES 534 environmental data analysis recommended.

Target Audience

Working professionals who want to increase their knowledge in the topic. Students in the MS in Land Resources Environmental Sciences - online degree program.

Time Commitment:

8-10 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Tuition and Fees

See the Online Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid page.

If you are also taking a face-to-face course, please refer to the MSU Fee Schedules.

Required Books/Materials

  • The Ecology of Plants
    Author(s): Jessica Gurevitch, Samuel M. Scheiner & Gordon A. Fox
    Publisher: Sinauer Associates; 3rd edition (July 24, 2020)
    ISBN-13: 978-1605358291
    ISBN-10: 1605358290
    Price: approximately $133 (new) plus shipping and handling
    Misc. info: 2nd edition (2006) book can also be used.  Approximately $65 (used)
    This book can be purchased or rented with various online retailers

Computer Requirements:

  • Internet access
  • A device and browser that can use Canvas, MSU's learning management system.
  • R and RStudio statistical software will be used during the course. These are both free and the instructor will provide guidance on downloading and operating.

For More Information

For course information: Please contact Marni Rolston at mrolston@montana.edu
406-994-2029

How to Register

You must be accepted as a student to Montana State University to take this course.

Learn how to apply.

After your application has been accepted, you can register via MSU's online registration system found in MyMSU.