Orchidology (ORH 4280/ORH 5282)
Syllabus: Spring 2009

Download Syllabus Spring 2009: ORH 4280/5282 Syllabus

Catalog Statement

ORH 4280/ORH 5282 Orchidology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BOT 2011 or BSC 2011

The principles and practices involved in the production of orchid plants and flowers, including nomenclature, breeding, seed culture, harvesting, and handling.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will gain better understanding of general aspects of orchid history, nomenclature, biology, cultural, and commercial practices.

Course Format

Class will meet for two 50-minute lecture and discussion periods and one 50-60 minute activity period (laboratory, hands-on, discussion), offered in one 3-hour session per week. The lecture and activity times may vary depending on the subject and activity exercise for a particular week. Field trips, tours, and other field activities will complement the class sessions.

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Instructor

Dr. Wagner Vendrame, Associate Professor
Office hours: by appointment.

Tropical Research & Education Center (TREC)
Bldg 53, Rm 6
University of Florida
18905 SW 280th St.
Homestead, FL  33031-3314

Phone: (305) 246-7001, ext 210
Cell: (786) 202-0040
Fax: (305) 246-7003
E-mail: vendrame@ufl.edu

Web site: trec.ifas.ufl.edu/vendrame

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Grading

The final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:

A = 90-100%	C = 70-75%
B+ = 86-89%	D+ = 66-69%
B = 80-85%	D = 60-65%
C+ = 76-79%	F = Below 60%

Using the following criteria:

ORH 4280	ORH 5282
Examination I: 25%	Examination I: 15%
Examination II: 25%	Examination II: 15%
Final Examination: 50%	Final Examination: 20%
	Term Project: 50%

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Recommended Text

*recommended, not required!

• Arditti, J. 1992. Fundamentals of Orchid Biology. John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY.
• Northern, R.T. 1990. Home Orchid Growing. Simon & Schuster, New York, NY.

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Supplemental Reading

Supplemental reading assignments will be available on the course website. Additional reading material may be distributed in class.

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Course Content

1. Introduction and History
2. Evolution
3. Vegetative & Reproductive Morphology
4. Classification & Nomenclature
5. Flowering Physiology
6. Mineral Nutrition & Plant Hormones
7. Media & Growing Environment
8. Genetics & Breeding
9. Diseases
10. Pests
11. Pollination
12. Repotting & Vegetative Propagation
13. Sexual Propagation
14. Tissue Culture
15. Ecology & Conservation
16. Commercial & Ethnobotanical Use
17. Commercial Production

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Academic Honesty

As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statement:

"I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University."

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University Computer Policy

The University of Florida requires that students have their own computer hardware and software and have access to the Internet. The minimum UF Computer & Software Requirements are outlined at this address: http://circa.ufl.edu/computer.htm.

There are some computers available on the TREC campus for computer and classroom use in building 8356, room 2, during the posted hours.

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University of Florida Counseling Services

Resources are available on campus for students having personal and career problems that interfere with their academic performance. These resources include:

• University Counseling Center: 301 Peabody Hall, 2-1575
• Student Mental Health Services: Student Health Care Center, 2-1171
• Center for Sexual Abuse/Assault Recovery: Student Health Care Center, 2-1161
• Career Resource Center: Reitz Union, 2-1601

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Cell Phone Policy

In order to limit classroom disruptions, the use of cell phones, messaging devices and other electronic devices is not allowed. It is recommended that cell phones are turned off and stowed away during class or lab sessions. Students under special circumstances who need to maintain their cell phones on are required to put them in the "vibrate" mode upon instructor’s permission.

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Hurricane Season

Severe storm and hurricane closings, as advised by the National Weather Service/National Hurricane Center (NOAA), might result in class cancellations and/or changes in class schedule. Whenever possible, efforts will be made to accommodate and replace classes missed. Students will be notified of any class cancellations and/or changes in advance via phone and/or email.

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