2024: This course will be taught in person (except for the recorded or via Zoom lectures as listed in the syllabus). Those unable to attend in person (illness, long commute) should contact Prof. Doty via Canvas for a Zoom link
ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS OF PLANTS: Bioenergy and Bioremediation
The course provides students with information about pressing environmental issues and many possible “green” solutions. The course includes a discussion of global climate change and carbon sequestration by plants, since it links to both of the main topics of the course- phytoremediation and bioenergy. The students will learn about how plants remove and detoxify organic pollutants and sequester metal pollutants. They will learn the advantages and disadvantages of using phytoremediation compared to current engineering methods, and how the process can be improved. One lecture will focus on genetic engineering of plants, followed by lectures describing how this method can lead to increased degradation of pollutants. The bioenergy part of the course covers bioethanol, biomethanol, and biodiesel as alternative fuels. This overview is then followed by several lectures on the latest research on how current practices are being improved to make biofuel production economically and biologically feasible. We end with a few lectures on climate change and how trees can significantly reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. My teaching style is with the optimism that we can use creativity and knowledge to solve environmental problems.
Required Texts
Since the course covers the latest material on phytoremediation and bioenergy, some of which is not yet published, the reading is based on reviews and current scientific papers, not text books. Students are expected to read the reviews prior to class to engage effectively in class discussions.
Evaluation
Grades will be based on a midterm (150 pts), a final examination (150 pts), course attendance/participation (50 pts), and one writing assignment, worth 50 points. For the undergrads (ESRM 325), the exams will be multiple choice and short essays. For the grads (SEFS 523), the exams will be more short-essay style. Exams will be conducted in class but via Canvas (bring a computer; printed versions will be available upon request). Class participation/attendance is an important aspect of learning. Last year, attendance was poor and some students scored very low on exams. So to encourage live attendance, there will be a sign-in sheet for credit (those needing to attend via Zoom such as due to illness will sign in via the Chat). There will be an extra credit opportunity (10 pts) to participate in Doty’s restoration project at the Union Bay Natural Area.
Syllabus for 2024
Th Sept 26- Overview on environmental applications of plants
Tu Oct 1- Phytoremediation of inorganic chemicals
Th Oct 3- Phytoremediation of organic chemicals
Tu Oct 8- Enhancing phytoremediation using genetic engineering
Th Oct 10- Enhancing phytoremediation using endophytes
Tu Oct 15- Phytoremediation in Action: Guest seminar by Dr. Freeman of IntrinsyxEnvironmental [via Zoom; sign in via the Chat]
Th Oct 17- [No class; Doty is at the IPC meeting; watch video on United Nations and Environmental Applications of Trees; no sign-in required]
Tu Oct 22- Midterm Exam (phytoremediation) in class
Th Oct 24- Bioenergy overview [recorded lecture; Doty is at IPC meeting; no sign-in required]
Tu Oct 29- Bioethanol and cellulosic bioethanol
Th Oct 31- Biodiesel, biomethanol
Tu Nov 5- Improving the efficiency of biofuel production
Th Nov 7- PNW Bioenergy Projects: Forest residues-based (guest lecture by Prof. Ganguly)
Tu Nov 12- PNW Bioenergy Projects: Poplar-based biofuels
Th Nov 14- Global climate change
Tu Nov 19- Photosynthesis and carbon sequestration
Th Nov 21- Plant responses to climate change, and mitigation of these impacts
Tu Nov 26- Forests for climate change mitigation
Th Nov 28- Thanksgiving Day holiday
Tu Dec 3- Maximizing carbon sequestration
Th Dec 5- Final exam on the last day of class, NOT ON THE ASSIGNED DAY
Course evaluations are due this week
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).
Disability Access and Accommodation
It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law, including establishing reasonable accommodations for all students. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please activate your accommodations via myDRS so that we can discuss how they will be implemented in this course. You will need to schedule exams with DRS Center for extended time allowances
If you have not yet established services through DRS, and you have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations, contact DRS directly (disability.uw.edu) to set up an Access Plan. DRS facilitates the interactive process that establishes reasonable accommodations. Conditions requiring accommodation include but are not limited to: mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism, cheating, and other misconduct are serious violations of your contract as a student. We expect that you will know and follow the University’s policies on cheating and plagiarism. Any suspected cases of academic misconduct will be handled according to University regulations. More information, including definitions and examples of Academic Misconduct, is available at http://depts.washington.edu/grading/issue1/honesty.htm