2023: The course was moved to an early morning time slot so I plan to have a synchronous Zoom option
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
There will be one midterm (150 pts) and one final examination (200 pts). There is 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 via Canvas.
Syllabus for 2023 (draft)
Sept 28- Overview on environmental applications of plants
Oct 3- Phytoremediation of inorganic chemicals
Oct 5- Phytoremediation of organic chemicals
Oct 10- Enhancing phytoremediation using genetic engineering
Oct 12- Enhancing phytoremediation using endophytes
Oct 17- Phytoremediation in Action: Guest seminar by Dr. Freeman of IntrinsyxEnvironmental
Oct 19- United Nations & Environmental Applications of Trees
Oct 24- Midterm Exam (phytoremediation)
Oct 26- Bioenergy overview
Oct 31- Bioethanol and cellulosic bioethanol
Nov 2- Biochemicals (guest lecture by Prof. Dichiara)
Nov 7- Biodiesel, biomethanol, and biohydrogen
Nov 9- Improving the efficiency of biofuel production
Nov 14- PNW Bioenergy Projects: Poplar-based (guest lecture by Prof. Gustafson)
Nov 16- PNW Bioenergy Projects: Forest residues-based (guest lecture by Prof. Ganguly)
Nov 21- Global climate change
Nov 23- HOLIDAY (Thanksgiving Day)
Nov 28- Photosynthesis and carbon sequestration
Nov 30- Plant responses to climate change and mitigation of these impacts
Dec 5- Maximizing carbon sequestration to help stop global warming
Dec 7- Final exam on 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.
The Counseling Center and Hall Health continue to offer student mental health services during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you need support, we are here for you. For more information, see https://wellbeing.uw.edu/topic/mental-health/
Contact the Counseling Center (206.543.1240) or Hall Health Mental Health (206.543.5030) by phone, and we will help you get started. Online scheduling is not currently available.
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