Designed for those interested in learning college-level botany in an informal setting,
this course will be comprehensive, featuring a heavy focus on the historic and present-day
roles of plant taxonomy. It will also include a broad exposure to the terminology
of plant structures, and an overview of the process of the formal naming of plants,
that is, with scientific names.
The field trip aspect of this course will bolster the learning of plant terminology,
as well as on-site identification of local plant life.
Expected goals for participants:
Knowledge of plant terminology, and an ability to discuss this using scientific terms.
Understanding of the processes involved during the discovery, description, and publication
of new plant species.
Ability to recognize and identify a substantial number of local plants.
Class schedule:
April 15: Role of plant taxonomy, overview of the history of plant taxonomy, Linnaeus; terminology
of plant parts: vegetative parts (roots, stems, leaves, etc.).
April 22: Continued overview of the history of plant taxonomy and local botanists; vegetative
parts continued (leaf architecture, plant growth).
April 29: Vegetative parts completed; introduction to plant reproduction, alternation of generations.
May 6: Flowers and floral biology; selected plant families overview.
May 13: Floral biology, fruit types; selected plant families.
May 20: Selected plant families.
Field Trip Sites*
April 20: Sesquicentennial State Park
April 27: Riverfront Park
May 4: USC Horseshoe
May 11: Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve
May 18: Congaree Swamp National Park
May 25: Belser Arboretum
*Sites subject to change.
Course Fee - $100
Meet Your Instructor
John B. Nelson, Ph.D.
John B. Nelson, Ph.D., is a Professor Emeritusin the University of South Carolina
Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Nelson has investigated the relationships of
eastern North American representatives of the genus Stachys, a member of the mint
family. Within this group, a number are problematic, forming complicated species groups
with overlapping morphologies. Various features of ecological and anatomical specialization
have proven useful in understanding this enigmatic group. Both herbarium studies and
field work have been crucial to this understanding.
Registration and Fees
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Registration and Payment Notes
If you plan to pay by check or purchase order, select "register by mail." Complete the form and return a printout with payment to: USC Continuing Education
and Conferences, Close/Hipp Building at 1705 College Street, Suite 591, Columbia,
SC 29208. Your seat is not guaranteed until payment is received.
We accept online payment via electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express through MarketPlace,
a secure electronic environment that simplifies business transactions with the university.
Follow the MarketPlace prompts to complete payment. Your transaction is only complete
when you receive an order number, which is your receipt of payment. Your seat is not
guaranteed until payment is received and you receive an order number.
Once you have paid and are enrolled, you'll be emailed location and parking information for face-to-face programs or online
instructions about one week before the program begins.
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