[Srm] New OnLine (D2L) Course; NOXIOUS, INVASIVE PLANTS OF ARIZONA (RNR/PLS 400)

[Larry Howery]

If could please announce, advertise, and distribute this new on-line course offering, I would appreciate it!  Flyer is also attached for posting.

Thanks, Larry
NOXIOUS, INVASIVE PLANTS OF ARIZONA (RNR/PLS
400)
Summer
Session I, 2012; 3 credits; Section 001
Dr.
Larry D. Howery (lhowery at ag.arizona.edu;
621-7277)
New On-line (D2L) Course
Course
Synopsis:  This
on-line course provides an overview of the biology, ecology, impacts, and
management options for noxious, invasive plants in (or near) Arizona.  The
course’s primary focus is on Arizona and the southwestern U.S., however it will
also provide an overview of the ecological and economic effects of invasive
species across North America.
Background: The noxious, invasive weed problem
in the southwestern U.S. has been described as “a biological forest fire racing
beyond control because no one wants to be fire boss.”  When small weed
infestations are left unchecked, they can grow exponentially and spread across
the land much like a slow-moving biological wildfire.  However, land
consumed by fire usually recovers and is often more productive than before the
fire occurred.  On the other hand, land consumed by noxious weeds may be
irreversibly changed and never again reach its full ecological potential. 
Invasive plants also cause economic problems by altering habitats and causing
poisonous plant problems for both wild and domesticated animals.  There
are currently relatively small noxious weed infestations in Arizona that most
people probably do not even recognize as a problem.  However, the risk of
ignoring these infestations is great.  Many weed scientists compare small
infestations to biological time bombs, primed to explode when the right
combination of environmental conditions come along.  In Arizona, over the
past decade, some of these smaller infestations have expanded their range into
previously uninfested areas.
Course
Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:The primary objective of this course is
to help you develop a deeper understanding of noxious and invasive plants that
are currently established in Arizona or that threaten the state due to their
close proximity in bordering states/countries.  By the end of this course, you will have achieved the following
learning outcomes: 1) ability to describe multiple negative impacts of noxious,
invasive plants, 2) ability to site-identify several key invasive plant species
in the southwestern U.S., 3) increase your understanding of the biology and
ecology of invasive species, and, 4) learn about various integrated vegetation
management strategies and tactics that can been used to manage noxious,
invasive plants.Course Methodology and
Teaching Format:Time
management will be critical in this 5-week course which meets 5 days/week for 5
consecutive weeks.  Each class day, there will be a Learning Module and a
Discussion Assignment that should be completed by the end of the day (unless the day has
been devoted to a quiz).  There will be 3-4 quizzes given at periodic
intervals throughout the session, and, you will be required to develop a PowerPoint® presentation on a noxious or invasive plant of your choice.
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