Course Syllabus
SYLLABUS AND COURSE SUMMARY
Garden by Nigel Dunnett at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, May 2025. Image by David Hopman.
LARC 5330: Plant Identification and Ecology
Fall 2025
As the instructor for this course, I reserve the right to adjust the syllabus and schedule in any way that serves the students' educational needs. – David Hopman, ASLA, PLA Information
Name
David Hopman, ASLA, PLA
Office Location
CAPPA 404
Office Phone
817.272.2801
Dhopman@uta.edu
Faculty Profile
https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?username=dhopman
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:30 to 10:30 AM on TEAMS or by appointment
Communication Guidelines
My preferred communication method is email.
I will respond to emails and voice messages within 1 day.
Course Information
Section Information
LARC 5330 and LARC 4330
Course Description
Course Title: This course offers a broad overview of the many plant materials, plant industry professionals, and planting techniques required to design, install, and maintain successful and future viable landscapes. The student will learn a plant palette appropriate for landscape architecture, emphasizing North Texas native plants, ecology, and future viable planting practices. Field trips will cover a cross-section of the Dallas/Fort Worth landscapes, from urban projects to nature centers. Green Industry professionals will share their expertise in class and field trips. Local field trips are required, and students need a good digital camera. Comfortable shoes and a hat should be brought to every class and field trip.
Prerequisites: Must be in the LARC MLA program or the last year of an undergraduate program.
Course Delivery Method
This course is designated as Hybrid in-person.
Special note for the hybrid form of the class in 2025
The format of the class for this fall is subject to change, but this is how I expect the class to be conducted as of 7-2025 and until further notice.
We will meet in person as long as we can safely do so. We usually spend a portion of most classes outdoors, especially after the weather begins to cool down in late September.
Over 99% of all serious illnesses and deaths from COVID are among the unvaccinated. According to the CDC, even if you have had COVID, you will not be as protected as you are with a vaccination. Over 223 million people in the US have been fully vaccinated (over 600 million doses!) with very minimal side effects, so we know the vaccine is BOTH very safe and highly effective. Please take this seriously and do your part to prevent the pandemic from returning by joining me in getting the vaccine and boosters if you have not done the right thing and gotten these already.
Last year, my classes had at least one COVID-19 infection, and several students became very ill. With common-sense measures, we can avoid the disruption and misery of infection.
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If you have any of the symptoms above, please do not hesitate to call or email me, indicating that you will not be able to attend the activity and will be quarantined until you receive COVID-19 test results.
Online issues
We will use TEAMS for all online classes and CANVAS for quizzes, exams, and other activities TBA. You can learn these programs very easily by using LinkedIn learning videos (free to UTA students) or by studying the help in the programs themselves.
It will be important for all students to have a good internet connection, a good microphone, an adequate video camera, and a large enough monitor to see all course content comfortably. We may spend hours each week online if required, so please make every effort to get set up electronically for success. Below are a few tips on your setup:
- WIFI: This is a key element for your online experience and those participating with you!
- Test regularly to learn what blocks and stops it. I use “internet speed test” on Google.
- My WIFI stops almost completely when the microwave in my kitchen is running (about 40 feet and three rooms away)
- If you live in an apartment, consider a hardwired Ethernet connection. I bought a 100-foot cord for my office for less than 10 dollars, which made a massive difference in speed and reliability.
- Get an adapter for USB, Thunder Stick, etc.—to ensure you receive an uninterrupted signal.
- Bluetooth headphones can weaken the signal.
- A Wi-Fi range extender is extremely useful! I used to use TP Link before I got the long Ethernet cable. It doubled my Wi-Fi___33 speed (actual) from 40-45 to 94-97 mb/second.
- The extender can occasionally cause problems with the connection. Reboot the extender from time to time if there are issues.
- Get as close as possible to the router if no Wi-Fi___33 extender.
- Raise the router off the floor for better coverage.
- In order to boost the signal, turn off all web browsers and other programs that use a lot of resources while you are in class!
- Check your cloud server syncing; it could use too much bandwidth.
- Ask people in your household not to use WIFI while you are in an online class or meeting.
- Get a Wi-Fi___33 upgrade. 20 meg/second or higher is better and more resilient. 100 meg/second or more is better.
- If a weak signal, consider lowering the resolution of your camera to keep the voice signal robust.
- Consider getting a webcam with a good integrated microphone. This will improve the sound and video and remove the need for headsets.
- We will discuss any other issues as the semester progresses.
Time and Place of Class Meetings
ARCH 404, field trips, and online in TEAMS if required. Monday and Wednesday 12:00-2:50.
Time Zone
This course operates on Central Time. All times listed for class meeting times, exams, and assignment deadlines are in Central Time (CT).
Classroom/Lecture Recording Policy
Faculty maintain the academic right to determine whether students are permitted to record classroom and online lectures. Recordings of classroom lectures, if permitted by the instructor or pursuant to an ADA accommodation, may only be used for academic purposes related to the specific course. They may not be used for commercial purposes or shared with non-course participants except in connection with a legal proceeding.
Recording of classroom and online lectures in this course is not allowed unless specifically authorized by the professor.
Expectations for Out-of-Class Study
Beyond the time required to attend each class meeting, students enrolled in this course should expect to spend at least an additional nine hours per week of their own time in course-related activities, including reading required materials, completing assignments, preparing for exams, etc.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
At the conclusion of the class, students will:
- Demonstrate through a series of quizzes and exams a knowledge of:
- ecological relationships and plant communities as they apply to the North Texas area,
- nomenclature, uses, and horticultural requirements for canopy trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, groundcovers, grasses, and aquatic plants suitable for the various ecological zones of North Central Texas,
- knowledge of how landscape architects evaluate plants for suitability in their designs using aesthetic, horticultural, environmental, ecological, and engineering criteria.
- How to independently prepare a comprehensive regionally appropriate plant palette from internet resources for a geographical area beyond the DFW Metroplex as designated by the professor.
Course Materials & Technology
Textbook Information
Students will read and study materials about plants and ecology provided by the professor and online resources. There are no required textbooks.
The following App is required and will be used for both fieldwork and quizzes:
Flora of Texas: Fort Worth Prairie Region. Botanical Research Institute of Texas and High-Country Apps, LLC. ($7.99).
See: https://www.highcountryapps.com/FloraOfTexasFortWorthPrairie.aspx
Other Recommended Texts for Plant Materials in Texas: (highlighted=highly recommended)
Arnold, Michael Aloysius, second edition 2018. Landscape Plants for Texas and Environs. Champaign: Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
Darke, Rick, 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes. Portland: Timber Press.
Diggs, George M. Jr., Barney L. Lipscomb, and Robert J. O’Kennon, 1999. Shinners & Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Fort Worth: Botanical Research Institute of Texas.
Franz, Alan Dean, 2005. Perennial Gardening in Texas. Dallas: Taylor Trade Publishing.
Garrett, Howard, 2002. Howard Garrett’s Texas Trees. Lanham: Taylor Trade Publishing. *
Garrett, Howard, 2016. Texas Gardening the Natural Way. Austin: University of Texas Press. Or newest edition
Grime, Phillip J., 2001. Plant Strategies, Vegetation Processes, and Ecosystem Services. John Wiley and Sons.
Harris, James G. and Melinda Woolf Harris, 2001. Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary. Spring Lake Utah, Spring Lake Publishing.
Ogden, Scott, 1994. Garden Bulbs for the South. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company.
Ogden, Scott, 1992. Gardening Success with Difficult Soils. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company.
Ondra, Nancy J., 2002. Grasses. North Adams: Storey Books.
Sibley, David Allen, 2009. The Sibley Guide to Trees. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
Simpson, Benny J., 1988. A Field Guide to Texas Trees. Houston, Gulf Publishing Company.
Tallamy, Dougals W., 2019. Natures’s Best Hope, Portland: Timber Press.
Van Sweden, James, 1997. Gardening with Nature. New York: Random House.
Van Sweden, James, 1995. Gardening with Water. New York: Random House.
Varney, Bill and Sylvia, 1998. Herbs. Tucson: Ironwood Press.
Wasawski, Sally and Andy, 1997. Native Texas Plants. Houston: Gulf Publishing Company.
Wasawski, Sally, 2002. Gardening with Prairie Plants. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
Welch, William C, 1989. Perennial Garden Color. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company, 1989.
Whitcomb, Carl E., 1999. Know it and Grow It III. Stillwater, Lacebark Publications.
Wilson, E. O., 2016. Half-Earth: Our Planet's Fight for Life. New York, Liveright Publishing Corporation
Technology & Equipment Requirements
See comments under modality. Lockdown Browser Requirement
This course requires the use of Lockdown Browser for online Quizzes. Watch this video to get a basic understanding of Lockdown Browser:
https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml
Download Instructions: Download and install Lockdown Browser from this link:
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=163943837
Once Installed
- Start Lockdown Browser
- Log into to Canvas
- Navigate to the quiz
Note: You won't be able to access a quiz that requires Lockdown Browser with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of Lockdown Browser. Simply start Lockdown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.
Guidelines
When taking an online quiz, follow these guidelines:
- Select a location where you won't be interrupted.
- Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it.
- Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc., and don't have them within reach.
- Clear your area of all external materials - books, papers, other computers, or devices.
- Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test.
- Lockdown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.
Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with Lockdown Browser:
- The Windows and Mac versions of Lockdown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues.
- If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with Lockdown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it.
Visit the OIT Services page for a list of Applications and Software available through UTA.
Visit the UTA Libraries Technology page for a list of items that can be checked out or used at the library.
Assignments & Exams
Field Trips
This course has 7-10 field trips, some of which are tours of the UTA campus to study plant materials. Field trip scheduling will depend on weather conditions. In general, trips will only be scheduled when the temperature is between the upper 40s and the upper 80s-Fahrenheit and when inclement weather is not expected. One lecture class will take place each week and the other time slot for the workshop (field trips) will be at the discretion of the professor. Additionally, there may be several workdays to install and/or maintain native plant polycultures on the campus. All field trips are mandatory and will be graded pass/fail depending on attendance. This will be averaged into your “other assignments” grade below.
Class planting activities and minor assignments
We will have a few planting and maintenance days for the CAPPA polycultures, where students will get up close and personal with the plants and learn how to maintain and plant them. These will be primarily, but not exclusively, during class time and are required. They will be graded as part of the “other assignments” grade, pass/fail, depending on attendance and participation.
Creating a Plant Palette from Internet Resources
This will be the final and culminating assignment of the semester. Each student will create a regionally appropriate plant palette for a different city in the US from online resources. The project will be graded based on the rigor of the research, the completeness of the final submission, and the viability of the plant lists for landscape architecture projects in that location.
Grading Information
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Assignment Categories |
SLO |
Value (%) |
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Weekly quizzes on readings, lectures, and plant lists: |
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30 |
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Comprehensive Midterm Exam: |
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15 |
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Final Exam: |
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20 |
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Internet project: |
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15 |
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Other assignments, class activities, and projects: |
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20 |
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Total: 100% |
Students are expected to track their performance throughout the semester, which Canvas facilitates, and seek guidance from available sources, including the instructor, if their performance drops below satisfactory levels. Refer to the Student Support Services section below.
Final Grade Calculations
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Earned Range |
Letter Grade |
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90-100% |
A |
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80-89% |
B |
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70-79% |
C |
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60-69% |
D |
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0-59% |
F |
Grading Standards
You must earn a letter grade of C or higher to pass this class. Grading rubrics are provided for all assignments in Canvas.
Late Work Policy
A 50% deduction will apply to any work turned in late without a valid excuse such as a note from a doctor or prior approval by the professor.
Make-Up Exams Policy
The lowest two quiz scores are dropped. Therefore, no make-up quizzes will be given. Exams will not be made up unless prior approval is obtained from the professor.
Extra Credit Policy
There may be one or two opportunities for extra credit during the semester at the discretion of the professor.
Grades and Feedback Timeline
Assignments and tests will usually be graded before the next class time.
Grade Grievance Policy
Any appeal of a grade in this course must follow the procedures and deadlines for grade-related grievances as published in the current University Catalog: Grades and Grading Policies.
Course & University Policies
Attendance Policy
Students should review the University Class Attendance Policies on the Class Attendance Policies page. The following attendance policy will be applied in this course.
Attendance at all lectures and field trips is mandatory. We will work out the most convenient time for all concerned following the first class. Field trips may be on weekends or otherwise outside of regularly scheduled class time. Every unexcused absence will lower the semester grade by one-half letter or 5%.
Generative AI Use in This Course
The use of Generative AI (GenAI) in course assignments and assessments must align with the guidelines established by the instructor. Unauthorized use of GenAI could result in breaches of academic integrity. Instructors are responsible for clearly delineating the permissible uses of GenAI in their courses, underscoring the importance of responsible and ethical application of these tools.
The UTA Office of Community Standards articulates the university's stance on academic integrity and scholastic dishonesty. These standards extend to the use of GenAI. Unauthorized or unapproved use of GenAI in academic work falls within the scope of these policies and will be subject to the same disciplinary procedures.
As the instructor for this course, I have adopted the following policy on student use of GenAI.
All uses of generative AI must be clearly stated and cited in accordance with MLA style standards.
Institutional Policies
UTA students should review the University Catalog and the Syllabus Institutional Policies page for institutional policies and contact the specific office with any questions. The institutional information includes the following policies, among others:
- Drop Policy
- Disability Accommodations
- Academic Integrity
- Electronic Communication
UTA Honor Code
UTA students are expected to adhere to and observe standards of conduct compatible with the University’s functions as an educational institution and live by the University of Texas at Arlington’s Honor Code. It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to uphold and support standards of personal honesty and integrity for all students consistent with the goals of a community of scholars and students seeking knowledge and responsibility.
Student Support Services
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers a range of resources and services designed to help you maximize your learning and achieve academic success as a student at the University of Texas at Arlington. ASC services include supplemental instruction, peer-led team learning, tutoring, mentoring, and TRIO SSS. Academic Success Center services are provided at no additional cost to UTA students. For additional information, visit the ASC website or submit a tutoring request form.
The English Writing Center (411LIBR)
The Writing Center offers FREE tutoring in 15-, 30-, 45-, and 60-minute face-to-face and online sessions to all UTA students on any phase of their UTA coursework. Register and make appointments online at the Writing Center. Classroom visits, workshops, and specialized services for graduate students and faculty are also available. Please see Writing Center: OWL for detailed information on all our programs and services.
Academic Plaza
The Library’s 2nd floor Academic Plaza offers students a central hub of support services, including IDEAS Center, University Advising Services, Transfer UTA, and various college/school advising hours. Services are available during the library’s hours of operation.
UTA Health and Wellbeing Resources
UT Arlington is committed to the safety, success, and well-being of our students. To support our community, UTA has established a Community Advocacy, Response, and Engagement (CARE) Team, a dedicated group of campus professionals responsible for helping students who could benefit from academic, emotional, or psychological support, as well as those presenting risks to the health or safety of the community. If you know of someone experiencing challenges, appearing distressed, needing resources, or causing a significant disruption to the UTA community, please submit a CARE Referral by visiting the CARE Team page. You may also submit a referral for yourself if you would like additional support.
UTA students also have access to virtual, on-demand emotional support, appointment-based counseling, advanced psychiatric care, and more. For more information, visit TimelyCare.
NOTE: If a person’s behavior poses an immediate threat to you or someone else, contact UTA Police at 817-272-3303 or dial 911. If you or someone you know needs to speak with a crisis counselor, please reach out to the MAVS TALK 24-hour Crisis Line at 817-272-8255 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Student Services Page
The Student Services page provides links to many resources available to UTA students, including:
- Academic Success
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Health Services
- Students with Disabilities
- Veteran Services
Online Academic Success Guide
Visit the Online Academic Success Guide to explore a list of helpful tips and resources to help you succeed in your online journey.
Librarian to Contact
Each academic unit has access to Librarians by Academic Subject who can assist students with research projects, tutorials on plagiarism, citation references, as well as support with databases and course reserves.
Safety Information and Resources
MavAlert System
The MavAlert system sends information to cell phones or email accounts of subscribed users in case of an emergency. Anyone can subscribe to MavAlerts at the Emergency Communication System.
Emergency Phone Numbers
In case of an on-campus emergency, call the UT Arlington Police Department at 817-272-3003 (non-campus phone) or 2-3003 (campus phone). You may also dial 911. The non-emergency number is 817-272-3381.
Course Schedule
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Week |
Topics |
Assignments Due |
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Week 1 |
Introduction to the course and overview of future viable plant palettes for metropolitan areas. |
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Week 2 |
Introduction lecture continued. Plant morphology and using an App to identify native species. |
Quiz on Monday |
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Week 3 |
Introduction lecture continued. Weather, climate, and plant materials in North Texas. |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 4 |
Sunlight in horticulture |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 5 |
Water in horticulture |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 6 |
Soils in horticulture |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 7 |
Planting for pollinators |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 8 |
Mid-term exam |
No quiz this week, Mid-term exam
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Week 9 |
Internet project assigned. Prime time for field trips, as we will have the best chance of great weather. It is also prime time for planting and maintenance around the CAPPA buildings. |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 10 |
Prime time for field trips, as we will have the best chance of great weather. It is also prime time for planting and maintenance around the CAPPA buildings. |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 11 |
Prime time for field trips, as we will have the best chance of great weather. It is also prime time for planting and maintenance around the CAPPA buildings. |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 12 |
Prime time for field trips, as we will have the best chance of great weather. It is also prime time for planting and maintenance around the CAPPA buildings. |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 13 |
Class review of the internet project assignment. Prime time for field trips, as we will have the best chance of great weather. It is also prime time for planting and maintenance around the CAPPA buildings. |
Internet project due for interim review |
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Week 14 |
Field trips and review of final projects. |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 15 |
Field trips and review of final projects. |
Quiz on Monday
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Week 16 |
Final presentation of the internet project. |
Final internet assignment due |