ENVS*4190 Biological Activity of Herbicides

course node page

The following description is for the course offering in Winter 2023 and is subject to change. It is provided for information only. The course outline distributed to the class at the beginning of the semester describes the course content and delivery, and defines the methods and criteria to be used in establishing the final grades for the course. Offered in odd-numbered years.

This course explores the diverse modes of action of botanical, microbial and synthetic herbicides. Detoxification mechanisms, selectivity, resistance management and the process of herbicide discovery and development are also considered. The course includes a review of plant physiological systems and discussion of the stability and distribution of herbicides in the environment.

In this course we will explore the reasons we are using molecules as weed control agents. The rationale for chemical weed control will be explored. The history and discovery process of herbicides will be presented. For every herbicide group, the target site inhibition, metabolic pathways, translocation pattern, selectivity, soil behaviour and basic chemistry will be presented.

Pre-Requisites: Minimum of 12.00 credits
Restrictions: ENVB*4240. Registration in the BAS, BBRM, BSC, BSC(Agr) or BSC(Env) program.

 

Instructors:

Teaching Assistant:

TBA

Credit Weight:

0.50

Course Level:

  • Undergraduate

Academic Department (or campus):

Plant Agriculture

Campus:

Guelph

Semester Offering:

  • Winter

Class Schedule and Location:

Please refer to WebAdvisor for class schedule and location.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Identify the need for chemical control of weeds in the global context of preservation of food, fiber and fuel production.
  2. Classify and compare the most currently used herbicides based on chemical structure, mode of action, usage and environmental fate.
  3. Identify and discuss the specific physiological processes targeted by herbicides.
  4. Relate, with specific examples, the molecular targets of herbicides to the symptoms they cause at the whole plant level.
  5. Determine how absorption, translocation and detoxification of herbicides relate to their mode of action.
  6. Explain the steps in herbicide discovery and development and how they compare to those of other chemicals such as drugs or pesticides.
  7. Explain how selectivity is attained and how it relates to chemistry, physiology and environmental conditions.
  8. Describe the conditions leading to herbicide resistance in weeds and how this phenomenon can be prevented or managed.

Lecture Content:

  • Herbicide discovery and development
  • Regulatory framework around herbicides
  • Herbicide formulation and application
  • Absorption, translocation and detoxification of herbicides.
  • Selectivity of herbicide
  • Target sites and chemical families
Labs & Seminars:

There are no labs or seminars scheduled for this course.

Course Assignments and Tests:

Assignment or Test Contribution to Final Mark (%) Learning Outcomes Assessed

Online Quiz 1

9%

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Midterm

30%

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Online Quiz 2

8%

2, 3, 4, 5, 7

Online Quiz 3

8%

2, 3, 4, 7

Final Exam

45%

2, 3, 4, 7, 8

Additional Notes:

Online quizzes will be open for a short time and be multiple-choice. Their aim is to help prepare for the assignments. The assignments will be take-home and will require thorough review of the material. They will help with midterm and final exams.

Final examination:

Please refer to WebAdvisor for exam schedule and location.

Course Resources:

Required Texts:

N/A

Recommended Texts:

N/A

Lab Manual:

N/A

Additional Resources:
  • Additional material will be made available on CourseLink as required. 
  • Course material will be available on Courselink prior to each lecture and will be in Power Point and PDF formats.
Field Trips:

N/A

Additional Costs:

N/A

Course Policies:

Grading Policies:

Policy on Late Assignments: Answers to all take-home assignments are due at the beginning of class on the dates specified. A penalty of 10% per day will be deducted for late assignments. Requests for extensions due to illness or other personal issues must be made in writing and accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

Re-evaluation: Students have 5 class-days upon receiving assignments to appeal to the instructor. The entire assignment will be re-evaluated for accuracy of grading.

Course Policy on Group Work:

N/A

Course Policy regarding use of electronic devices and recording of lectures:

Presentations that are made in relation to course work - including lectures - cannot be recorded or copied without the permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a student, or guest lecturer. Material recorded with permission is restricted to use for that course unless further permission is granted.

Other Course Information:

University Policies

Academic Consideration

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons, please advise the course instructor in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the academic calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration:

Academic Misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community, faculty, staff, and students  to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.

University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection. Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the University Calenders:

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), formerly Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), as soon as possible.

For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or visit the Student Accessibility Services website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/csd/.

Course Evaluation Information

Your ratings and comments are important.  Course evaluation data are used to assess and enhance the quality of teaching and student learning at the University of Guelph.  Student course ratings and comments are used as an important component in the Faculty Tenure & Promotion process, and as valuable feedback to help instructors improve their teaching effectiveness and to improve the delivery of the course.

Your responses will not affect your grade.  Course evaluation data are distributed to individual instructors after final grades have been submitted to the Registrar, following the completion of each academic semester.

Please be honest, respectful, constructive and thorough.  Instructors and review committees place great value on student course ratings and read all comments provided in course evaluations. It is helpful to provide comments on the strengths of the course, in addition to the areas for improvement.  Please refrain from personal comments unless they relate to teaching and learning.

Click here for the University of Guelph Course Evaluation System