Courses & Units

Plants in Action KPA214

Introduction

Plants in Action is a core unit for BSc students interested in botany (plant science) and is a valuable component of other biology-related degrees. The unit explores the interaction of plants with the environment at the organism, organ, tissue, and cellular levels. We examine the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, mineral uptake and translocation, and adaptations that enable plants to occupy diverse environments. We also examine the processes controlling plant development (germination, reproductive phase change, dormancy and senescence). The practical component is a combination of experimental work and observation of plant structure and function. A weekend excursion to the East Coast enables us to examine plant adaptations in different vegetation types and an opportunity to become familiar with some important elements of the Tasmanian flora.

Summary

Unit name	Plants in Action
Unit code	KPA214
Credit points	12.5
College/School	College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Biological Sciences
Coordinator	Professor Tim Brodribb
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1	On-Campus		International	Domestic

Key

: On-campus
: Off-Campus
: International students
: Domestic students

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	26/2/2024	22/3/2024	15/4/2024	2/6/2024

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

Describe and explain the anatomy, physiology and development of plants, and how each enables them to respond to their environment.
Apply fundamental botanical knowledge in a range of contexts
Design, implement, quantify, analyze, and interpret plant physiology and development experiments.
Communicate effectively using a range of formats relevant to professional scientists.

Fee Information

The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KPA161 Biology of Plants

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 lectorial and 3-hrs practical weekly (12 weeks); weekly theoretical module and quiz
Assessment	AT 4: Photosynthesis lab exercise (2.5%)\|AT 7: Plant responses to light quality (2.5%)\|AT1: Lab tests (2.5%)\|AT 6: Plant development experiment analysis (5%)\|AT 2: Plant anatomy and adaptation (7.5%)\|AT 5: Excursion plant collection (10%)\|AT8: Weekly quizzes (10%)\|AT 3: Nutrient deficiency report (20%)\|AT 9: Online examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable \| View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Links	Booktopia textbook finder

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