Hobart
Introduction
Plants in Action is a core unit for BSc students interested in specializing in plant science. 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 includes a 2-day excursion to examine plant adaptations in different vegetation types on the East Coast of Tasmania.
Theoretical topics include:
- Plant Physiology from molecular to environmental
o Nutrients - essential elements and toxicity
o Biological nitrogen fixation
o Plant water relations
o Membranes and molecules
o Photosynthesis - the basic process underpinning plant existence. CO2 assimilation, RUBISCO and the Calvin cycle
o Photosynthesis - Chloroplast structure, pigments and light harvesting and distribution, PSII and PSI distribution
o Respiration and the Krebs cycle
- Plant development and the environment
o Seed dormancy and germination
o Seedling growth
o Growth in response to the environment
o Phase change - vegetative & reproductive
o Dormancy & Senescence
Practical skills include:
- Microscopy skills, specimen preparation, observational skills, drawing skills
- Experimental design, interpretation of data, analysis, scientific communication skills (report writing)
- Field identification skills
Summary 2020
| Unit name | Plants in Action |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KPA214 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Plant Science |
| Teaching staff | |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Available as student elective? | Yes |
| Breadth Unit? | No |
Availability
Note
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TNE Program units special approval requirements.
* 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 (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).
Fees
Requisites
Prerequisites
- KPA161
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 lectures and 3 hrs practical weekly (13 wks) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | see KPA215 |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required | Information about any textbook requirements will be available from mid November. |
|---|
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