Crop Physiology unit (KLA618)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit provides students with advance knowledge of mechanisms of plant function, from the molecular to the whole plant level. The broad range of fundamental processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, plant water relations, stomata physiology, mineral nutrition, plant hormone functions, plant movements, seed germination and dormancy, photomorphogenesis, photoperiodism, circadian rhythms, and environmental stress physiology, are studied in the context of crop performance under adverse environmental conditions. The above theoretical aspects are matched by practical laboratory experiments in which students receive hands-on training on the use of modern phytometrical equipment as well as several analytical techniques used in modern plant physiology. Students will also be expected to develop advanced laboratory record keeping and reporting skills, as well as prepare an analytical essay at an advanced level on one of specific topics related to crop physiology and to incorporate this knowledge in their theory examination. The emphasis in the course is on crop species used in Australian agriculture.

Summary

Unit name	Crop Physiology
Unit code	KLA618
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Professor Dugald Close
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain and discuss the fundamental mechanisms conferring plant function at the cellular and the whole-plant level
• Examine and consider physiological responses of crops to adverse environmental conditions
• Synthesise and analyse how plant physiology informs crop management approaches used to minimise the constraints imposed by climate
• Execute and interpret experiments that demonstrate key principles of crop physiology

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
050101	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$3,382.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Assessment	Effects of salinity on stomatal anatomy and function (15%)|Effects of salinity on plant growth and physiological characteristics (20%)|Research Assignment (30%)|Exam (35%)
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.

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