Hobart, Launceston
KPA161 Biology of Plants is offered in Attending mode in either Hobart or Launceston.
Introduction
Biology of Plants is a 1st year core unit for students specialising in plant science, agricultural science, and marine science. In Biology of Plants we introduce you to the origin, diversity, structure and internal processes of plants. In lectures and practical classes, we examine the fine structure of plant cells, the organisation of tissues, structure, development and sexual reproduction in flowering plants. We also examine how plants function (photosynthesis, water relations, nutrition and responses to environmental signals). In practical classes and lectures, we survey the diversity of plants (dinoflagellates, diatoms, algae, bryophytes, lycopods, ferns, conifers and flowering plants), their origins, life histories and evolutionary trends that have led to the successful colonisation of land. This unit is a core unit in the Plant Sciences major in the Bachelor of Science. To complete a major in Ecology in the Bachelor of Science a student requires either this unit or KZA161 Biology of Animals. Biology of Plants is a core unit in the major in Sustainable Agriculture in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science.
Summary
| Unit name | Biology of Plants |
| Unit code | KPA161 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Biological Sciences|TIA - Research Institute|Ecology and Biodiversity |
| Coordinator | Professor Greg Jordan |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and explain the diversity, relationships and evolutionary trends of plants.
- Describe and interpret the morphology, anatomy and reproduction of plants.
- Dissect, draw and identify morphological and histological features using safe and ethical laboratory methods
- Explain physiological and developmental processes of plants.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
KPA150 AND KPA151Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | One three hour practical class each week starting in week one. One one hour live face to face tutorial per week for 12 weeks, except week 8 and 10. Three in class tests of theory and practicals: weeks 8, 10 and 13. The week 8 and week 10 tests replace the tutorials for those weeks. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | In class test 2 (10%)|In class test 1 (13%)|Laboratory skills and interpretation of observations (15%)|Weekly tests (18%)|Prac Book (20%)|Final in class test (24%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
KPA161 Plant Biology Practical Manual. This is available from the the unit staff. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Evert RF, Eichhorn SF (2013) Raven Biology of Plants, 8th Edition. Macmillan. Later or earlier editions are also fine (note, it is also useful for other units!). |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.