Biology of Plants unit (KPA161)

Hobart, 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

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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

• 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

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010903	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• 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.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KPA150 AND KPA151

Teaching

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.