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Plants in Action unit (KPA214)

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Location: Hobart

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 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. An excursion to an active research site in southern Tasmania will show how new techniques are being used to monitor the effects of climate change on tree function. Students will be involved in making physiological measurements of plants in action.

Summary

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

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
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

  • Outline relationships between plant anatomy, physiology and adaption to the environment.
  • Solve plant physiological and developmental problems by applying fundamental botanical knowledge in a range of contexts
  • Interpret plant physiology and function through experimentation.
  • Communicate using a range of formats relevant to professional scientists.

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

Prerequisites

KPA161 Biology of Plants

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 lectorial and 3-hrs practical weekly (12 weeks); weekly theoretical module and quiz

AssessmentWeekly quizzes (10%)|Plant development experiment analysis (15%)|Mini project- Plant anatomy and adaptation (20%)|Nutrient deficiency report (20%)|Closed book final test (35%)
TimetableView 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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