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Functional Plant Biology unit (KPZ311)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

This unit is designed to provide students with a state-of-the-art knowledge of plant function, focusing on central concepts of plant responses to drought stress, nutrient availability and light environment. These plant behavioural characteristics are essential for understanding the way plants adapt to their environment whether under natural or agricultural conditions. Lectures will combine details about the evolution of key physiological pathways, with molecular and whole plant approaches to provide a holistic view of plant function.

Summary

Unit name Functional Plant Biology
Unit code KPZ311
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences
Discipline Biological Sciences
Coordinator Professor Jim Weller
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

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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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* 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).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Define plant "stress" and explain what constitutes plant stress.
  • Communicate the latest developments in research into plant responses to water, light and nutrients.
  • Explain key techniques in modern plant physiology and interpret their application and limitations.
  • Evaluate scientific research and communicate critique with professional scientists.
  • Demonstrate effective writing skills in order to communicate effectively with relevant language with professional scientists.
  • Construct and present logical arguments in an oral debate or discussion on a scientific topic.

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
010909 $1,235.00 $1,235.00 not applicable
  • 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

KPA214 Plants in Action

Mutual Exclusions

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

KPA373 AND KPA377

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

2 x 1-hr lectures weekly.  Fortnightly practicals.

AssessmentReport 2 (15%)|Presentation (20%)|Report 1 (25%)|Examination (40%)
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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.