Plant Biology

Subject 207-151 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Practicals/tutorials: 36 hours
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Marc Bellette
Subject Overview:

This subject considers the importance of plant production and the ecological role of plants.

Topics include:

  • the process of photosysnthesis, its links with respiration and growth, the effect of light conditions and plant adaptations to these; photoperiodism;

  • the manipulation of light in plant production; the photosynthesis-transpiration compromise, water uptake, osmotic potential, adaptations for water conservation; irrigation;

  • waterlogging and salinity; climate; temperature as a moderating and limiting factor; soil, nutrients, nutrient cycling and soil biota; other growing media; pests, diseases and their control; competition, mycorrhizas; plant growth and development, vegetative propagation, tissue culture and plant variety rights;

  • sexual reproduction, its advantages, disadvantages and manipulation; Mendelian genetics; genetic engineering; and

  • methods of establishing plants including site selection and preparation; dormancy and germination; natural ecosystems, disturbed ecosystems, various crops, permaculture and amenity parkland; case studies for a variety of plant production systems; and post-harvest issues.

Assessment: One mid-semester 1-hour written examination (theory) worth 20% of final marks, one mid-semester practical test worth 20% of final marks, one final 2-hour written examination worth 40% of final marks and one final practical test worth 20% of final marks.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

  • Introductory Plant Biology (K R Stern), Wm C Brown, 1997
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available
Related Course(s): Associate Degree in Environmental Horticulture

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