Plants and the Environment

Subject 606-201 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch 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: 24 lectures (two per week), 36 hours of practical work (three hours per week)
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Biology 650-141.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr I Woodrow
Subject Overview: This subject examines the interaction between plants and the changing physical environment. More specifically, it explores how the environment affects plant function and structural development, and how plants themselves can alter the environment. Emphasis is given to environmental issues of importance in Australia. Topics will be selected from the following:
  • Water - uptake, loss and stress responses;
  • Environmental pollution - responses and remediation using plants;
  • Salinity - tolerance and stress responses, management with plants;
  • Soil acidity - aluminium toxicity, affects on plants;
  • Carbon - productivity, carbon crediting, climate change;
  • Nutrients - uptake mechanisms and metabolic requirements;
  • Fuels – biofuel; and biohydrogen production;
  • Air - gas exchange in plants, artificial environments;
  • Natural designs - the development and diversity of plant structure.
At the completion of the subject students should have:
  • A knowledge of plant structure and function in relation to the physical environment;
  • A knowledge of how plants can be used to solve environmental problems;
  • A knowledge of environmental issues that affect plant function in Australia; and
  • Skills in laboratory-based experimental plant science.
Assessment: Up to 3000 words of practical assignments due during the semester (35%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (65%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes: Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Forest Science/Bachelor of Science

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