Plants and the Environment

Subject 606-201 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

Lectures and practical classes.

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 total time commitment.
Prerequisites:

Biology of Cells and Organisms

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

Prof Ian 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.
Objectives: 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 potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes: Students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

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