Plant Biology 1

This subject is not offered in 2014.

132 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject considers the evolution of plants, their structure and function, how they grow and reproduce, factors that inhibit growth, plant genetics and plant adaptations to particular environments. Laboratory practical classes will help students consolidate their understanding of the lecture material as well as provide exposure to lab-based experiments and the principles of experimental design.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• be proficient in the use of the light microscope;
• understand cellular organisation and transport mechanisms in plants;
• identify different microscopic plant tissues;
• have an awareness of the different photosynthetic regimes and their influence on plant growth and environmental tolerances;
• comprehend how photosynthesis and water stress affect plant growth;
• realise the importance of light to plant growth and development;
• understand how different plants reproduce; and
• appreciate how plant adaptations enable them to live in different environments.

Attendance at practical classes and assessments of practical workbook (25% of final mark), one mid-semester 1 hour written theory examination (25%), one mid-semester 30 minute practical test (12.5%), one final 1 hour written examination (25%) and one final 30 minute practical test (12.5%).

Evert, RF & Eichhorn, SE 2013, Raven Biology of Plants, 8th edn, WH Freeman & Company, New York.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Exercise problem-solving skills (developed through practical exercises and lecture discussions);
• Think critically and organise knowledge (from consideration of the lecture material);
• Expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations (through practical work observations);
• Plan effective work schedules (to meet deadlines for submission of assessable work); and
• Develop skills of critical observation and analysis through practical exercises.