Plant Structure and Function

• • Plant anatomy - cells and tissues
  • Plant anatomy - stem and root
  • Plant anatomy - leaf
  • Water relations - transpiration stream and control
  • Water relations - cellular aspects, stress physiology
  • Ionic relations - mineral nutrition, fertilisers, N and P cycles, ion uptake/transport
  • Photosynthesis - light reactions, C3 plants
  • Photosynthesis - C4/CAM plants, ecophysiology
  • Phloem translocation
  • Plant hormones and control of development (Auxins and GA)
  • Plant hormones and control of development (ABA and Ethylene)
  • Plant hormones and control of development (Cytokinin and Florigen)

Others

This is an introductory enabling course requiring no formal prerequisites, but you will find that knowledge of biology and chemistry at VCE level will be an advantage.

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

This course is intended as an introduction to plant structure and function and has a vocational focus. It introduces the student to the morphology and anatomy of plants (how they are constructed) and to the physiology of plants (how they work, in particular, the process of acquisition of water and ions, photosynthesis, and control of growth and development). The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and understanding in plant science for future employment in biotechnology, agricultural, horticultural and environmental areas. Students study the structure and function of plants, especially higher plants. The topics of photosynthesis, water relations, ionic relations and nutrition, and plant growth and development are related to structure, ecology and survival, especially under stress. Students are guided through the course by structured lectures preceding relevant practical classes in the laboratory or in the field to achieve competence in technical skills. 

• Invigilated Theory Examination (50%)
• Mid Study Period Test (10%)
• Practical Report (30%)
• Online Test (10%)

Current study term: 29 May 22 to 28 Aug 22