Undergraduate RMI-SCB120-2021

Plant Structure and Function

Dig into the structure of plants and unearth how they function, survive, manage stress and cultivate. Nurture a career in plant science, agriculture or environment. Grow your plant anatomy, water relations, photosynthesis and plant hormone knowledge.

Duration

13 weeks

Study method

Online & on-campus

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Not required

Start dates

30 May 2022

Australia's largest dual-sector institute, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 60,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.

QS RANKING 2022

Times Higher Education Ranking 2022

2021
2022

Subject details

What you'll learn

On successful completion of the course you should be able to

Explain the structure of plants, including their tissues and organs, and the functions of each
Explain the way in which plants take in water and mineral nutrients, transport them to sites where they are used and metabolise them to allow the plant to survive and grow.
Explain the process of photosynthesis and the way in which the products are used and translocated by the plant both locally and throughout the plant
Explain the mechanisms by which plants regulate growth and development, and the economic applications of this knowledge, including tissue culture
Conduct experimental work, analyse the data and draw appropriate conclusions
Demonstrate knowledge and use basic information services available in the library, including computer-based services, e.g. catalogues, databases, to find specific information relevant to topics.
Interpret statistics (Minitab) in written reports and use computer applications for word-processing (Word), spreadsheet/database/graphics (Excel)
Demonstrate ability to write adequate practical reports in standard biological format.

Topics covered

- 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)

Entry requirements

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

Description

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.

Assessments

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

Textbooks

Current study term: 29 May 22 to 28 Aug 22

Check the learning management system (LMS) of your university for textbook details.

Related degrees

Undergraduate RMI-SCI-DEG-2021

Bachelor of Science Applied Sciences