This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Plant Structure and Function
UndergraduateRMI-SCB1202023
Course information for 2023 intake
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.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Plant Structure and Function
About this subject
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.
- 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)
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%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
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
- Attendance requirements - Practical dates SP2: July 3 - July 7 (5 half days from 9 am - 1 pm)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.