Enrolments for 2018 have closed.
This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Plant Structure and Function
Undergraduate | RMI-SCB120 | 2018
Course information for 2018 intake
View information for 2019 course intakeDig 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.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Plant Structure and Function
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- outline and 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 role of soil in water and mineral nutrition
- 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
- relate the physiology of a plant to its ecology and potential uses in bioremediation
- conduct experimental work, analyse the data and draw appropriate conclusions
- know and use basic information services available in the library, including computer-based services, eg. catalogues, databases, to find specific information relevant to topics
- use computer applications for word-processing (Word), spreadsheet/database/graphics (Excel) and statistics (Minitab) in written reports
- 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)
Examine plant structure and function in this vocationally focused subject. You will review the morphology and anatomy of plants (how they are constructed), and the physiology of plants (how they work, in particular the processes of acquisition of water and ions, photosynthesis, and control of growth and development). Topics include: Morphology and anatomy of stems, roots and leaves; Water relations; Ionic relations; Nutrition; Photosynthesis; Translocation, Plant growth and development: and their relationships to plant ecology.
Please note the dates below for the compulsory requirements for this subject to attend laboratory classes at RMIT University's City Campus in central Melbourne:
Study Period 2:
- Jun 25 - 29, 2018 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM*
Study Period 4:
- Feb 04 - 08, 2019 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM*
*More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Blackboard.
- 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).
One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, 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 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about RMIT University.
Explore RMIT courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 11
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 16
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Mandatory Practicals of five half days in Melbourne
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.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
Single subject FAQs
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions .
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.