BIO3082 - Plant responses to the environment

Leader: Dr Tim Cavagnaro

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

How plants respond to their environment, from molecular changes in gene expression to effects on communities. Plant development and responses to environmental stresses such as drought, temperature and salinisation, and global climate change. Manipulation of plant performance by means of genetic engineering and the ethical issues involved.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will understand the basic processes governing the ways in which plants respond to their environment, from alterations in patterns of gene expression, through differences in metabolic activities to changes in morphology; have an understanding of the mechanisms by which plants cope with specific stresses in their environments, including drought, salinisation, extreme temperatures and global climate change; have developed a critical, analytical approach to scientific research and have developed skills in writing scientific reports

Assessment

Examination (2.5 hours): 60%
Practical work: 40%

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and the equivalent of 3 hours laboratory work per week

Prerequisites

12 points BIO, GEN units at level 2 + Recommended: BIO2282

Prohibitions

BIO2082