Module BIOL2571: Plant Physiology - the Power of Plants

Department: Biosciences

BIOL2571: Plant Physiology - the Power of Plants

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences Module.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To study the fundamental principles underpinning plant growth and resilience.
• To study the links between plant genotype and phenotype by examining the molecular bases of physiological processes.
• To understand how knowledge of plant physiology is applied in crop science.
• To understand the role of plants in tackling other critical global issues.

Content

• Photosynthesis and responses to light.
• Water balance and transport; nutrient uptake and balance.
• Abiotic stress at the whole organism level.
• The genetic and biochemical bases of responses to abiotic stresses.
• Plant hormones and the control of gene expression.
• The role of symbiotic associations with other organisms.
• Applications of plant science.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the functioning of key plant physiological systems, the molecular basis of these and how they are regulated.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of plant water relations, mineral nutrition and integration of carbon and nutrient uptake in growth and development.
• Knowledge of plant morphological and physiological responses and adaptations to variation in key environmental variables, including those of extreme environments.

• Understanding some of the techniques used to investigate plant physiology from the whole organism scale to the molecular scale.
• To be able to integrate understanding and knowledge across a range of levels (molecular, cellular, physiological and morphological/functional) to understand the key issues related to plant functioning, survival and optimising growth.

• Numeracy, in data analysis.
• IT skills, in use of software packages.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in summative assignments.
• Team work, in practical classes and formative assignments.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials enhance the student learning experience, providing guidance on assignments and supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Formative and summative Poster presentations allow students to deepen their knowledge in their chosen areas of interest and develop their ability to synthesise and present key information to others.
• Formative and summative Research Proposals allow students to demonstrate what they have learned about the use of appropriate scientific techniques to address problems and to write persuasively.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University