606-304 Environmental Plant Physiology

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Botany 606-201.

Corequisites

Botany 606-314

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Topics to be covered will be selected from the following:

• plant-animal interactions;
• metabolism of defensive compounds;
• energy exchange with the environment;
• transpiration and stomata;
• photosynthetic carbon assimilation and growth;
• coping with environmental extremes;
• flower development;
• reproductive systems and physiology of reproduction;
• pollen allergens; and
• genetic engineering and plant performance.

The practical component of the course will introduce students to state-of-the-art methods for environmental monitoring using data acquisition systems and a range of environmental sensors. Emphasis will be placed on sampling strategies and data processing and presentation. Upon completion of this subject students should gain:

• a knowledge of plant function and performance in relation to the environment;
• an understanding of the relationship between plant growth and performance and various molecular, biochemical and physiological attributes; and
• skills in field sampling and using electronic data gathering and processing systems.

Assessment

A two-hour examination at the end of semester, a laboratory test and practical reports totalling up to 2000 words.