794-312 Plant Science V

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Plant Science I to Plant Science IV.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to extend participant's ability to:

• describe the roles of various nutrients in metabolism;

• describe the uptake and transport of various nutrients;

• carry out various nutrient assays;

• interpret nutrient assays;

• describe the role of competition in natural selection;

• describe the roles of natural and artificial selection in altering population structure;

• identify the causes and effects of environmental stresses;

• describe adaptations of plants to withstanding environmental stresses;

• identify the symptoms of plant pollutants and explain their effects on physiology;

• explain the physiological effects of herbicides and the dangers to health and the environment;

• identify the physiological responses of plants to disease and decay;

• assess plant quality by objective and criteria; and

• describe methods by which technology can be used to ameliorate problems in quality.

The content includes nutrient uptake, nutrient cycling, roles of various nutrients, nutrient assays, mycorrhiza, competition, population genetics, genetics of stress resistance, waterlogging, salinity, temperature stress, pollution physiology, phytoalexins, plant defence mechanisms, factors affecting quality, genetic engineering.

Assessment

Two examinations of 100 minutes each (75%); practical report (25%).