606-304 Environmental Plant Physiology

Botany 606-201.

Botany 606-314 is recommended.

Topics to be covered will be selected from the following:

• the physical environment;

• plant-animal interactions;

• metabolism of defensive compounds;

• energy exchange with the environment;

• transpiration and stomata;

• photosynthetic carbon assimilation and growth;

• coping with environmental extremes; 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.

A 2-hour examination at the end of semester, a laboratory test and practical reports totalling up to 2000 words.