208-122 Biological Systems

Nil

The subject covers areas including:

• animal growth and development - physiology and growth of carcass tissues - muscle, bone and fat; development of mammary tissue; wool growth; embryo and semen properties, storage and handling;

• processes - nutrition, reproduction and lactation, health;

• animal products - meat, wool and milk - composition and quality issues; science of production and processing;

• animal genetics - single gene traits of economic importance - mutation type, inheritance and mode of action, gene frequency and selection; quantitative genetics; inbreeding and outcrossing; heritability and heterosis;

• plant growth and development - tissues and parts including flowers, monocotyledon and dicotyledon differences, differentiation, primary and secondary growth, cellular respiration pathways;

• processes - water and nutrient absorption and transport, soil plant atmosphere continuum, photosynthesis, pathways, radiation, environmental impacts;

• plants in the agricultural system and landscape, their management and products;

• plant breeding - a brief introduction.

Mid-semester examination (10%), final examination (70%), practicals (20%), pass in practical component required.

• N Campbell and J Reece, Biology. Benjamin Cummings, 2002.