AG1003 - Plant Biology for Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

Available to BVetSc students only

We explore how plants have evolved to become the dominant terrestrial organisms, producing the oxygen we breathe and the carbon we eat. Fundamental concepts of plant biology and ecology are addressed, including how plants develop, trap energy, reproduce, disperse seed, defend themselves, how they form communities, their importance in geological cycles, and their pivotal function in creating and modifying landscapes. Interactions between plants and humans will be emphasised, in particular the provision of food and fibres, the concept of weediness, and how plants and their toxins strongly influenced the evolution of animals. Contemporary topics covered include the emerging roles of plant biotechnology, the developing science of plant forensics, and the possible responses of plants to climate change.

Learning Outcomes

• acquire hands-on practical skills in plant science;
• acquire proficiency in observation, recording, evaluation and reporting of scientific information;
• gain experience in scientific problem-solving and decision-making;
• develop the vital basic knowledge required for understanding scientific principles of plant biology and their application in more advanced and specialised studies.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of Chemistry, Mathematics and English to Grade 12 (Queensland) or equivalent.
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	BZ1003

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coordinator:	Dr Joseph Holtum
Lecturers:	Dr Joseph Holtum, Dr Robert Congdon, Dr Kamaljit Kaur, Mrs Janine Sheaves, Assoc. Professor Michelle Waycott.
Contact hours:	33 hours lectures 6 hours tutorials 33 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); other exams (30%); quizzes or tests (5%); on-course assessment (15%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.