BZ1003 - Introduction to Plant Science

Credit points:	03
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

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

• critically observe and interpret a range of plant materials;
• gain an understanding of the structure and function of plants;
• learn how to use keys for identifying plants;
• develop basic botanical skills;
• gain an appreciation of the diversity of plants and their evolutionary relationships.

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. Students without chemistry and mathematics must complete CH1020 and MA1020 in first year.
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	AG1003 BT1001 BZ2610

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 23-Aug-2012
Coordinator:	Professor Joseph Holtum
Lecturers:	Professor Joseph Holtum, Dr Robert Congdon, Assoc. Professor Kirsten Heimann, Mrs Janine Sheaves.
Contact hours:	33 hours lectures 33 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); other exams (30%); on course invigilated assessment (20%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Dr Sandra Abell.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 33 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); other exams (20%); quizzes or tests (15%); on-course assessment; practical work (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.