BVB306 Plant Biology
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | BVB306 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | BVB201 OR BVB317 OR (BVB101 and CVB101 and admission to (SV02 or SV04)) |
| Equivalent(s): | BVB203 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BVB306 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | BVB201 OR BVB317 OR (BVB101 and CVB101 and admission to (SV02 or SV04)) |
| Equivalent: | BVB203 |
| Coordinator: | Brett Williams | b.williams@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This is a foundational plant biology unit addressing the core concepts of plant function, including structural, physiological and molecular aspects, from the cell to the whole plant. This subject will outline and teach the skills required for measuring and monitoring plant function and an appreciation of how they are influenced by the environment and applied by industry. It introduces the fundamentals of plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology in such a way to enable you to understand how plants grow, develop and interact with their environment, and will also be valuable for lifelong appreciation of the potential of agriculture and its contribution to industry and humanity.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the structural, functional and physiological integration of plant cells, tissues, organs and organ systems
- Explain the important role of plant production in human health, nutrition and survival
- Explain how plants grow, interact with the environment and cope with various stresses. Including First Nations Peoples perspectives
- Apply techniques for measuring plant biochemical and physiological status and document the process and results in a laboratory workbook
- Apply skills and knowledge in plant biology to solve key research and industry problems.
Content
The unit is designed to enable you to accumulate knowledge and understanding of structure and physiology of plants. The major topics to be covered include:
- The relationship of structure (cell types, tissues and organs) to function in flowering plants
- Plant interaction with the environment, including: light, water, temperature, mineral nutrition, pests and diseases
- Water relationships explained quantitatively using fundamental concepts from the physical sciences (osmosis; pressure/tension; concentration gradients)
- Photosynthesis, including: C3, C4 and CAM plants, photo inhibition and other stresses as common phenomena
- Secondary plant products, their function in plants and their relevance to human health and nutrition
Learning Approaches
As a third year unit, you are expected to be an independent self-directed learner and to take responsibility for your own learning. As such, this unit makes use of problem-based learning approaches. Supporting this problem-based learning approach, is a variety of different types of classes including formal lectures. The laboratory sessions involve observation of experimental procedures and bench work that serve to illustrate fundamental concepts of plant structure and physiology and provide you with crucial observational and experimental skills relevant to plant sciences. Group work in the problem-solving task will give you an opportunity to learn collaboratively with peers. You can expect to spend 10 - 15 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled tutorial, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent readings to consolidate your learning.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Assessment
Overview
The following assessment items will measure your learning and understanding of the techniques, concepts and ideas presented in this unit. In addition, the practical work and discussions will support, clarify and develop the concepts and themes developed in the lectures.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Workbook
You will compile a series of scientific reports based on experiments and observations and analyses of dataset associated with physiological processes. Interpretation of data will require use of analytical methods relevant to the field of research. You will become familiar with a variety of laboratory techniques to explore and understand plant structure and physiology. Observations and results will be analysed and critically evaluated in the context of current knowledge. You will demonstrate your ability to communicate concepts and processes using scientifically appropriate terminology.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
You will work in groups to investigate and pose a solution to an Industry defined problem. You will prepare a final report outlining your recommendations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Final Theory Examination
A written final exam will enable you to apply knowledge obtained in this unit to demonstrate a comprehensive degree of understanding of facts and concepts. Different types of questions will be used to assess both deep and surface learning. You will demonstrate your ability to communicate concepts and processes using scientifically appropriate terminology and demonstrate critical thinking.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
The resources listed below are required or recommended to support your studies in this unit.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Biology of Plants, Evert et al. 8th ed
Safety and protective equipment
To participate in practical classes you will require personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats, laboratory safety glasses and enclosed footwear, and a standard QUT laboratory notebook.
Other
Unit Practical and Resource Manual (available for downloading on Canvas)
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit, consequently, this unit raises no significant health and safety issues.
The unit consists of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are extremely low-risk activities. You will be required to complete mandatory laboratory safety training prior to the start of any activity. Additional instructions detailing proper use and handling of equipment will be provided. We, therefore, require you to understand and obey all safety guidelines. A variety of plant materials and chemicals (biological stains) will be available during practicals. You are advised to handle these with caution and to avoid ingestion due to potential toxins and allergic reactions.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Workbook, Problem Solving Task, Final Theory Examination - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO3, Workbook, Final Theory Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, ULO5, Workbook, Problem Solving Task, Final Theory Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Workbook - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO5, Problem Solving Task - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task
ST20 Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours)
- Articulate advanced and coherent knowledge and understanding of at least one scientific discipline
Relates to: Workbook, Problem Solving Task, Final Theory Examination - Critically evaluate and apply advanced scientific principles to design experiments, and collect, record, analyse and interpret data using appropriate scientific methodologies, and critical thinking, judgment and deduction to solve complex problems
Relates to: Workbook, Problem Solving Task, Final Theory Examination - Evaluate and synthesise complex scientific information, research outcomes and arguments and communicate these to scientists and non-scientists using appropriate communication styles in a variety of formats.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Workbook, Problem Solving Task, Final Theory Examination - Recognise First Nations Peoples of Australia as the nation’s first scientists, whose knowledge and contributions are valued.
Relates to: ULO3, Workbook, Final Theory Examination - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, ULO5, Workbook, Problem Solving Task, Final Theory Examination - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO4, ULO5, Workbook - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO5, Problem Solving Task - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task