Undergraduate Senior
Enrol with MyUni »More information: Download the information booklet (pdf), Faculty handbook | Need special permission? Download form (pdf)
Senior units of study offered by the School of Biological Sciences provide a thorough understanding of many areas of contemporary biology. More specifically, the units of study provide students with opportunities to integrate knowledge gained over the degree program; develop a specialist understanding of an area of biology; carry out small research projects (as appropriate) to continue developing skills required to carry out investigations in biology; and understand the characteristics of scholarship and research. Some senior units of study involve some intensive field or laboratory classes that are taken before the beginning of semester one or two. Students majoring in biology should take at least four of the units of study listed below.
Note: Units indicated on this page are relevant to current Intermediate and Senior students only and will not be available in 2014. The 2014 Senior curriculum will be posted towards the end of Semester 1, 2013. Please contact us if you need more information.
First half of year
Pre-semester 1
BIOL3010 Tropical Wildlife Biology & Management
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Dr Matthew Greenlees Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology (BIOL/ENVI/PLNT) Assumed knowledge: None, although BIOL2012/ 2912 Vertebrates and their Origins would be useful Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3910.
Due to its isolation from the rest of the world and unique evolutionary history, the Australian terrestrial vertebrate fauna (amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) is highly unusual, and hence has a lot to offer in the study of evolutionary processes. The rarity of some species and Australia’s unusual climate and landforms present special challenges for the management of our native wildlife. This unit of study addresses the evolution, ecology and management of Australia’s terrestrial fauna. The subject comprises a week-long field-based course in the Northern Territory, near Darwin, where students will travel to Mary River Park to learn field-based techniques in wildlife management. There will also be a day trip to Litchfield National Park to allow students to see the diversity of landforms and wildlife of the region. The field trip will be complemented by lectures from experts in the evolution, ecology and management of wildlife.
More information
Please download the info booklet (pdf) for more information.
BIOL3910 Tropical Wildlife Biology & Management (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Dr Matthew Greenlees Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology. Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3010.
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3010 Tropical Wildlife Biology & Management, and is designed for students who wish to pursue certain topics in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate Biology. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the field trip. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
More information
Please download the info booklet (pdf) for more information.
BIOL3017 Fungi in the Environment
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Professor Peter McGee Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology or Plant Science; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology or Plant Science and 6 Intermediate credit points of either Microbiology or Geography NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3917
The unit is designed for students interested in fungal ecology, environmental and rehabilitation biology, mechanisms underlying fungal diversity, biological control of pests and pathogens, and soil microbiology. Emphasis will be placed on the functions of fungi in soil and the benefit provided by fungi in symbiotic interactions with plants, including mycorrhizal fungi and shoot-borne endophytes, using experimental approaches. Physiological and ecological implications of the interactions will also be considered, emphasising the use of fungi in rehabilitation of ecosystems and biocontrol of pests and pathogens. Students will be encouraged to develop deeper understanding of one area of the subject through independent study.
The intensive 2-week laboratory component allows each student to follow a set of experiments or design and implement their own research. The laboratory component is scheduled in the A11 labs each morning, starting from 18th February and going through to 1st March 2013.
Independent thinking and research-led activity are encouraged. Part of the learning material will be available on the internet. The material will be freely available for discussion during Semester 1.
BIOL3917 Fungi in the Environment (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Professor Peter McGee Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology or Plant Science; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology or Plant Science and 6 Intermediate credit points of either Microbiology or Geography NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3017
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3017 Fungi in the Environment and is designed for students who wish to pursue one topic in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate Biology. Students taking this unit of study will complete a research project and submit a report prior to the end of Semester 1. Details of the research project will be negotiated between the student and unit coordinator. The unit will be assessed by a report on the research and its context. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
Semester 1
BIOL3006 Ecological Methods
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Professor Clare McArthur Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3906, MARS3102
This unit will consider ecology as a quantitative, experimental and theoretical science. It is concerned with the practical skills and philosophical background required to explore questions and test hypotheses in the real world. Application of ecological methods and theory to practical problems will be integrated throughout the unit.
Lectures will be on sound philosophical and experimental principles, drawing on real examples for demonstration of concepts, and will be useful as one basis for informed conservation, utilization and general management of natural populations and habitats.
Practical classes will deal with practical methods of ecological research: determining patterns of distribution and abundance, problems of sampling, estimation of ecological variables, and methods of statistical analysis of field data. As part of these classes you will design and carry out your own ecological research projects, followed by analysis (using statistical software), interpretation and presentation of your data.
BIOL3906 Ecological Methods (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Professor Clare McArthur Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and ENVI2111 or MARS2006; or 12 credit points of Intermediate MARS units, including MARS2006 Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3006, MARS3102
The Advanced unit has the same objectives as BIOL3006 Ecological Methods and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects in greater depth. Entry is restricted, and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their previous performance. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard course and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Specific details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced in meetings with students in Week 1 of Semester 1. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
BIOL3011 Ecophysiology
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Professor Frank Seebacher Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3911
Ecophysiology links physiological mechanisms with the behaviour, ecology and evolution of animals. Many ecological, evolutionary, and behavioural patterns are determined by the capability of animals to respond to changes in their environment. Ecophysiology is a conceptually-based unit of study that explores the importance of environmental parameters such as temperature for biological functions. At a functional level, examples presented in this unit will range from gene expression to behaviour and emphasis will be placed on animals. The practical part of the unit concentrates on designing original research projects, which will be conducted during a 3-day field trip, and in the laboratory.
BIOL3911 Ecophysiology (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Professor Frank Seebacher Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915). These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should consult the unit coordinator Assumed Knowledge: BIOL (2012 or 2016 or 2912 or 2916) or PLNT (2003 or 2903) NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3011.
Ecophysiology (Advanced) shares the same lectures as BIOL3011 Ecophysiology but includes an independent project in place of the laboratory report (equivalent of 30% of Ecophysiology). The content and nature of the independent project varies and students are encouraged to design their own project.
BIOL3012 Animal Physiology
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Dr Murray ThomsonPrerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, which can be comprised of BIOL, ANAT and PHSI units of study NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3912
Animal physiology explores aspects of the physiology of animals and how physiology is influenced by environmental factors. The emphasis of the unit of study is vertebrate animals, although invertebrate examples are used where appropriate. The unit of study is designed to complement BIOL3011 Ecophysiology. Particular emphasis will be placed on nutrition, animal behaviour, energy metabolism and neurobiology as well as more exotic animal physiology such as electroreception in sharks and infrared detection of prey in snakes. Particular emphasis will be placed on nutrition and energy metabolism in a range of animals and how that is affected by factors such as predator-prey relationships as well as behaviour and locomotion.
BIOL3912 Animal Physiology (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Dr Murray Thomson Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3012
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3012 Animal Physiology and is designed for students who wish to pursue certain topics in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate Biology. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the semester. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
BIOL3013 Marine Biology
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Ashley Ward Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) Assumed Knowledge: BIOL2018 or MARS2006 NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL 3913
This subject assumes a basic knowledge of marine biology and seeks to build upon this by examining in detail processes that are important for the establishment and maintenance of marine communities. During the course of the semester there will be four modules that will examine specific current topics in marine biology. Each module will have a series of lectures, practicals, and/or tutorials that will allow us to examine the process under review in depth. The composition of the modules may change from year to year depending on what is relevant in today's scientific climate. In the past we have examined biomechanics, population ecology, symbiosis, marine mammal ecology, impacts of humans on the sea, animal behaviour and global climate change. There is a strong focus in the course on field-based practicals, which can include activities such as intertidal rock platform visits, snorkel surveys of reef fishes and off-shore marine mammal boat cruises.
BIOL3913 Marine Biology (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Ashley Ward Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) Assumed Knowledge: BIOL2018 or GEOS2115 NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3013
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3013 Marine Biology and is designed for students who wish to pursue certain topics in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate Biology. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the semester. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
BIOL3018 Gene Technology & Genomics
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Neville Firth Prerequisites: 12 credit points from MBLG (2071/2971), MBLG (2072/2972) and Intermediate Biology units. For BMedSc students: 12 credit points from MBLG2071/2971, MBLG2072/2972 and Intermediate Biology units or 12 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED2802 Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3918
A unit of study with lectures, practicals and tutorials on the application of recombinant DNA technology and the genetic manipulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Lectures cover the applications of molecular genetics in biotechnology and consider the impact and implications of genetic engineering and genomics. Topics include: biological sequence data and databases; comparative genomics; the cloning and expression of foreign genes in bacteria, yeast, animal and plant cells; novel human and animal therapeutics and vaccines; new diagnostic techniques for human and veterinary disease; the transformation of animal and plant cells; the genetic engineering of animals and plants; and the environmental release of genetically-modified (transgenic) organisms. Practical work may include: nucleic acid isolation and manipulation; gene cloning and PCR amplification; DNA sequencing and bioinformatics; immunological detection of proteins; and the genetic transformation and assay of plants.
BIOL3918 Gene Technology & Genomics (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Neville Firth Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points from MBLG (2071/2971), MBLG (2072/2972) and Intermediate Biology units For BMedSc students: Distinction average in 12 credit points from MBLG2071/2971, MBLG2072/2972 and Intermediate Biology units or 12 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED2802 These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should contact the unit coordinator Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3018.
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3018 Gene Technology & Genomics and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects of molecular genetics in greater depth. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard BIOL3018 unit of study, and will be required to pursue the unit of study objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at the beginning of semester.
PLNT3003 Systematics & Evolution of Plants
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Murray Henwood Prerequisites: 6 credit points from any Intermediate unit of study from BIOL, PLNT, LWSC, HORT, GEOS, GEOG, ENVI, SOIL Prohibition: May not be counted with PLNT3903
This unit of study introduces students to the practical aspects of plant systematics and evolution. Students will gain a working knowledge of the general techniques and approaches used in plant systematics (including an understanding of plant taxonomy, phylogenetics and evolutionary processes). A range of data sources (nucleotide sequences and morphology) will be used to address questions concerning the evolution, classification and historical biogeography of various plant groups.
A two-day field trip will provide tuition in plant identification and an opportunity to acquire skills in field botany.
This unit of study is recommended for students with an interest in the areas of: botany, plant science, horticulture, fungal biology (including plant pathology), environmental science, bioinformatics and ecology. It is often combined with units of study offered through the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
PLNT3903 Systematics & Evolution of Plants (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Murray Henwood Prerequisites: Distinction in 6 credit points from any Intermediate unit of study from BIOL, PLNT, LWSC, HORT, GEOS, GEOG, ENVI, SOIL. These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should consult the unit coordinator Prohibition: May not be counted with PLNT3003
This unit of study has the same objectives as PLNT3003 Systematics and Evolution of Plants and is designed for students who wish to pursue certain topics in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate Biology. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the semester. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
Second half of year
Pre-semester 2
BIOL3008 Marine Field Ecology
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Ross Coleman Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) Assumed Knowledge: Ecological Methods BIOL3006 or Ecological Methods (Advanced) BIOL3906. Prior completion of one of these units is very strongly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3908 or MARS3102
Marine Field Ecology provides a practical introduction to the experimental analysis of marine populations and assemblages. Students gain experience using a range of intertidal sampling techniques and develop a detailed understanding of the logical requirements necessary for manipulative ecological field experiments. No particular mathematical or statistical skills are required for this subject. Group experimental research projects in the field are the focus of the unit during the day, with lectures and discussion groups about the analysis of experimental data and current issues in experimental marine ecology occurring in the evening.
BIOL3908 Marine Field Ecology (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Ross Coleman Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) Assumed knowledge: Ecological Methods (BIOL3006) or Ecological Methods (Advanced) (BIOL3906). Prior completion of one of these units is very strongly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3008 or MARS3102
The Advanced unit has the same objectives as BIOL3008 Marine Field Ecology and is suitable for students wishing to pursue certain aspects of marine field ecology in a greater depth. Entry is restricted and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their past performance. Students taking this unit of study will be expected to take part in a number of additional tutorials after the field course on advanced aspects of experimental design and analysis and will be expected to incorporate these advanced skills into their analyses and project reports. This unit may be taken as part of the BSc(Advanced) program.
Semester 2
BIOL3007 Ecology
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Dieter Hochuli Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) Assumed knowledge: Although not prerequisites, knowledge obtained from Ecological Methods (BIOL3006), and Marine Field Ecology (BIOL3008) and/or Terrestrial Field Ecology (BIOL3009), or the associated advanced units BIOL (3906, 3908 and/or 3909), is strongly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3907 or MARS3102
This unit explores the dynamics of ecological systems, and considers: the interactions between individual organisms and populations; organisms and the environment; and ecological processes. Lectures are grouped around four dominant themes: interactions, evolutionary ecology, the nature of communities, and conservation and management. Emphasis is placed throughout on the importance of quantitative methods in ecology, including sound planning and experimental design, and on the role of ecological science in the conservation, management, exploitation and control of populations. Relevant case studies and examples of ecological processes are drawn from marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems, with plants, animals, fungi and other life forms considered as required. Students will have some opportunity to undertake short-term ecological projects, and to take part in discussions of important and emerging ideas in the ecological literature.
BIOL3907 Ecology (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Dieter Hochuli Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915) Assumed Knowledge: Same as BIOL3007; however, students entering this unit of study should have achieved Distinction average Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3007, or MARS3102
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3007 Ecology, and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects in greater depth. Entry is restricted, and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their previous performance. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard course and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Specific details of this unit and assessment will be announced in meetings with students in Week 1 of Semester 2. This unit of study may be taken as part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
BIOL3025 Evolutionary Genetics & Animal Behaviour
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Professor Ben Oldroyd Prerequisites: 12 credit points from MBLG (2071/2971), MBLG (2072/2972), and Intermediate Biology (or PLNT) units. For BMedSc students: 36 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED 2802. It is not a requirement (but encouraged) for students to have completed any MBLG unit prior to enrolling in BIOL3025/3925 NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3925
The Evolutionary Genetics and Animal Behaviour unit of study covers the main themes of modern evolutionary theory including population genetics. In the practicals, students use molecular methods to quantify genetic variation in natural populations. Using these skills we will search for population subdivision and discuss how this can lead to speciation. Lectures consider how studies of sex ratios, sexual selection, kin selection, game theory and quantitative genetics can illuminate the mechanisms by which animals have evolved and explain why they behave as they do. We will then consider if these themes have any relevance to human sociobiology. The course also covers the role of genetics in conservation. There will be a field trip to collect organisms for population genetic analysis. There will be plenty of opportunity in the student seminars to examine the more controversial aspects of modern evolutionary thought.
BIOL3925 Evolutionary Genetics & Animal Behaviour (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Professor Ben Oldroyd Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, which may include MBLG (2071/2971), MBLG (2072/2972). For BMedSc students: 36 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including Distinction in BMED2802. These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should consult the unit coordinator NB: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3025.
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3025 Biology of Evolutionary Genetics & Animal Behaviour and is designed for students who wish to pursue certain topics in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate Biology. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the semester. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
BIOL3026 Developmental Genetics
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Dr Mary Byrne Prerequisites: 12 credit points from MBLG (2071/2971) and MBLG (2072/2972). For BMedSc students: MBLG2071/2971 and MBLG2072/2972 or 12 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED2802 Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3926
This unit discusses concepts in genetics with a focus on molecular genetics and genomics and how these are used to understand the development of complex organisms. Lectures cover the use of model animal and plant systems and various approaches employed in developmental genetics. Topics include: the value of model organisms; the use of mutants and quantitative traits in gene function analysis; mechanisms of gene regulation; chromosomal inheritance; gene expression analysis; determining gene networks; translation of models to understanding human disease; genetics and evolution. Reference will be made to the use of techniques in developmental biology such as transgenics, recombinant DNA technology, tissue-specific gene expression analysis and methods of genetic mapping. The practical classes emphasise working with organisms, understanding the analysis of mutant phenotypes, associating phenotype with genotype and genetic mapping techniques. The practical classes provide an opportunity for students to gain experience in experimental design and planning. A laboratory manual with lecture and practical class schedules, the unit of study assessment information and descriptions of the laboratory exercises will be available from the University Copy Centre prior to the first practical. Additional unit information including lecture notes will be available on Blackboard.
BIOL3926 Developmental Genetics (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: Dr Mary Byrne Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points from MBLG (2071/2971) and MBLG (2072/2972). For BMedSc students: Distinction average in 12 credit points from MBLG2071/2971 and MBLG2072/2972 or Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate BMED units including BMED2802. These requirements may vary and students with lower averages should consult the unit coordinator Prohibition: May not be counted with BIOL3026
This unit of study has the same objectives as BIOL3026 Developmental Genetics and is designed for students who wish to pursue certain topics in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate Biology. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the semester. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
PLNT3001 Plant, Cell & Environment
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Charles Warren Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, Plant Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics or equivalent Prohibition: May not be counted with PLNT3901
This unit of study of comprises lectures/workshops and practical sessions that will explore how plants function and interact with their environment. Classes will examine the mechanisms plants employ to adapt and acclimate to the environment. In considering adaptation and acclimation of plants to their environment we will address common abiotic stresses (e.g. drought, salinity) and biotic stresses (herbivory) plus interactions of plants with other organisms. Emphasis will be placed on integration of plant responses from molecular through to whole plant scales. You will need to draw on knowledge from intermediate units of study and explore the published literature to successfully integrate information from areas unfamiliar to yourself.
PLNT3901 Plant, Cell & Environment (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Charles Warren Prerequisites: Distinction in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, Plant Science, Molecular Biology and Genetics or equivalent. These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should consult the unit coordinator Prohibition: May not be counted with PLNT3001
This unit of study has the same objectives as PLNT3001 Plant, Cell & Environment and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate units of study. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by undertaking an independent research project. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the semester. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
PLNT3002 Plant Growth & Development
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Jan Marc Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate PLNT, BIOL, AGCH or CROP units of study including at least one of PLNT (2001 or 2901 or 2003 or 2903), BIOL (2016 or 2916), CROP 2001 or AGCH 2002. Prohibition: May not be counted with PLNT3902.
This unit explores the mechanisms underlying plant growth and development from seed to maturity. It covers the process of building the plant body from embryogenesis, development and operation of meristems, polarity, patterning, controls of flowering and fruit development to programmed cell death and senescence. It includes the role of signals such as plant hormones in coordinating plant growth and development and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental signals such as gravity and light. There is a focus on recent plant molecular biology that has been critical in enhancing our current understanding of plant growth and development. The unit uses examples from crop, horticultural and native plants as well as the model plant Arabidopsis. Lectures are augmented by experimental work, including an independent research project. The laboratory work will include plant tissue culture, protoplast production and modern cell biological techniques used to study plant development. This unit of study complements other Senior units of study in the Plant Science Major and is essential for those seeking a career in plant molecular biology.
PLNT3902 Plant Growth & Development (Advanced)
Credit points: 6 Unit coordinator: A/Prof Jan Marc Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate PLNT, BIOL, AGCH or CROP units of study including at least one of PLNT (2001 or 2901 or 2003 or 2903), BIOL (2016 or 2916), CROP 2001 or AGCH 2002. These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should consult the unit coordinator Prohibition: May not be counted with PLNT3002
This unit of study has the same objectives as PLNT 3002 Plant Growth & Development and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects in greater depth. Entry to the unit is based on performance in Intermediate units of study. Students taking this unit of study will participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard unit and will be required to pursue the objectives by more independent means. Details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced at, or prior to, commencement of the semester. This unit of study may be taken as a part of the BSc (Advanced) program.