BIOL2571: Plant Physiology - the Power of Plants

• None.

• At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences Module.

• None.

• To study the fundamental principles underpinning plant growth and resilience.
• To study the links between plant genotype and phenotype by examining the molecular bases of physiological processes.
• To understand how knowledge of plant physiology is applied in crop science.
• To understand the role of plants in tackling other critical global issues.

• Photosynthesis and responses to light.
• Water balance and transport; nutrient uptake and balance.
• Abiotic stress at the whole organism level.
• The genetic and biochemical bases of responses to abiotic stresses.
• Plant hormones and the control of gene expression.
• The role of symbiotic associations with other organisms.
• Applications of plant science.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the functioning of key plant physiological systems, the molecular basis of these and how they are regulated.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of plant water relations, mineral nutrition and integration of carbon and nutrient uptake in growth and development.
• Knowledge of plant morphological and physiological responses and adaptations to variation in key environmental variables, including those of extreme environments.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Understanding some of the techniques used to investigate plant physiology from the whole organism scale to the molecular scale.
• To be able to integrate understanding and knowledge across a range of levels (molecular, cellular, physiological and morphological/functional) to understand the key issues related to plant functioning, survival and optimising growth.

Key Skills:

• Numeracy, in data analysis.
• IT skills, in use of software packages.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in summative assignments.
• Team work, in practical classes and formative assignments.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials enhance the student learning experience, providing guidance on assignments and supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Formative and summative Poster presentations allow students to deepen their knowledge in their chosen areas of interest and develop their ability to synthesise and present key information to others.
• Formative and summative Research Proposals allow students to demonstrate what they have learned about the use of appropriate scientific techniques to address problems and to write persuasively.

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