BIOL2571: PLANT AND ALGAL PHYSIOLOGY

• Level 1 Molecules and Cells BIOL1281 .

• At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences Module.

• None.

• To study the fundamental principles underpinning plant and algal physiology.
• To study physiology in a comparative sense by examining similarities and differences between species and kingdoms.
• To study the links between phenotype and genotype by examining the molecular bases of physiological processes.

• Photosynthesis and responses to light.
• Water balance and transport; nutrient uptake and balance.
• Abiotic stress at eh whole organism level.
• The genetic and biochemical bases of responses to abiotic stresses.
• Plant hormones and the control of gene expression.
• The algal kingdom.
• Biotechnological exploitation of algae.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the functioning of key plant and algal physiological systems and the molecular basis of these.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of plant water relations, mineral nutrition, integration of carbon and nutrients in growth and development.
• Knowledge of the plant morphological and physiological responses and adaptations to variations in selected environmental variables, including those of extreme environments.
• Knowledge of the range of algal organisms, and their use in biotechnological applications.

Subject-specific Skills:

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

Key Skills:

• Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in data handling problems.
• IT skills, in use of software packages.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in physiology practical reports.
• Team work.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and 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 give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.
• Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy.

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