Course coordinator
Dr Millicent Smith
Please email to organise a time to meet in person or via Zoom.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
Plants are integral to agricultural production systems. But do you understand the processes that drive plant growth and development? Plant physiology is the study of plant structure and function. This course will examine the main physiological processes, how plants interact with their environment and aspects of plant biology relevant to currently active or promising research areas. A strong emphasis is placed on aspects of physiology that are relevant to crops important in agriculture and horticulture.
Plant Physiology is an introductory course to the study of processes in the plant. You will explore important physiological principles that form the basis of many applied management decisions. The course takes a plant-based approach to physiology (rather than one at the crop level) and provides fundamental information about environmental response of plants and structure-function relationships. Specifically, you will be given the fundamental plant science knowledge that is required for a range of disciplines including agronomy, horticulture, plant protection and crop improvement.
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
ﾠIt is assumed that students undertaking this course have completed some basic plant science study.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PLNT2002 or AGRC7048 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr April Hastwell
Dr Alex Wu
Dr Millicent Smith
Dr Peter Crisp
Dr Tim McLaren
Laboratory manager
Dr Mel Schneemilch
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Pre-recorded lecture videos will be available to students at the beginning of each week. It is expected that students have watched the lecture recording prior to the other learning activities (practical, workshop). External students will be able to connect to the workshop live on Zoom or watch the recording at a later date. External students will be provided data from practical sessions and can engage in discussion on practical content in workshops.
Aims and outcomes
To develop an understanding of the physiological processes of plants and their response to environmental variables, together with the dynamics of these processes on a plant basis.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the basic stages of vegetative plant growth, development and reproduction
LO2.
Explain plant resource acquisition and use
LO3.
Explain control of plant development driven by internal and environmental signals
LO4.
Relate physiological processes across scales (cell-organ-plant)
LO5.
Concisely communicate the use of plant phenotyping tools and results of experiments in written and oral formats
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Presentation | 15% |
1/08/2024 - 24/10/2024
Students will be allocated a specific week to present (Weeks 2 - 13) during the timetabled workshop or practical. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Practical Report 1. Photosynthesis & Water Use | 20% |
6/09/2024 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Practical Report 2. Nutrients & Signalling | 20% |
4/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Presentation
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
1/08/2024 - 24/10/2024
Students will be allocated a specific week to present (Weeks 2 - 13) during the timetabled workshop or practical.
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
Students will be allocated a topic covered in class and should focus on a current research and development application of their topic in agricultural or horticultural systems using evidence from the literature.
Students may elect to either:
- Deliver a presentation which will be delivered in class (recorded via Zoom)
- Create a video which will be played in class
The total time taken for either a video/presentation will not exceed 3 minutes. Students may be asked questions at the conclusion. Students will be required to ask questions of peers presentations.
Further details about this assessment, including a marking criteria, will be available in the course blackboard site.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Students must submit all material associated with the assessment (e.g., powerpoint slide, video, reference list) 24 h prior to the start of the scheduled workshop.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Practical Report 1. Photosynthesis & Water Use
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
6/09/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05
Task description
Practical classes are structured to provide learning activities that assist in gaining a deeper understanding of the material covered in lectures, which will improve knowledge retention. Practical reports are assessed and are designed to improve your understanding of the methods and interpretation of your experimental findings. Practical activities may be completed in groups but reports are to be completed as an individual.
External students will be provided data from practical sessions and can engage in discussion on practical content in workshops.
Further details about this assessment, including a marking criteria, will be available in the course blackboard site.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the submission link by the due date and time. The upload of work completed for the practical (e.g. drawings, graphs) may be required. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Practical Report 2. Nutrients & Signalling
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L05
Task description
Practical classes are structured to provide learning activities that assist in gaining a deeper understanding of the material covered in lectures, which will improve knowledge retention. Practical reports are assessed and are designed to improve your understanding of the methods and interpretation of your experimental findings. Practical activities may be completed in groups but reports are to be completed as an individual.
External students will be provided data from practical sessions and can engage in discussion on practical content in workshops.
Further details about this assessment, including a marking criteria, will be available in the course blackboard site.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the submission link by the due date and time. The upload of work completed for the practical (e.g. drawings, graphs) may be required. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit. Legal Declaration: By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The final examination will examine the entire course including all the lectures, practical and tutorial activities and suggested reading. It will include short and extended answer questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must achieve a passing mark inﾠthe final exam to pass the course, even if you have passing grades in other course assessment tasks. For example, if you obtain a grade of 4 or 5 for all non-exam assessment, but fail the final exam, your overall course grade will be brought down to a 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35 - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
Course Grading and Assessment Hurdles
You must achieve a passing mark in the final exam to pass the course, even if you have passing grades in other course assessment tasks. For example, if you obtain a grade of 4 or 5 for all non-exam assessment, but fail the final exam, your overall course grade will be brought down to a 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing your assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
TurnItIn Assignments
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site.ﾠIf you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved,ﾠevery attempt will be made to haveﾠthe results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability for progressive assessment will be announced via the course Blackboard site.ﾠ
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility
Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:
- You have consulted the course coordinator for feedback
- Your academic grounds for remark have been discussed and are valid
- Wanting a higher grade is not grounds for a remark. A remark can decrease your grade.
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.ﾠ
Deferredﾠassessment information (including Deferred Mid-Semester Examinations)ﾠcan be located on the my.UQ website
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The AGRC2048 Blackboard Site will be combined with AGRC7048 Plant Physiology Blackboard Site - Blackboard is the main method of communication.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Why study plants? Lecturer: Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Photosynthesis Lecturer: Dr Alex Wu Learning outcomes: L02 |
Workshop |
Summary of assessment Lecturer: Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Practical |
Photosynthesis Lecturer - Dr Alex Wu Learning outcomes: L04 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
What happens to the products of photosynthesis? Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Workshop |
Photosynthesis Lecturer - Dr Alex Wu Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Water uptake and use Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L02 |
Workshop |
Improving water use efficiency Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Practical |
Improving crop water use Coordinator - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Useful genetics for plant physiology Lecturer - Dr Peter Crisp Learning outcomes: L03 |
Workshop |
Harnessing genetic variation Lecturer - Dr Peter Crisp Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Nutrient uptake and use Lecturer - Dr Tim McLaren Learning outcomes: L02 |
Workshop |
Improving nutrient use efficiency Lecturer - Dr Tim McLaren Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Signalling Lecturer - Dr April Hastwell Learning outcomes: L03 |
Workshop |
Legume nodulation signalling Lecturer - Dr April Hastwell Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Practical |
Nutrients and signalling Coordinators - Dr April Hastwell & Dr Tim McLaren Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Germination Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01 |
Workshop |
Germination Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Practical |
Signalling and germination Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Plant architecture and senescence Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01 |
Workshop |
Optimising canopy architecture Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Practical |
Signalling and germination Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Flowering Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Post-harvest physiology Lecturer - Dr Robyn Cave Learning outcomes: L01 |
Workshop |
Flowering & Post-harvest Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith & Dr Robyn Cave Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Abiotic stress Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L02 |
Workshop |
Nutritional quality Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Practical |
Presentations Lecturer - Dr Millicent Smith Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Practical |
Visit to Plant Futures Facility Visit to Plant Futures Facility and gene editing laboratories at St Lucia Campus. Learning outcomes: L05 |
Additional learning activity information
Pre-recorded lecture videos will be available to students at the beginning of each week. It is expected that students have watched the lecture recording prior to the other learning activities (practical, workshop). External students will be able to connect to workshop live on Zoom or watch the recording at a later date. External students will be provided data from practical sessions and can engage in discussion on practical content in workshops.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.