Course coordinator
Dr Millicent Smith
Please email to organise a time to meet in person or via Zoom.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- 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.
At the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge-sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold students and staff accountable for actively contributing to establishing a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and againstﾠUQ Policy,ﾠand will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It 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 and AGRC2048 (co-taught)
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- AGRC2048
Some learning activities in this course (workshop) are co-taught with AGRC7048. Assessment items may also differ between AGRC2048 and AGRC7048.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Millicent Smith
Dr Peter Crisp
Dr Tim McLaren
Dr April Hastwell
Dr Nicole Robinson
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
In addition to the timetabled activities,ﾠpre-recorded lecture videos are available to students at the beginning of each week. It is expected that students have watched the lecture recording prior to attending the learning activities (practical, workshop).ﾠ
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 | 25% |
24/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Notebook/ Logbook |
Practical Manual
|
30% |
25/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
- 25%
- Due date
24/10/2025 5:00 pm
- 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 will generate an upload a video presentation to Blackboard. The video may be played in the final workshop class to summarise topics for student revision purposes.
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. The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Submission guidelines
Students must submit all material associated with the assessment (e.g., video, powerpoint slide, reference list) in Blackboard, via the assessment task's submission link. 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 Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
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.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Practical Manual
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
25/09/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, 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. Students will be required to submit the practical manual and related spreadsheets for assessment. The assessment task is designed to improve your understanding of the methods and interpretation of your experimental findings. Practical activities may be completed in groups but the manual and associated spreadsheets are to be completed as an individual.
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. The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Absence from a Practical Session
If you do not complete the practical session, your work will not be marked for that session.
If you are unable to complete your timetabled practical session because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must submit a practical absence request immediately accompanied by acceptable supporting documentation.
A list of acceptable reasons and required supporting documentation is found at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
Your request must be submitted prior to or on the day of the missed practical. The submission link can be found in the Learning Resources (Blackboard Original) or Course Resources (Blackboard Ultra) folder in your course Blackboard site.
Requests without the correct supporting documentation may not be approved. If the reason for your absence is not approved, you will be considered as absent from that practical session and you will not be eligible for marks from that practical exercise.
It is your responsibility to submit an application and provide correct documentation. If approved, alternative assessment will be organised with the individual student.
If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the School - agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au.
Submission guidelines
Practical manual to be handed into the Course Coordinator at the last practical class.
Upload of associated excel file(s) will be completed via Blackboard during the last practical class.
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 Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Due to the format of the assessment being completed during the practical session where these activities are unable to be re-produced, extensions cannot be granted for this assessment item. Students who are unable to attend the practical for reasons beyond their control will need to complete the ‘Absence from Practical’ form - details will be in blackboard. If approved, access to alternative assessment will be organised with these individual students.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
1. Live Plant Material and Time-Sensitive Experiments The practical exercises utilise living plant specimens that undergo specific treatments over predetermined periods. These biological processes cannot be paused, repeated, or replicated outside the scheduled timeframe due to environmental conditions. Once the treatment period concludes, the experimental conditions and plant responses that form the basis of student observations and data collection are no longer available. In many cases this is because the experiment requires destructive measurements of plant material.
2. Resource and Logistical Constraints The specialised equipment, controlled environment facilities, and staff supervision required make it prohibitively expensive and logistically impossible to replicate practical classes.
3. Assessment Format Students complete exercises in practical manuals during each scheduled class. These manuals remain in the laboratory at all times and cannot be taken home, ensuring data integrity and preventing academic misconduct. The final submission occurs during the last practical class when all experimental work is complete.
Students unable to attend practicals for legitimate reasons beyond their control may complete an 'Absence from Practical' form. Upon approval, alternative arrangements will be made on an individual basis to ensure no student is disadvantaged while maintaining academic standards. This will (in most instances) involve provision of data and context of the experiments (e.g., photos and images).
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The final examination will examine the entire course including all the lectures, practical and workshop activities and suggested reading. It will include short and extended answer questions.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students must attend the exam in-person.
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 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.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.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing your assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
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
Feedback in this course
Feedback is welcome in this course as any information on how students find this learning experience is constructive. Please use the course evaluation process which will occur in the last few weeks of semester.
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Coat | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
The AGRC7048 Blackboard Site will be combined with AGRC2048 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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Lecture series 1 - 2 hours of lecture are provided each week in the form of short pre-recorded videos. It is expected that students have watched the videos prior to attending the timetabled workshop session. Please refer to the full lecture schedule in the course Blackboard site for further detail. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Workshop series There is one two hour workshop sessions scheduled each week. During these sessions students will be able to ask questions about the lecture content and work in small groups to discuss case studies in small groups. Please refer to the full schedule in the course Blackboard site. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Practical series There is one three hour practical session scheduled five times during the semester. Practical sessions are held separately for students in AGRC2048 and AGRC7048. During these practical classes, students will work in small groups to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the course to real-world biological problems. Please refer to the full practical schedule in the course Blackboard site. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.