Course coordinator
Consultation with me is by appointment. To make an appointment to see me, please email susanne.schmidt@uq.edu.au.
Plants are integral to life on our planet. They provide oxygen, habitat, food, energy and materials. The focus on plants and their roles in the future bioeconomy is intensifying as countries are transitioning to become carbon neutral. Course participants will dive deep into the current knowledge of plant biology - spanning from evolution, ecology, conservation, agriculture to biotechnology. Topics include plant biodiversity and function, adaptation to environments, interactions with beneficial and pathogenic organisms, and improvement for human uses. The wide-ranging roles and uses of plants are explored with view of food and a sustainable future. Participants experience hands-on activities, from interactive lectures and discussions, to workshops, practicals and networking with world-class plant biologists.
Our planet is largely driven by biological processes and plants have shaped Earth for over 400 million years. Plant biologists find solutions to current challenges: restore habitat and protect
biodiversity,ᅠadapt to and reverse climate change, produce more food more sustainably, and exploring a botanical treasure trove of over 350,000 species.
Plant Biology knowledge is foundational if you are training for a career in ecology and conservation, environmental sciences, agriculture or biotechnology. The teaching team are experts in their specialisations and combine interactive lectures with inquiry-based and student-focused learning and hands-on skills. BIOL2203 uses UQ Edge with online material for self-evaluation. Weekly pracs explore plant evolution, biodiversity and biogeography, anatomy and plant identification,ᅠresponse to changing environments,ᅠsterile and molecular laboratory technique, plant pathogens and biotechnology. You willᅠdesign and carry out experiments,ᅠanalyseᅠandᅠcommunicate your research. Pracs make up 60%ᅠof courseᅠmarks, exams 40%.ᅠ
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Peter Brennan (Bachelor of Science) -ᅠMy favourite course at UQ so far! A great introduction to all aspects of plant science and fungal biology. The pracs were very hands-on and lots of fun!
Ryan Zujic (Bachelor of Science)ᅠ -ᅠBIOL2203 is an engaging introduction to the hugely diverse world of plant biology. Great content, lecturers and fair assessments made a highly rewarding course, given you put in the work and got involved. ..to better understand and appreciate the weird and wonderful biology of plant ...to addressing global challenges.
Timothy Clark (Bachelor of Environmental Science) - the course was quite different to what I had expected. I had imagined it would be rather dreary, but instead, it was lively and entertaining. In the lab, we could design our own experiment, choosing the variables and following low it all the way through to collecting results. We were expertly guided by the course team of dedicated teachers and tutors,ᅠwho, it has to be said, are some of the most easily approachable and enthusiastic ones that I have come across at UQ. On the whole, a thoroughly enjoyable subject that made me really appreciate just how important plants are. Upon reflection, it easily ranks as my favourite subject of the year.ᅠ
Kirsty Howard (Bachelor of Marine Studies) -ᅠI had not expected to be doing much plant biology, as I did not realise how important it was for understanding marine processes and ecosystems. I enjoyed BIOL2203 and found it exciting and challenging. The course uses real-world experiments and lecturers who encourage thinking. I am now doing a third-year plant subject. It has made me realise that a good knowledge of plant biology is a vital tool for problem-solving environmental issues.
First year biology courses
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1020
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1030 + BIOL1040
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOL2903 (advanced version)
Consultation with me is by appointment. To make an appointment to see me, please email susanne.schmidt@uq.edu.au.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
The course aims to provide participants with
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain plant structure and function in context of evolution and adaptation to diverse environments
LO2.
As an individual or part of a student team design and/or perform experiments addressing well-defined questions in plant biology
LO3.
Explain internal signalling and plasticity of plants
LO4.
Evaluate the interactions of plants with other organisms
LO5.
Describe current plant molecular biology approaches and evaluate regulatory frameworks
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Practical/ Demonstration |
Sequential Assessment Laboratory skills
|
12% This is part of a practical sequential activity, worth 60% |
29/07/2024 14/10/2024 21/10/2024
29 July, 14 and 21 Oct pracs, on the day submission |
Practical/ Demonstration |
Sequential Assessment Plant Biodiversity
|
12% This is part of a practical sequential activity, worth 60% |
19/08/2024 5:00 pm |
Presentation |
Sequential Assessment Plant-Environment Interactions
|
12% This is part of a practical sequential activity, worth 60% |
30/09/2024 5:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Sequential Assessment Plant Disease
|
12% This is part of a practical sequential activity, worth 60% |
8/10/2024 5:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Sequential Assessment Plant growth and development report
|
12% This is part of a practical sequential activity, worth 60% |
2/09/2024 5:00 pm |
Examination |
In Semester exam
|
15% |
4/09/2024
In Class In Semester Exam |
Examination |
End of semester exam
|
25% |
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.
29/07/2024
14/10/2024
21/10/2024
29 July, 14 and 21 Oct pracs, on the day submission
Microscopy and biotechnology skills are assessed by tutors on the day, with in-person attendance required to obtain 12% of course marks.
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.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. 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.
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The pracs run on the day and are not repeated.
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.
19/08/2024 5:00 pm
Skills in plant identification, taxonomy and biodiversity: students will upload plant species that they have identified to 'iNaturalist'.
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 online assessment is completed within Blackboard under the appropriate assessment title on your course Blackboard site.
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 (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
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). See 6.1 Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines for links to the University Guidelines and Applications for Extensions.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, or equivalent penalty if an alternative grading approach is used, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
30/09/2024 5:00 pm
Results from your team's plant-resource experiment are worked into a short presentation, to be uploaded online. More information on Blackboard closer to the submission date.
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.
You upload your team name and YouTube link to google sheet for peer evaluation.
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.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
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). See 6.1 Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines for links to the University Guidelines and Applications for Extensions.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, or equivalent penalty if an alternative grading approach is used, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
8/10/2024 5:00 pm
Plant Disease Practical tasks are summarised in a report. 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.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. 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.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
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). See 6.1 Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines for links to the University Guidelines and Applications for Extensions.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, or equivalent penalty if an alternative grading approach is used, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
2/09/2024 5:00 pm
Students address questions using knowledge gained in the plant growth and development pracs. 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.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. 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.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
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). See 6.1 Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines for links to the University Guidelines and Applications for Extensions.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item, or one grade per day if graded on the basis of 1-7, or equivalent penalty if an alternative grading approach is used, will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
4/09/2024
In Class In Semester Exam
Short and long answer questions covering the course materials from weeks 1 to 6. 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.
Planning time | no planning time minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 60 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
Materials | Two sheets of handwritten notes, double sided, are permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Exam covers all course materials with an emphasis on weeks 8-13.
Centrally timetabled exam.
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.
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
Materials | Two sheets of handwritten notes, double sided, are permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
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: A cumulative score of 47% - 49% for all assessment items. |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 50% - 64% for all assessment items |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 65% - 74% for all assessment items |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 75% - 84% for all assessment items |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score of 85% - 100% for all assessment items |
Students must obtain a passing mark inᅠthe combined available marks for the in-semester and end of semester exams in order to pass this course. If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-off for a 4 or higher on the cumulative results for all assessment items and the student does NOT score a passing mark for the end of semester exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
ᅠ
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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. If 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.
ᅠ
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the 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:
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.ᅠ
ᅠ
Deferred and Supplementary assessment (including Deferred Mid-Semester Examinations)
Deferred and Supplementary information can be located on the my.UQ website
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.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Item | Description | Further Requirement |
---|---|---|
Course Profile | Provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also provides information on course assessments, including weightings and due dates. A recommended reading list is also provided, covering textbooks and journal articles, all of which are available either in the UQ Gatton Library or online from the UQ Library website. |
Item | Description | Further Requirement |
---|---|---|
BIOL2203 Blackboard Site | Blackboard is the main method of communication. The Learning Guide, Lectures, Recommended Reading List (mainly journal articles), Tutorials and answers to questions will all be made available via Blackboard. http://learn.uq.edu.au/ |
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Plant form and function Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01 |
Practical |
Plant biology in practice Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Plant evolution: mosses, ferns and others Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01 |
Practical |
Plant cells and tissues in practice Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Plant names, classification and identification A/Prof Lyn Cook Learning outcomes: L01 |
Practical |
Plant classification and identification in practice A/Prof Lyn Cook Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Plant Diversity and distributions A/Prof Lyn Cook Learning outcomes: L01 |
Practical |
Plant diversity and distributions in practice A/Prof Lyn Cook Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Introduction to plant hormones Dr Milos Tanurdzic Learning outcomes: L03 |
Practical |
Plant hormones in practice Dr Milos Tanurdzic Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Plant growth and development Dr Milos Tanurdzic Learning outcomes: L03 |
Practical |
Plant growth and development in practice Dr Milos Tanurdzic Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Plant resources: light and water Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01 |
Practical |
Plant resources: light, water, nutrients in practice (1) Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Plant resources: nutrients Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01 |
Practical |
Plant resources: light, water, nutrients in practice (2) Prof Susanne Schmidt Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Fungi and Plant Interactions Prof Liz Aitken Learning outcomes: L04 |
Practical |
Fungi and Plant Interactions in practice (1) Prof Liz Aitken Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Fungi and Plant Diseases Prof Liz Aitken Learning outcomes: L04 |
Practical |
Fungi and Plant Interactions in practice (2) Prof Liz Aitken Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Introduction to Plant Biotechnology Prof Jimmy Botella Learning outcomes: L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Plant Biotechnology 1 Prof Jimmy Botella Learning outcomes: L05 |
Practical |
Plant Biotechnology in practice Prof Jimmy Botella Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Plant Biotechnology 2 Prof Jimmy Botella Learning outcomes: L05 |
Practical |
Plant Biotechnology 2 in practice Prof Jimmy Botella Learning outcomes: L05 |
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:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: