Course coordinator
Professor Elizabeth Aitken
Consultation with me is arranged by email. To make an appointment to see me, please email e.aitken@uq.edu.au
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course is all about identifying, examining and controlling the various microbes that cause plant diseases and which threaten Australian agriculture and native flora and also an understanding of the causes of abiotic disorders. The aim of this course it to provide students with: knowledge in the life cycles of the major groups of plant pathogens; this includes plant pathogens that are fungi, nematodes, viruses and nematodes; Knowledge of abiotic factors that can cause disorders in plant growth; skills in plant disease diagnoses (describing symptoms and identifying the causal agent); knowledge on how to control plant diseases whether through genetic, chemical or by biological control methods; knowledge of the major plant diseases affecting Australian crops and native flora; the ability to recognise the relevance of quarantine regulations in attempts to control incursions of plant diseases.
In this course we start with an overview of plant pathogens: signs and symptoms. ﾠWe then look at the major plant disease causing organisms including fungi, oomycota, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. We study the intimate interactions between these pathogens and their plant hosts, examining the way in which pathogens have evolved to attack their hosts often by side stepping defence responses and how plant species have evolved counter measures to inhibit the pathogens. We then look at mechanisms of control and management by genetic, chemical and biological means. Finally the social implications of plant disease are considered taking into account historical perspectives (the Irish potato famine) and future issues (the use of transgenics).
Weekly practical classes will complement the lectures where you will get hands on experience of identifying the different pathogen groupings.
Please ensure that you include your UQ student number and the course code in all correspondence.
The lecture component of the course is co-taught with BIOL7017,ﾠalthough assessment items and details of the practical and project component differ.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL1020 + BIOL1040 + BIOL2203
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOL7017 (co-taught) or BOTN6017
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
The lecture component and practical classes in BIOL3201 are jointly taught with BIOL7017. However the assignments, independent project and practical examinations differ.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Elizabeth Aitken
Professor Andre Drenth
Professor Andrew Geering
Dr Donald Gardiner
Professor Lee Hickey
Professor Femi Akinsanmi
Guest lecturer
Dr Rebecca Roach
Ms Lois Eden
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
- an outline of the major plant pathogen groupings.
- knowledge in the life cycles of the major groups of plant pathogens; this includes plant pathogens that are fungi, oomycota, nematodes, viruses and nematodes.
- knowledge of abiotic factors that can cause disorders in plant growth.
- skills in plant disease diagnoses (describing symptoms and identifying the causal agent).
- knowledge on how to control plant diseases whether through genetic, chemical or by biological control methods.
- knowledge of the major plant diseases affecting Australian crops and native flora.
- the ability to recognise the relevance of quarantine regulations in attempts to control incursions of plant diseases.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Examine the diversity of plant pathogen groupings and determine how they are influenced by the environment.
LO2.
Categorise the major groups of organisms that cause plant diseases.
LO3.
Outline the environmental factors that induce plant diseases.
LO4.
Illustrate the mechanism plants use to defend themselves and that pathogens use to attack plants.
LO5.
Evaluate the impact of plant disease on human society and methods that we can employ to control plant disease.
LO6.
Demonstrate core practical skills in plant pathology using laboratory and non-laboratory techniques to determine both qualitative and quantitative outcomes.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
Four In-Semester Theory Tests - Invigilated
|
55% |
Short question written exam 1 in class based on first Block of lectures (weeks 1-3) 15% 25/03/2025 2:00 pm Short question written exam 2 in class based on second Block of lectures (weeks 4-6) 15% 8/04/2025 2:00 pm Short question written exam 3 in class based on third Block of lectures (weeks 7-9) 15% 6/05/2025 2:00 pm Short question written exam 4 in class based on fourth Block of lectures (weeks 11-13) 10% 26/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
Sequential Practical Tests
|
25% Prac Test 1 - 10% and Prac Test 2 - 15% |
14/04/2025 2:00 pm 19/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Project |
Disease Collection
|
20% |
13/05/2025 2:00 pm
Submission via Turnitin on Blackboard. All macroscopic images of disease samples should include an image of your student card. For all microscopic images, the corresponding microscope slide should be submitted by 19 May (ie prior to 2nd prac exam) |
Assessment details
Four In-Semester Theory Tests - Invigilated
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
Short question written exam 1 in class based on first Block of lectures (weeks 1-3) 15% 25/03/2025 2:00 pm
Short question written exam 2 in class based on second Block of lectures (weeks 4-6) 15% 8/04/2025 2:00 pm
Short question written exam 3 in class based on third Block of lectures (weeks 7-9) 15% 6/05/2025 2:00 pm
Short question written exam 4 in class based on fourth Block of lectures (weeks 11-13) 10% 26/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Short question written exam in-class based on three-week (approx.) blocks of in-person and pre-recorded lectures.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 50 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.
Sequential Practical Tests
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25% Prac Test 1 - 10% and Prac Test 2 - 15%
- Due date
14/04/2025 2:00 pm
19/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06
Task description
Prac Test 1 - 10%
90 minute practical exam during practical class.
You will be presented with three samples which you will need to identify to pathogen class based on work previously undertaken in the practical classes.
Prac Test 2 - 15%
120 minute practical exam during practical class.
You will be presented with four samples which you will need to identify to pathogen class based on work previously undertaken in the practical classes.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 210 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Student's practical class lab notes (written or hardcopy) and practical lab guide permitted. No published material permitted nor access to internet or digital material. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Disease Collection
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
13/05/2025 2:00 pm
Submission via Turnitin on Blackboard.
All macroscopic images of disease samples should include an image of your student card.
For all microscopic images, the corresponding microscope slide should be submitted by 19 May (ie prior to 2nd prac exam)
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L06
Task description
You are required to make a collection of 5 diseased plants as itemised below. This exercise will allow you to develop the techniques used in plant disease diagnosis which include the use of keys and other illustrated guides.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used in searching the literature (and acknowledged) but all the written component, all images, verification of references and conclusions should be entirely of the student's own work. Any references cited should be relevant and should have been read by the student.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via the relevant link on course Blackboard site. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an 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.
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% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assignment writing
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments. You are encouraged to:
- read the instructions for assignments carefully and ensure that you address all the requirements,
- refer to references both in the readings and beyond, and cite references in the appropriate manner,
- reflect on your own experience and provide insight and critical thinking,
- write clearly and concisely.
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 other Turnitin link, this is considered cheating, and you will be held liable for this action.
Release of marks
Unless specifically indicated by the course coordinator, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will not be available until grades release day. Results and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.
Re-mark Applications – refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility.
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your Course Co-ordinator.
Information for students can be found at : https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Deferred and Supplementary assessment (including Deferred Examinations)
Deferred and Supplementary information can 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
A practical manual will be provided on Blackboard before the first practical class.ﾠ
The sixth edition of Agrios' Plant Pathology (2024) edited by Richard Oliver is available online via the UQ library.
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 |
Lecture |
Weekly lectures Attend lectures in a comprehensive programme in plant pathology (see section 4.2 for details). View additional material placed on Blackboard complementing the lectures. Complete weekly online quizzes relating to the lecture material Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Practical |
Practical classes Attend weekly practical classes where you will discover a range of plant diseases caused by different groups of plant pathogens (see section 4.2 for practical class topics). The skills that you learn will be assessed by two practical tests. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
|
Not Timetabled |
Collect and compile a small disease collection This exercise will allow you to develop the techniques used in plant disease diagnosis which include the use of keys and other illustrated guides to identify and describe plant disease causing agents and the symptoms they cause. Learning outcomes: L06 |
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.