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
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
To introduce the field of plant pathology; the major plant pathogen groups (fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, nematodes & phytoplasmas) & their identification (practical classes); methods of control (chemical, cultural, genetic & biological) & impact on society (historically, environment, quarantine & GM).
This course will be last offered in external mode in 2024.
This course looks at the constant on-going warfare between plants and their pathogens; how plants have evolved to defend themselves and the mechanisms that pathogens have evolved to gain entry and nutrients from their host.ﾠ Initially we look at the wide spectrum of micro-organisms that can attack plants; these include fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. Then we assess how environmental factors are important in disease development. We look at mechanisms of controlling plants diseases including breeding methods, biological control and chemical control as well as environmental aspects. We examine the impact of plant diseases in natural and agricultural systems and investigate the importance of quarantine in the protection of Australian native flora and crop plants. We look at the way plants defend themselves from a molecular aspect.
Practical aspects of plant pathology are also covered where students get an opportunity to identify the different major groups of plant pathogens; for this purpose practical classes are run every Monday afternoon, ﾠin parallel with BIOL3201. These classes are held on the St Lucia campus and you are expected to attend.
This course is co-taught with BIOL3201 although assessment items in theﾠ practical component differ with more emphasis on independent research in BIOL7017.
Course requirements
Assumed background
At least first year tertiary level equivalent of Plant Sciences
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOL3201 (Co-taught) or BOTN6017
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
The lecture component and practical classes in BIOL7017 are jointly taught with BIOL3201.ﾠ However, the assessment items and weightings differ.ﾠ A greater emphasis is put on independent learning in BIOL7017 with the project being a larger component and a greater weighting.
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
To be able to identify causes of plant diseases and to learn the background of the field of plant pathology.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Categorise the major groups of organisms that cause plant diseases.
LO2.
Reflect on the different environmental factors that induce plant diseases.
LO3.
Explain the mechanisms plants use to defend themselves and that pathogens use to attack plants.
LO4.
Reflect on the impact of plant diseases on human society and the methods that we can employ to control plant diseases.
LO5.
Distinguish the different plant diseases.
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 1 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 Prac Tests
|
15% Prac Test 1 - 5% and Prac Test 2 - 10% |
14/04/2025 2:00 pm 19/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Project |
Disease Collection
|
30% |
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 1 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 in-class exam 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 Prac Tests
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15% Prac Test 1 - 5% and Prac Test 2 - 10%
- Due date
14/04/2025 2:00 pm
19/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06
Task description
Prac Test 1 - 5%
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 - 10%
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
- 30%
- 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
- L05
Task description
Submission by Turnitin on Blackboard
You are required to make a collection of 10 diseased plants as itemised on Blackboard. This exercise will allow you to develop the techniques used in plant disease diagnosis which include the use of keys and other illustrated guides.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used in searching the literature (and should be 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
ﾠNotes willﾠ be posted on Blackboard and supplementary topics.
The sixth edition of Agrios' Plant Pathology (2024) edited by Richard Oliver is available online via the UQ library .ﾠ
ﾠ
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 the lectures in the parallel undergraduate class BIOL3201 (see section 4.2 for lecture outline)and view additional complementary material placed on Blackboard. Also undertake weekly online quizzes. The material will be examined in an end of semester central examination Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Practical |
practical classes held at St Lucia campus Identification of morphological characters associated with major pathogen groups (see section 4.2 for practical class topics). Two progressive practical skills tests will be associated with the practical component one mid semester and one at the end of semester Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06 |
|
Problem-based learning |
Disease collection Assemble 10 examples of plant diseases into a virtual herbarium collection, providing images and appropriate descriptions of a set of plant diseases according to the criteria provided. A brief description of the disease with Latin names where appropriate of the pathogens. Learning outcomes: L01, L05, 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.