BIOL2220
10 units
2000 level
Course handbook
Description
Plants are multicellular, sessile organisms composed of many different cell types originated from restricted regions of plant tissues called meristems. The coordinated development of different plant cell types requires cell division, expansion and differentiation and their organisation into specific tissues and organs to produce a functional plant. Much of this highly ordered cell development is driven by gene expression in response to the surrounding environment. Building on this knowledge, this course explores the adaptive response of plant vegetative and reproductive development to a changing environment. Understanding this complex interaction between plants and their environment is of high importance as it can be exploited to sustain and improve plant fitness and productivity to benefit ecosystem health and/or agriculture. The course provides opportunities to (i) achieve a systematic understanding of plant development and function, and (ii) hone skills in developing logical arguments via the analysis and interpretation of scientific data.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe specific plant cell structures and explain their functional significance;
2. Define the core concepts of plant cell development and describe their interaction with the surrounding environment;
3. Define the unique processes specific to plant vegetative and reproductive development;
4. Explain how plant cells perceive and interpret environmental signals;
5. Interpret scientific data and literature;
6. Identify and investigate biological problems.
Content
The development of a plant cell progresses from cell division, to expansion and finally differentiation with each stage of this process regulated by various external signals that regulate gene expression. Thus, the course contains the following components which are taught sequentially:
- Cell division
- Cell expansion
- Cell differentiation
- Plant cell structure and organelles
- Adaptation of vegetative development
- Adaptation of reproductive development
Assumed knowledge
BIOL1001 and BIOL1002 or BIOL1010 and BIOL1020.
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Tutorial Exercises
Quiz: Online Quizzes
Online Open Book Formal Examination: Final Exam
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Lecture-2
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- BIOL2220 - Semester 2, 2023 (Callaghan) (PDF, 112.3 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.