University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJ9Y-20-2 Title: PLANT GROWTH AND SURVIVAL Version: 3
Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10
Module type: Standard
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences
Valid from: September 2003 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: USSJNS-40-1 Living World, USSJJM-20-1 Cell Biology and Biochemistry or USSJJN-20-1 Genetics and Evolution
Co-requisites: NONE
Excluded combinations: NONE
Learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
• comprehend the requirements for efficient photosynthesis and the mechanisms of nutrient acquisition by plants;
• describe how plants respond to selected external stimuli;
• understand the basic principles of weed and disease biology and control;
• gain experience in key practical skills necessary to study plant growth and development;
• gain experience in literature review, written communication, manipulation, analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
Syllabus Content:
Nutrient Acquisition by Plants. The mechanism of selective nutrient accumulation; the role of symbioses with fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria; adaptations to mineral-deficient environments (e.g. insectivorous plants).
Ecophysiology of Photosynthesis. Adaptations of basic C3 photosynthesis e.g. C4 photosynthesis and Crassulacean Acid Metabolism; the limits to photosynthetic efficiency e.g. light, photorespiration; regulation of photosynthesis by the chloroplast and nuclear genomes; improving crop yield and photosynthetic efficiency.
Introduction to Stress Physiology of Plants. Plant responses to water stress in salt marshes, deserts and arctic environments. The tolerance of environmental stress: the lessons for agricultural plants.
Genetic Engineering of Plants. Methods used to modify crop plants. The important type of GM crop.
Herbicides and Crop Production. Herbicide development and mechanism of action; alternatives to herbicide-dependent plant production.
Plant Diseases and Disorders. The nature and cause of plant diseases; fungi, bacteria and viruses. The symptoms of disease, mechanisms of pathogenesis and their social and economic impact. Integrated control of plant diseases.
Teaching and learning methods:
A variety of learning approaches will be used. Practical sessions will provide experience of techniques used in plant physiology and more widely in the life sciences. Practical and tutorial sessions will provide opportunities for data handling and interpretation, problem solving and discussions with academic staff. Lectures will provide contexts and overviews of topics to guide student-centred learning. Student learning will be supported by an intranet site with interactive revision material and practical workbooks.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Salisbury, F.B. and Ross C.W. (1998) Plant Physiology 5th Ed. Wadsworth.
Hopkins W.G. (1995) Introduction to Plant Physiology. John Wiley & Sons
Taiz, L. & Zeiger E (2002) Plant Physiology. Benjamin Cummins 3rd Ed
Hughes M.A. (1996) Plant Molecular Genetics, Longman Scientific.
Mohr H. & Schopfer P. (1995) Plant Physiology, Springer-Verlag.
Manners, J.G. (1993) Principles of Plant Pathology, Cambridge University Press. 2nd Ed.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 hours) |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
LAB |
Laboratory Reports |
1 |
ES1 |
Essay |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes) NO
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 hours) |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
DI1 |
Data Interpretation |
1 |
ES1 |
Essay |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes. YES
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)