Overview

Plant science is the study of plants, their diversity and structure, and how they function. It includes plants living on land, in the sea and in freshwater environments, from algae and mosses through to flowering plant and crops. We investigate how plants are adapted to particular environments, for example how … For more content click the Read More button below. Studying plant science begins with study of general biology in first year, in which the basics of plant chemistry, genetics, structure, function, evolution and ecology are covered. In second year, studies focus on the different types of plants, their key features and evolutionary development, and on the structure and development of plants and how these are integrated with plant function. These studies continue at third year, with units focusing on the biology and ecology of terrestrial and aquatic plants in their natural environment and the impact of global change on agriculture. Additional units can be included that expand on aspects of research methods, ecological management, and the biology and ecology of aquatic organisms. You may also include units that focus more on genetic control of development and function. Careers available to students that study plant sciences include environmental management, international development, horticulture, biotechnology, plant breeding, research and teaching and a range of careers in government departments (e.g. park management, primary industry and sustainability). Availability Plant sciences is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major or minor.

Requirements for progressing to honours and other further studies

You must meet the entry requirements for S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours), M5021 Graduate Diploma of Health and Science Research or meet the progression requirements to the fourth year of S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours).

You must also complete prerequisite study as per the intended discipline. Refer to the honours prerequisites table.

Learning outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of your course, and successfully completing this area of study, you will be able to:

1.

Demonstrate an understanding of the methods used in plant sciences and explain how scientific knowledge is contestable and testable by further enquiry and recognise the importance of biodiversity for sustaining life on our planet

2.

Exhibit a breadth of knowledge about plant diversity and the evolution and ecology of the major plant groups, including the development, morphology and physiology of plants and how these are integrated with plant function

3.

Gather, synthesize and critically evaluate information relevant to the plant sciences by applying practical and/or theoretical techniques and tools to conduct an investigation within the lab, field or virtual environment

Requirements
48 credit points

Level 1 science sequence12 credit points

Contacts

Coordinator(s)

Professor Roslyn Gleadow