Bachelor of Plant Science
Why study the Bachelor of Plant Science at UNE?
Plant scientists study what plants are, how they grow and their interactions with other organisms. They seek to explain the structure and function of plants in terms of their environmental adaptations and evolutionary history, and to use this understanding to manage plants in natural and agricultural systems. Plant scientists work at a range of levels from molecular genetics and biochemistry through physiology, reproductive biology, pathology, through to the landscape ecology and phylogeny. Modern technologies have allowed plant science to expand beyond traditional disciplines of botany and agronomy. The knowledge of what plants are and how they work is fundamental to our efforts to feed and clothe the world and to maintain our living environment.
All students will study a core in basic sciences and plant biology, plus a major which develops depth of knowledge and understanding in a particular area of plant science. There is opportunity for a wide range of elective units from disciplines which complement the study of plants.
Career Opportunities
Plant science graduates are in high demand around the world in careers which apply their skills to practical problems as well as in furthering basic science. Plant scientists are employed by a wide range of employers including consultants in environmental management and agriculture, biotech companies, government departments, statutory authorities and universities. There is and will likely continue to be a strong demand in Australia from commercial environmental consultancy companies for graduates of plant science with a strong organismal focus as provided for in the BPlantSc at UNE.
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Degree Snapshot
DURATION
3 Years Full-timeUp to 10 years Part-time
FEES
CSPInternational
ATAR / OP
New Course / New Course2013 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Trimester 1, Off CampusTrimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
How to Apply
Domestic Students
New domestic students to UNE apply to study on campus through UAC or QTAC
For more information, click hereNew domestic students to UNE apply to study off-campus direct to UNE and
Former or current domestic UNE students apply to study on or off campus direct to UNE
For more information, click here
International Students
International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways.For more information, click here
Contact Us
So we know where to direct your enquiry, please tell us if you are a current or future student:
| Official Abbreviation | BPlantSc | |||||||||||||||
| Course Type | Undergraduate | |||||||||||||||
| Commencing |
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| Course Duration |
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| 2012 ATAR | New Course | |||||||||||||||
| 2012 OP | New Course | |||||||||||||||
| Fees | CSP / International | |||||||||||||||
| Total Credit Points | 144 | |||||||||||||||
| Benefits | Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who apply to discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in The Sciences upon completion of 48 credit points or the Advanced Diploma in The Sciences on completion of 72 credit points. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Plant Science. This may mean that students may not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements. |
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| How to apply |
New domestic students to UNE apply to study on campus through UAC or QTAC For more information, click here
New domestic students to UNE apply to study off-campus direct to UNE and Former or current domestic UNE students apply to study on or off campus direct to UNE For more information, click here
International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways. For more information, click here |
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| Entry Requirements | A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule - Undergraduate Policy). |
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| Additional Requirements | Recommended studies: Two units of Mathematics or Mathematics Extension; Biology and/or Chemistry. For students without the recommended background knowledge, the Faculty offers a Foundation unit in Chemistry and Mathematics. |
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| Advanced Standing | Advanced standing may be granted in accordance with the Advanced Standing Policy. |
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| Academic Colours |
Straw BCC51 |
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| Further Information | 
You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE |
Admission to Candidature
A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy).
Advanced Standing
Advanced standing may be granted in accordance to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Period of Candidature
The period of candidature shall be:
(a) four years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.
Course Requirements
To qualify for the award, a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level or above..
Program of Study
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 60 cps |
| One Major | 36 cps |
| Elective Units | 48 cps |
| Total | 144 cps |
To view complete Program of Study click here
Approved Majors
Evolutionary Biology
Physiological and Molecular Biology
Plants in the Environment
Award of Degree
Candidates who meet the course requirements including one major shall be awarded the Bachelor of Plant Science.
Exit Pathways
Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who apply to discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in The Sciences upon completion of 48 credit points or the Advanced Diploma in The Sciences on completion of 72 credit points.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Plant Science. This may mean that students may not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.
Academic Progress
Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Academic Progress.
Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.
| Course Aims | The course aims are currently unavailable. |
| Learning Outcomes |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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| Graduate Attributes |
Knowledge of a Discipline
Core units in all years develop a body of knowledge about plant science by teaching what plants are, how they function, and their evolution and interactions with their environments. The depth of this knowledge is extended by prescribed and listed units in the majors. The historical context of plant sciences is taught, especially in second year core units, including current trends in theory and application.
Communication Skills
Students are taught and assessed on a range of different communication types appropriate to science graduates. There is emphasis on the ability to provide clear and accurate descriptions of phenomena; on writing reports of technical and scientific investigations; and on presenting critical reviews of knowledge. Within the core and prescribed units communication tasks address a range of different audiences and use oral, written and electronic presentation.
Global Perspectives
The course teaches the place of the Australian flora and economic plants within global biodiversity. Theory and applications are taught in the context of international knowledge and standards. Students are made aware of the unique features of the disciplinary content in Australia and are taught how to generalise their knowledge to other parts of the world.
Information Literacy
Students will be taught how to access and critically assess information sources, including botanical literature, online information and databases. They will use these sources in a range of tasks which develop skills in extracting information, organising it and using it to develop new concepts or understanding. Students will be taught how to manage and archive information and materials, including herbarium accessions, to international best practice.
Life-Long Learning
Students will use a range of learning strategies which they can apply to self-directed learning. Assignment work develops skills in critical thinking that allow students to evaluate their own knowledge of a subject area as well as the information sources available to them. The discipline specific knowledge in plant sciences provides a springboard to lifelong learning.
Problem Solving
Problem solving is taught in the scientific context of researching the background to a problem, formulating one or more hypotheses in plant science to be tested, and drawing conclusions from the results of those tests. All practical assignments are based around this approach. Problem solving skills are also developed in field and laboratory settings where students decide the best approach to performing tasks.
Social Responsibility
Students are taught ethical practices in relation to the discipline, including respecting intellectual property rights, ethical behaviour in fieldwork and assessment tasks, and honesty and trust as the basis of the cooperative endeavour of science. The purpose of plant science is reviewed in relation to social and other outcomes. Identification of occupational risks and duty of care are taught as part of field and laboratory classes.
Team Work
Teamwork is used in classes at all levels, especially in practical work in the field and laboratory. Students develop the skills to work cooperatively to define and achieve common goals, to take initiative and to assume responsibility for tasks.
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