Key facts
UNE unit code: BOTY202
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Plants play a critical role in the function of nearly all ecosystems, using energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and food. This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of the vital link between the function of a plant and its structure.
Topics covered included seed germination, dormancy and seedling development, photosynthesis, plant growth regulators, plant water use, mineral nutrition, source-sink relations and resource allocation, stress physiology and plant defences against pests, pathogens and other plants.
Studying this unit, you will explore the processes and resources required for plant growth and development.
From cells and tissues, to whole plants and plant communities, you will examine the physiology and functional anatomy, morphology and adaptations of plants in natural and managed Australian ecosystems.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental processes determining the growth of plants in natural and managed ecosystems and communicate this knowledge to others in verbal or written format;
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental basis of symbiotic relationships and nutritional adaptations of Australian plans and explain the primary basis of plant water relations and movement of water and nutrients in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum;
- demonstrate appropriate skills in the handling of plant material for microscopic study;
- communicate information to others, using verbal or written formats, the essential aspects of the anatomy of plants; and
- analyse information and apply accordingly to demonstrate the ability to think at different levels of integration, from tissue to whole plant to ecosystem with regard to plant function and structure.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Scientific Presentation - Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Online Quizzes | No | 10% | All offerings | Plant physiology quizzes - optional, marks are reweighted if they are not completed. No. Words: 1000 |
| Practical Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Practical Assessment. The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 500 |
| Report | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Plant Physiology Scientific report based on practical data collection. No. Words: 1500 |
| Scientific Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Plant Anatomy - involves PowerPoint presentation and lead discussion conference style. No. Words: 1800 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Scientific Presentation - Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Plant Physiology and Development
ISBN: 9780197577240
Taiz, I., Zeiger, E., Max Moller, I. and Murphy, A., Oxford University Press 7th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Unravelling the Secret Lives of Plant Root Systems
ISBN: 9781760800208
John Pate, Tina Bell and Bill Verboom, UWA Publishing 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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