How will global climate change the distribution and performance of plants in nature and in cultivation? This course will provide you with a solid background in plant function in relation to global climate change. The course is structured around topic modules selected to expose students to current research areas in the field. Each module is taught by an expert lecturer and specific topics will vary between years. Students will learn how to find, critique and synthesize papers in the primary literature and will develop written and oral communication skills with particular emphasis on communicating science in broadly accessible terms. The course will have a broad content ranging from topics as fundamental as the properties of the photosynthetic CO2 fixing enzyme Rubisco, the response of photosynthesis and growth to CO2, and the ecological responses of plants to rising CO2 , temperature and changing water relations.
Honours Pathway Option:
Entry to Honours Pathway Option will be subject to the approval of the course convener, and requires a mark of at least 80 in a first year BIOL course, and the agreement of the course coordinator. Students undertaking this option will engage in a small inquiry-learning project based in one of the course lecturer’s labs. The practical experience provides an opportunity to learn and apply techniques and to extend the theory taught in the course. Students will work with the lecturer to develop the mini-project and will either write a brief report or give a 15 minute presentation to the class on the project and results.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Understand and describe global climate change and the ways in which its effects may have impacts on plant biology.
2. Understand and describe processes of plant biology relevant to plant growth and performance and ecological outcomes.
3. Search and read primary research literature and be able to analyze and critique the research results in written and oral formats.
4. Communicate science issues and ideas in broadly accessible terms.
Indicative Assessment
- Student led discussion activities associated with the critical review of research papers coupled to the lecture modules (30%; LO 1-4)
- Final exam based on critical assessment of research papers associated with lecture modules (40%; LO 1-4)
- Essay based on seed paper aligned with one of the course modules (30% LO )
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Following a week of introductory material, this course will be divided into 6 modules each 2 weeks long and each having 3 lectures and 3 tutorial sessions.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Minors
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3276 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7678 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |