Life on this planet depends upon the oxygen and food provided by plants. Food security, loss of habitat and biodiversity, land clearing, fish kills in inland waterways due to nutrient runoff and improving the efficiency of photosynthesis are some of the important hot topics relevant to plant biology. So what makes plants “tick”, and can they be improved so that the negative environmental impacts of intensive cropping can be balanced with ensuring food security? Modern plant science holds unprecedented opportunities to link processes at the genetic, molecular and physiological level to patterns at the overall plant level so that future food security can be achieved without compromising the environment. This multidisciplinary course encompasses molecular biology, genetics, plant physiology and development, as well as how plants respond to abiotic stress. This course exposes you to an exciting breadth of contemporary plant sciences so you can develop an understanding of this rapidly changing and fundamental field. You will develop skills and techniques important in contemporary plant science. You will apply your newly honed plant science skills to a detective problem - an intensive research project diagnosing the consequences of specific genetic mutations to plant growth, physiology and development. This research project gives students a taste of a real research environment and is one to consider should you be contemplating Honours or a career in plant science.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand and critically evaluate the way plants function at a whole organism level - linking gene function and signaling mechanisms with physiology and performance in nature
2. Develop, evaluate and apply a range of contemporary techniques in plant science through guided independent laboratory research: Plant Detectives
3. Analyse, interpret, evaluate and present results of independent research
4. Work collaboratively in a group to critically interpret results and present these findings orally

Research-Led Teaching

BIOL3002 has an innovative, research-led learning design where lectures and the accompanying practical are complementary. BIOL3002 links plant genetics, biochemistry, physiology and function. This multidisciplinary course introduces you to the exciting breadth of contemporary plant sciences so you can develop an understanding of this rapidly changing field. Students get hands-on experience of cutting-edge plant science research techniques and exposure to specialist instrumentation. Students gain insights into the multi-faceted nature of plant science research in the “Plant Detectives” practical where they used genetically-mapped Arabidopsis thaliana mutants. Students are challenged, using a guided research approach, to apply their conceptual learning to identify unknown genetic mutations affecting plant form and function. This gives students early exposure to the challenges, rigors and excitement of plant science research. Many students are motivated to continue their studies as plant biologists in research-focused project-based courses as well as honours and doctoral programs.

Field Trips

Not relevant

Additional Course Costs

lab goggles

lab coat

text book (optional)

Examination Material or equipment

Students are permitted an English Language dictionary, without annotation. No other materials are permitted. 

Required Resources

Prac manual is available online. downloaded for free at http://press.anu.edu.au/titles/anu-etext/the-plant-detectives-manual/.

Recommended Resources

Plant Physiology and Development, 2015, Taiz, Zeiger, Moller & Murphy, 6^th ed., Sinauer (Recommended text)

Biology of Plants, 2005, Raven, Evert & Eichhorn, 7^th ed., Freeman (Additional information)

Plant Physiology and Development is available from the Co-op Bookshop, or on reserve in the Hancock Library.

The Plant Detectives Manual (downloaded from ANU web site)

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• during the interactive sessions in lectures
• written on the prac report
• during Plant Detective's practical sessions
• on theory exams
• The online pre-lab quizzes give feedback to students to ensure they understand the content of pracs and important concepts emanating from the prac class.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	3 lectures:Introductory lecture;Discussion of course structure;Module 1: Plants in their environmentTutorial – No Tute	course participation
2	3 Lectures:L2-L4 Flowering, light, signalling and heatTutorial: How does the prac work and why is unique? Sign up to prac.	course participation
3	3 Lectures:L5-6 Root systemsInduction in Gould 103 to be advised (relevant to entering glasshouses during practical weeks i.e. w 4-6 and w 7-9 );Tutorial – HPLC basis (relevant to prac 3)	course participationInduction: Gould Rm 103 To Be Advised
4	3 Lectures:L7-9 PhotosynthesisTutorial: Critical thinking how to interpret prac data	course participationPlant Detectives Prac attendance + Quiz
5	3 lectures:L10-13 Drought/ABAReview of L1-13 (In scheduled lecture class time);Tutorial: Statistics for molecular plant biologists/physiologists	course participationPlant Detectives Prac attendance + Quiz
6	Exam2 lectures: Adapting to stressTutorial: Effective data presentation for prac	Exam 1 in Monday lecture slotPlant Detectives Prac attendance + Quiz
7	3 lectures:L14- 16 Hydraulics and membrane transportTutorial: Using TAIR in 3002 prac	Plant Detectives Prac attendance + Quiz
8	3 lectures:L17-19 Crop engineeringTutorial – Licor/photosynth	Plant Detectives Prac attendance + Quiz
9	3 lectures:L19-21 Module 4: Molecular plant breeding Tutorial: Data analysis Licor Photosynth	Plant Detectives Prac attendance + Quiz
10	1 lecture:L22 Research Projects;No lecture, review session of Lectures 14-22 and prep time for prac presentation;Tutorial: How to write the practical report part 1 abstract introduction figs and tables	Presentation of Prac report (group presentation)
11	No lectures:Tutorials in lecture slots to prepare Plant Detectives Prac report Tuesday: How to write the Practical report Pt2 Methods Results Wednesday: How to write the Practical report Pt3 Discussion Literature and How to search the literature Thursday: How to write the Practical report Pt3 Discussion Literature	Exam 2 Monday Lecture slot
12	No lectures or tutorials; use lecture times to meet to prepare Plant Detectives Prac report	Plant detectives report - due Thursday 26th September, 4 pm

Tutorial Registration

Plant Detectives practical sign up in Wattle

tutorial times are published on Wattle

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Mid Semester assesment	25 %	25/08/2023	1
End of Semester Exam	25 %	04/10/2023	1
Plant Detectives Prac report	30 %	26/10/2023	2,3
Plant detective's Quizzes	10 %	*	1,2
Group presentation	8 %	12/10/2023	1,4
Participation in Lectures	2 %	26/10/2023	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Some lectures (as indicated) will include a participation assessment. Study questions will be assigned ahead of time and these will guide students to think about the course material prior to lectures. The questions will be addressed during the lectures and participation from members of the class is required in the form of an active discussion of the study questions. Marks can be deducted for failure to participate.

Attendance at the Plant Detectives practical class is COMPULSORY. Unexcused absences attract a 5% penalty of the practical component mark, which totals 50% of the course assessment.

Examination(s)

Theory Exams: Two intra-semester exams will be conducted following a review session covering the lectures to be examined. The cumulative weighting is 50% of the course mark. A cumulative score of 50% or higher in the theory exams is a requirement to pass the course. All assessments must be handed in to pass the course. There is no final exam in the exam period

Assessment Task 1

Mid Semester assesment

Multiple choice, short answer and long answer questions. A cumulative score of 50% or higher in the theory exams is one requirement to pass the course. All assessments must be handed in. Mid semester assessment administered remotely during lecture slot.

Rubric

10 MCQ (1 mark each)	8 short answer (2 marks)	6 of 8 longer answer (4 marks each)

Assessment Task 2

End of Semester Exam

Multiple choice, short answer and long answer questions. A cumulative score of 50% or higher in the theory exams is one requirement to pass the course. All assessments must be handed in. Exam administered remotely during lecture slot.

Rubric

10 MCQ (1 mark each)	8 short answer (2 marks)	6 of 8 longer answer (4 marks each)

Assessment Task 3

Plant Detectives Prac report

You will prepare the final report as if it was a submission to the journal Functional Plant Biology. Write-ups should not exceed 4000 words (approximately 10 pages), not including title page, abstract, tables, figures or references. Your manuscript must be double or 1.5 line-spaced, single sided, 12-point font with margins at least 30 mm. Pages should be numbered consecutively. Papers that do not follow this format will not be marked. See Plant Detectives Manual section for detailed instructions and tips on writing and information in tutorials.

Rubric

Abstract Introduction methods (20%)	Conclusions Discussion References 33%	Results 27%	figures tables 20%

Assessment Task 4

Plant detective's Quizzes

There are 6 quizzes one each before each practical session. Practical quizzes are done on line. All Quizzes must be attempted before coming to each prac. quizzes will be closed off 20 min before the prac starts. 2% each (best 5 marks are used to determine final grade) The content is designed to make students familiar with the practical's aims content and underlying theory. The quizzes will open up to one week before the start of the prac and be due 20 min before the prac starts.

Quiz 1:

Due date: 2023-08-17

Quiz 2:

Due date: 2023-08-24

Quiz 3:

Due date: 2023-08-31

Quiz 4:

Due date: 2023-09-21

Quiz 5:

Due date: 2023-09-28

Quiz 6:

Due date: 2023-10-05

Assessment Task 5

Group presentation

The group presentation is 12 min + 3 minutes of questions. All members participate. Individual and group scores are tallied and averaged

Assessment Task 6

Participation in Lectures

A set of study questions will be made available prior to each lecture. Prepare answers to these questions and discuss them in class. Marks can be deducted for lack of participation. (2%). Remote participants can prepare and send answers directly to the relevant lecturer.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.. Late submissions are not permitted for tasks 1 2 and 4.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Hard copy assignments are returned to the Teaching and Learning Centre

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students