Plant Science

Plant Science is an interdisciplinary major offered by the School of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.

Program structure and content

Plants are essential to the existence of humans and other animals on our planet. They are the source of many of the things we depend on - the oxygen we breathe, food we eat, fibre for clothing and shelter and chemicals for pharmaceuticals and industry. Plants are a fundamental part of all ecosystems, helping to provide clean water, healthy soils and habitat for wildlife. Studying plant sciences helps us understand how plants survive in their environment and provide these benefits for us.

Plant Science includes fundamental biology, plant biochemistry, plant physiology and development, genetics, ecology, mycology, crop production and protection, and environmental and food chemistry. In addition there are related topics such as soil science, postharvest technology, agronomy and cellular biology in associated teaching programs offered by the faculties of science and agriculture, food and natural resources.

First year planning for a Plant Science major

Essential: (12 credit points of Junior BIOL) or (6 credit points of Junior BIOL and 6 credit points of MBLG1001/1901) are needed to enrol in appropriate Intermediate units of study.
Recommended: (6 credit points of Concepts in Biology BIOL1001/1911/1991 or Living Systems BIOL1002/1902) and MBLG1001/1901.
Students taking only Human Biology BIOL1003/1903/1993 will need to do some preparatory reading.

Requirements for a major

For a major in Plant Science, the minimum requirement is 24 credit points from the senior units of study listed in this subject area in Table 1, which must include BIOL3043/3943 Plant Science, two additional senior BIOL units, and one of PPAT3003, PPAT4004 or HORT3005.

Honours

Students undertaking Honours do so in specific projects in Biology and Agricultural Chemistry.

Contact and further information

Professor Robyn Overall
E

T +61 2 9351 2848
Address:
School of Biological Sciences
Level 5, Carslaw Building F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006