Plant Science
Plant Science is an interdisciplinary major offered by the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.
About the minor
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 Faculty of Science, food and natural resources.
Requirements for completion
A minor in Plant Science requires 36 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 6 credit points of 3000-level core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level selective units
First year
Core: BIOL1XX6 and BIOL1XX7
Second year
Core: BIOL2X30 and BIOL2X31
Third year
BIOL3020 and 6 credit points from a selection of: BIOL3X09 and BIOL3029.
Contact and further information
W sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
E
T +61 02 9351 4262
Address:
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Level 5, Carslaw Building F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Associate Professor Brent Kaiser
E
T +61 2 9351 1831
Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Plant Science will be able to:
- Understand and appreciate plant diversity through taxonomy, anatomy and function
- Describe, explain and have an integrated understanding of genes, cells, tissues, organisms to systems of plants
- Understand the anatomical characteristics and physiological processes which together regulate plant growth, development and reproduction
- Describe the energy management processes which drive plant growth and plant biodiversity
- Understand how photosynthetic organisms contribute to a healthy planet
- Understand the involvement and interaction plants have with soil and soil microbes
- Apply genetic and biotechnologies to advance the genetic composition of plants applications
- Use current technologies to investigate plant growth and function
- Develop a perspectives on plant global issues, resource securities and sustainability,
- Understand the impact of climate change on plant growth and productivity
- Formulate effective policy to ensure continued plant biodiversity and plant production.