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.
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 Life and Evolution and BIOL1XX7 From Molecules to Ecosystems
Second year
Core: BIOL2X30 Botany and BIOL2X31 Plants and Environment
Third year
BIOL3X20 Applied Plant Function and 6 credit points from a selection of: BIOL3004 Terrestrial Plant Ecology, BIOL3019 Plant Protection and BIOL3X29 Molecular Plant Biology.
Contact and further information
W sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
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Professor Brent Kaiser
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Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Plant Science will be able to:
- Examine and appreciate plant diversity through described by taxonomy, anatomy and function.
- Describe, explain and have an integrated understanding of genes, cells, tissues, organisms to systems of plants.
- Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of 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.
- Examine how photosynthetic organisms contribute to a healthy planet.
- Determine 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 perspective on plant global issues, resource securities and sustainability.
- Evaluate the impact of climate change on plant growth and productivity.
- Formulate effective policy to ensure continued plant biodiversity and plant production.