Plant Science
Plant Science is a minor offered by the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this minor 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 their diversity and evolutionary history, how they reproduce, grow and develop, how they survive in their environment and how they provide significant benefits for all life on the planet.
Plant Science includes fundamental biology, plant taxonomy, evolution, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, ecology, and conservation. Students obtaining a Plant Science Minor will gain fundamental knowledge of plant biology, which will provide numerous opportunities in plant-related scientific fields, agriculture, ecology, medicine, engineering and social policy.
Requirements for completion
The Plant Science minor requirements are listed in the Plant Science unit of study table.
Contact and further information
W sydney.edu.au/science/life-environment/
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Associate Professor Mary Byrne
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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.