BIOL325-18A (HAM)

Plant Function

20 Points

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Faculty of Science and Engineering
Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao me te Pūkaha
School of Science

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Mike Clearwater

Mike Clearwater
4613
D.1.05
To be advised
mike.clearwater@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Chris Lusk

Chris Lusk
4205
D.1.08A
To be advised
chris.lusk@waikato.ac.nz

Administrator(s)

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: cheryl.ward@waikato.ac.nz
: debby.dada@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5 or 9 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
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Paper Description

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This 20 point paper provides an introduction to the discipline of plant environmental physiology. Participants will gain an understanding of how plants interact with their environment as they grow and reproduce, using examples from both natural vegetation and managed agricultural environments. Emphasis will be placed on the role of plants in ecosystem and global processes, and how plant functioning influences and is affected by global change. Practical work will emphasize laboratory and field techniques for measuring plant performance, including measurement of microclimate, photosynthesis, water use and growth. This course complements Terrestrial Ecology BIOL312, and will be of particular value to those considering a career or a higher degree in ecology, conservation, or a plant based industry.

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Paper Structure

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This paper is taught through lectures and compulsory laboratory practicals (unless absence has been agreed with the Paper Convenor). Reading material will be given during lectures and practicals.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Describe the physical environment of plants, including variables such as radiation, temperature, soil water and nutrient content, and atmospheric humidity;
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  • Explain why water has a central role in plant functioning, and why water is a major limiting factor for plant growth in many ecosystems;
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  • Describe the general characteristics of photosynthesis and respiration, and explain how these processes vary between the different photosynthetic pathways, and in response to environmental variation;
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  • Understand the determinants of inherent variation in plant growth rates, and the ecological importance of growth rates;
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  • Recognise the complexity of plant responses to environmental conditions and resources, understanding the differences between responses on different time-scales: instantaneous responses, acclimation and adaptation;
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  • Recognise plant nutrient requirements and the processes underlying the uptake and accumulation of minerals and nutrients within the plant, including understanding of the phosphorus and nitrogen cycles.
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Assessment

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 50:50. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 50% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 50:50 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 50% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Test 1
9 Mar 2018
10:00 AM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
2. Laboratory Write-ups 1 - 3
26 Mar 2018
4:30 PM
5
  • Hand-in: Faculty Information (FG Link)
3. Test 2
13 Apr 2018
10:00 AM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
4. Laboratories Write-ups 4 - 5
4 May 2018
4:30 PM
5
  • Hand-in: Faculty Information (FG Link)
5. Individual Project Report
18 May 2018
4:30 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. Test 3
28 May 2018
1:00 PM
5
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
7. Laboratory Write-ups 9 - 10
1 Jun 2018
4:30 PM
5
  • Hand-in: Faculty Information (FG Link)
8. Final Exam
50
✔
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Recommended Readings

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Taiz,L. & Zeiger,E. (2010) Plant Physiology. Fifth Edition. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland.

Lambers, H., F.S. Chapin III and T.L. Pons. (2008) Plant Physiological Ecology. Second Edition. Springer, New York.

Jones, H. G. (2013). Plants and Microclimate. Third Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Copies will be available on Course Reserve in the Library, and in the laboratory.

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Online Support

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This paper has a Moodle page (http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz) where you will be able to access pdfs of lecture notes and powerpoints, lecture recordings, and assessment materials. There are also discussion forums where you can both ask and answer questions.

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Workload

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Lectures: 36 hours, laboratory practicals (including individual projects): 30 hours, plus associated report preparation and study.

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Linkages to Other Papers

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BIOL312, preparation for BIOL570 and BIOL571
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