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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Plant Science
Module Code BE312
School School of Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Linda Holland
Semester 2: Linda Holland
Autumn: Linda Holland
Module TeachersPaul Cahill
Anne Parle-McDermott
Ciaran Fagan
Magdalena Wislocka
Denise Harold
Linda Holland
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Category 1 - a re-sit is available for all assessment components of the module.
Description

The purpose of this module is to develop a sufficient level of understanding of plant evolution, ecology, physiology, anatomy, histology and growth and development to allow students to teach plant biology to Leaving Certificate students. The module integrates theory with practicals, including (i) selected Leaving Certificate Experiments in Plant Science and (ii) a field trip to the National Botanic Gardens.

Learning Outcomes

1. Study an aspect of plant science in depth and develop multiple choice question which robustly test ability and provide appropriate feedback to the student and teacher
2. Design experiments or demonstrations in plant biology suitable for Leaving Certificate Biology students or for classroom demonstration.
3. Research, set up and demonstrate Leaving Certificate experiments
4. Demonstrate a breadth of understanding of plant biology
5. Critically discuss plant evolution, reproduction, physiology and development.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture27Keynote lecture
Laboratory6Research, Set up and Demonstrate LC expts
Directed learning1MCQ on breadth of understanding
Independent Study35Study of recommended text
Independent Study53Independent learning
Fieldwork3Field Trip to National Botanic Gardens
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Plant evolution
Role of water in plant evolution; advances in reproduction and water availability; Changes from algae to bryophytes; changes fromn bryophytes to non-seed vascular plants; changes from non-seed vascular plants to gymnosperms; changes from gymnosperms to angiosperms

Plant reproduction
The evolution of reproductive structures; advantages of flowers; advantages of fruits; flower and fruit structure; vegatative propagation.

Plant anatomy
Plant organs; plant tissues; cell types within the plant;

Photosynthesis
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis; the light independent reactions of photosynthesis; photorespiration and C4 metabolism.

Water relations and movement
Water potential; uptake of minerals; water movement within the root; mechanisms of water movement; the structure of xylem; Phloem loading; the mechanisms of water and solute movement within the phloem; similarities and dissimilarities between phloem and xylem and water movement in these structures

Plant Growth and Development
Tropisms; plant growth regulators; the control of vascular cell differentiation; the control of root initiation; the control of shoot initiation; the control of flowering; plant responses to the environment - daylength;

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentWrite a multiple choice question in one area of plant science.20%Every Week
Loop ExamAssessment of breadth of knowledge of plant science10%As required
Report(s)Research, set up and demonstrate selected Leaving Certificate laboratories30%Once per semester
Report(s)Design of an experiment in plant biology suitable for Leaving Certificate Biology students or for classroom demonstration10%Sem 2 End
In Class TestIn house examination30%Once per semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None
    To ensure that module is designated as Category 1 - a re-sit is available for all assessment components of the module.
    Programme or List of Programmes
    AFUAge Friendly University Programme
    PEBB.Sc Physical Education with Biology
    SMPSCSingle Module Prof. Science and Health
    Date of Last Revision16-JUL-09
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