Module: Plant Science

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Plant Science
Module Code	BIO1005 (ITS: BE312)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	27	Keynote lecture
Laboratory	6	Research, Set up and Demonstrate LC expts
Directed learning	1	MCQ on breadth of understanding
Independent Study	35	Study of recommended text
Independent Study	53	Independent learning
Fieldwork	3	Field Trip to National Botanic Gardens
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20084	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Gaetan Thilliez	Module Teacher	Anne Parle-Mcdermott, Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Magdalena Wislocka, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Write a multiple choice question in one area of plant science.	20%	Every Week
Loop Exam	Assessment of breadth of knowledge of plant science	10%	As required
Report(s)	Research, set up and demonstrate selected Leaving Certificate laboratories	30%	Once per semester
Report(s)	Design of an experiment in plant biology suitable for Leaving Certificate Biology students or for classroom demonstration	10%	Sem 2 End
In Class Test	In house examination	30%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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;

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Freeman, Scott.: 2011, Biological Science, 4th ed., c2011, 4th, 10, 30, 36-40., Benjamin Cummings, Boston,
Raven, Peter H; Curtis, Helena; Evert, Ray Franklin.: 0, Biology of Plants. 2nd ed., 2nd.,
Lack, Andrew (Andrew J.); Evans, D. E. (David E.).: 0, Plant biology.2nd ed.,
Anon.: 0, Laboratory Handbook for Teachers- BIOLOGY, NCCA, Dublin,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

To ensure that module is designated as Category 1 - a re-sit is available for all assessment components of the module.