Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title	Plant Science
Module Code	BE312
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 selected Leaving Certificate Experiments in Plant Science.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a breadth of understanding of plant biology
2. Test and implement experiments to study plant science and write-up a detailed protocol for each which will enable a novice teacher with no experience of plant biology to repeat the experiments.
3. Design experiments in plant biology suitable for Leaving Certificate Biology students or for classroom demonstration.
4. Critically discuss plant evolution, reproduction, physiology and development.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	27	Keynote lecture
Laboratory	6	Morphology and anatomy of plants
Laboratory	3	Plant physiology
Directed learning	1	MCQ on breadth of understanding
Independent Study	35	Study of recommended text
Independent Study	53	Independent learning
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 Assessment	70%	Examination Weight	30%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

PEB	B.Sc Physical Education and Biology

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