Outline

Overview

The existence of life on Earth relies on plants and other photosynthetic organisms making botanical knowledge crucial in a range of key professional contexts. For example, ecologists apply botanical knowledge to manage marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and public health and land management professionals depend on their understanding of plant science to solve environmental problems to ensure maintenance of biodiversity, biosecurity, food security. In this unit, you will explore the origins, diversity, and global significance of plants. You will gain insights into the micro- and macro-evolutionary processes and patterns behind how plants moved from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial ecosystems with particular emphasis on Australian flora. Integrated lectures, practical classes, and access to extensive online resources support development and consolidation of theoretical concepts with practical skills in plant identification, physiology, anatomy and development. This unit of study is foundational for those intending to contribute to nature-positive approaches for the sustainable future of our planet. Successful completion of Botany will allow you to contribute to a range of disciplines including ecology, bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology, genetics and biotechnology, environmental law, agriculture, education and the arts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL2023 or BIOL2923 or PLNT2001 or PLNT2901 or PLNT2002 or PLNT2902 or PLNT2003 or PLNT2903 or BIOL2930
Assumed knowledge ?	Knowledge of concepts and skills in BIOL1XX6
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rosanne Quinnell, rosanne.quinnell@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Theory exam Written examination.	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quizzes (best 4 marks used) Complete in online in LMS. There are 6 quizzes, check due dates on CANVAS.	15%	Multiple weeks	20 min/quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early feedback task Assessment designed to encourage early engagement and offer feedback. #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Mar 2026 at 23:59	20 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Anatomy Project In-class project - In person attendance is mandatory	20%	Week 12	3 h	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Prac test Prac test	30%	Week 13	2 h	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: this task is offered to allow you to assess your readiness to undertake this unit.
Quizzes: During the semester a series of quizzes is offered to you. Feedback from these quizzes will be useful in directing your learning to improve the understanding of key concepts.
Skills-based anatomy assignment: You will be assessed on your ability to identify plant tissues and the botanical inferences drawn from your observations of material provided. This assessment is held in your timetabled prac session, attendance is mandatory.
Skills-based Prac test: Offered in your scheduled practical class time in Week 13.
Theory Exam: This is a written examination held in the formal examination period. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. The exam requires a hurdle mark of 40% to pass the unit.
- In the event illness or misadventure, and being permitted to sit a replacement exam or to undertake an alternative assessment by Sydney Student, these replacement assessments will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. Note: format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PA level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	FA grade is awarded to a student who has not been able to demonstrate that they have meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5%/day for quizzes and anatomy assignment.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Overview and Timeline 2. Complexities of Algal evolution & diversity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Aquatic environments: Algae diversity & evolution	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	3. Moving onto land 4. Surviving and thriving on land	Lecture (2 hr)
	Terrestrial transition: Bryophytes & Lycophytes	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	5. Early land plant evolutionary patterns 6. Evolution of the seed: gymnosperms	Lecture (2 hr)
	Monilophyte and gymnosperm diversity	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	7. Introduction to the angiosperms; 8. Plant development: focusing on angiosperms	Lecture (2 hr)
	Plants that flower - Angiosperm diversity	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	9. Evolution of leaves and flowers; 10. Pollination and seed dispersal in Angiosperms	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Evolution case study: Eucalypt systematics and phylogenetics	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	11. The rise and diversification of monocots – how to spot a monocot; 12. Eudicot diversity and phylogeny.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Our Sydney Flora 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	13. Biogeography & evolution of the Australian flora I; 14. Biogeography & evolution of the Australian flora II	Lecture (2 hr)
	Our Sydney Flora 2	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	15. Endosymbiosis, intracellular compartmentation 16. Energetics: respiration, photosynethesis, photorespiration	Lecture (2 hr)
	Angiosperm plant body: the tissue systems	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	17. Biological carbon capture and a changing climate; 18. Adaptations to life on land: structural support & cell walls	Lecture (2 hr)
	Shoot structure - primary stems & light harvesting structures	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	19. Challenges of life on land: transport over short and long distances; 20. Adaptations to life on land: cuticle, stomata and gas exchange	Lecture (2 hr)
	Primary roots	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	21. Adaptations to life on land: evolution & function of xylem; 22. Adaptations to life on land: evolution & function of phloem	Lecture (2 hr)
	Secondary growth in stems and roots	Practical (3 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Anatomy assignment (BIOL2030 only) COMPULSORY	Practical (3 hr)
	23. Soil and plant-soil interactions; 24. Plant nutrition	Lecture (2 hr)
	Tutorials - see canvas/timetable in manual for scheduling	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	25. Environmental stress responses I; 26. Environmental stress responses II	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	In-class practical test.	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Faculty of Science has an 80% attendance requirement this is to ensure students don't fall behind. It is for this reason students are expected to participate in at least 80% of the timetabled activities for all units of study in their degree, unless granted an exemption by the Associate Dean. To meet the learning outcomes of this Unit of Study, students are required to attend a minimum of 10 of the 13 laboratory classes as defined in the unit of study outline.

NOTE: included in the minimum numbers of 10 classes required to meet the attendance requirement are the laboratory classes associated with students complete in-class assessments. These are held in W12 (Anatomy assignment: assessment weighting 20%) and W13 (Practical Skills test: assessment weighting 20%).

In this unit, both attendance in laboratory classes and engagement with Canvas resources are monitored by the Unit Coordinator. A student may fail this unit of study where inadequate attendance results in learning outcomes not being met.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Evert RF and Eichhorn SE. 2013. Raven: Biology of Plants. 8th Ed. Freeman & Co Publishers. New York. NY.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the evolution of land plants and how plants are able to respond to their environment
LO2. demonstrate a thorough understanding of phylogenic approaches and associated inferences about relatedness of photosynthetic taxa
LO3. identify the major plant families of the Sydney region and the tissue systems of plants
LO4. demonstrate a thorough understanding of plant anatomy by describing features of the primary plant body and the secondary plant body of Angiosperms
LO5. adopt a mindful disposition and a scholarly approach towards your studies in Botany.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit of study has tracked extremely well with respect to the end of semester unit of study evaluations. Each year, student feedback is used to refine learning and teaching activities. To allow us to continue to improve this unit and to address issues when they arise, the teaching staff will be soliciting student feedback while the unit is in progress.

Additional information

Additional costs

A laboratory manual will be available for purchase before semester starts. See Canvas for details. We ask you to purchase a copy of the manual. Pdf version of the manual will be available if you wish to print your own. Students will be require to wear a lab coat and closed-in shoes when working in the teaching lab. These to be purchased at the student's own expense.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOL2030: Botany

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links