Outline

Overview

Plants grow across a range of environments, influencing form, function and ultimately reproductive success. Being sessile, plants lack the luxury of seeking an alternative 'stress-free lifestyle' and therefore rely on genetic and physical adaptations to survive and reproduce. To understand how a plant can achieve such flexibility requires knowledge of plant structure and the influence of environmental drivers on plant growth and function. In this unit, you will examine the physiological processes controlling plant growth and reproduction linked to environmental constraints. You will understand the relationship between tissue and cellular structure and their underlying role in physiological and metabolic activities, particularly processes involving light capture, photosynthesis, water regulation, nutrient management and metabolite redistribution. Lectures and interactive practicals will together introduce you to plant processes that underpin life on earth. Experimentation and analysis of plant physiological processes will develop a skill base that will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of common plant processes. As a component of the Plant Science minor and the Plant Production major, BIOL2031 will provide an important platform to extend your interests in plant science and plant related fields across the curriculum.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AGEN2005 or BIOL3043 or BIOL3943 or BIOL2931
Assumed knowledge ?	Knowledge of concepts and skills in BIOL1XX6
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Brent Kaiser, brent.kaiser@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam Short answer questions	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Pre-lab quizzes Multiple choice quiz	16%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Early Feedback Task Prac 3 (in class quiz) Short answer question #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2025 at 14:00	15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Prac 7 (in class quiz) Short answer question	5%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2025 at 14:00	15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q&A Questions and answers for the research presentation	6%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 14:00	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Scientific Report Scientific Report from one of the practical modules: Carbon, Nutrients, Factories or Abiotic Stress.	18%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	Approximately 6-8 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Research Paper Presentation Powerpoint and oral presentation	10%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 14:00	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

Pre-lab quizzes: Quizzes testing understanding of practical content for that weeks practical. All quizzes need to be completed on on the day of the prac and prior to starting the prac.
Prac 3 and 7 Questions: A short answer question will be provided to students in pracs 3 and 7. The question will require an understanding of the completed prac. The question will be ansered in-class on a test paper handed out in class.
Research Paper Presentation: Students (group of 3) will work on research a topic and present their findings using a powepoint presentation and an in-class oral review. The group selection will be provided in week 1. Students will have the opportunity to choose their topic from a list of research publications available on Canvas. Powerpoints need to be submitted via Turnitin on Canvas at the date and time specified.
Scientific Report: Students (group of 2) will work on a full Scientific Report from one of the prac modules delivered in Carbon, Nutrients, Factories or Abiotic stress. Students will prepare the report using scientific literature to relate the outcome of the practical investigations to current literature.
Examination: A 2-hour theory exam will be held during the official examination period at the end of semester. The exam comprises short-answer and/or mini-essay questions from any area of the lecture and practical program. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information on each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (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 PS 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	When you don’t 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% per day late

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	P1 Unit Introduction and Object-Based Learning Workshop	Practical (3 hr)
	L1 Case Study - Physiological Drivers of Plant Reproduction	Lecture (1 hr)
	L2 Plant Reproduction - Flowering	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	P2 Data analysis and Group Activities	Practical (3 hr)
	L3 Plant Reproduction - Seed development	Lecture (1 hr)
	L4 Plant Reproduction - Senescence	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	P3 Flower & Seeds	Practical (1 hr)
	L5 Light Capture and CO2 Uptake	Lecture (1 hr)
	L6 Measuring Leaf Gas Exchange	Lecture (1 hr)
	T1 Flowers & Seeds	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	P4 Response curves I - light plants	Practical (3 hr)
	L7 Adaptation to Light and CO2	Lecture (1 hr)
	L8 Plants and Global Climate	Lecture (1 hr)
	T2 Carbon	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	P5 Response curves II - shade plants	Practical (3 hr)
	L9 Case Study – Plant Water and Carbon	Lecture (3 hr)
	L10 Plant Water Relations and Hydraulics I	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	P6 Water Potential	Practical (3 hr)
	L11 Plant Water Relations and Hydraulics II	Lecture (1 hr)
	L12 Case Study - Plant and human nitrogen	Lecture (1 hr)
	T3 Water	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	P7 Nutrients	Practical (3 hr)
	L13 Plant Nutrients and Transporters	Lecture (1 hr)
	L14 The Hidden Half	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	P8 Nitrogen Fixation	Practical (3 hr)
	L15 Symbiotic systems	Lecture (1 hr)
	L16 Plant Factories	Lecture (1 hr)
	T4 Nutrients	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	L17 Carbohydrates in Plants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	L18 Lipids in Plants	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	P9 Carbohydrates	Practical (3 hr)
	L19 Amino acids and proteins in Plants	Lecture (1 hr)
	L20 Structure and Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	T5 Factories	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	P10 Abiotic Stress	Practical (3 hr)
	L21 Case study - Plants and elevated CO2	Lecture (1 hr)
	L22 Stress responses to wet and dry	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	L23 Stress responses to salinity	Lecture (1 hr)
	L24 Stress responses to hot & cold	Lecture (1 hr)
	T6 Abiotic Stress	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Group Presentations	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 13	Exam Review	Workshop (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to participate in at least 90% 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 all Laboratory Practicums and Tutorials as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study where attendance is less than 90% resulting in learning outcomes not being met.

Required materials: A PDF manual with background information about experiments conducted during practicals will be available on Canvas one week ahead of practicals. It is expected that you read these manuals prior to coming to the practical sessions. The manuals will not be provided in printed form.

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

The following textbooks are good sources of background information to help students understand the concepts in Plants and Environment (Biol 2031):

Plant physiology
Taiz, Lincoln; Zeiger, Eduardo (2010)

https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/12rahnq/alma991000694059705106

Plant Physiology and Development
7th edition (2022)
By: Lincoln Taiz, Ian Max Moller, Angus Murphy, Eduardo Zieger

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants
By: Bob B. Buchanan (Editor), Wilhelm Gruissem (Editor), Russell L. Jones (Editor)

https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/12rahnq/alma991032402484105106

Plant Physiological Ecology 3rd Edition (2019)
by Hans Lambers (Author), Rafael S. Oliveira (Author)

https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/12rahnq/alma991032553730705106

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. understand basic plant principles governing carbon fixation, water balance, nutrient uptake, growth, partitioning, reproduction, stress response and death
LO2. use technical equipment to understand core concepts linked to carbon capture, the role of water and minerals on growth, resource exchange between tissues and the underlying intricacies of plant development
LO3. demonstrate inquiry and problem solving skills through practical classes which focus on experimentation, data collection, data analysis and presentation
LO4. demonstrate effective scientific communication by producing written, visual, and oral work on practical results and relevant topics linked to plant physiology, independently and as part of groups
LO5. complete pre-reading prior to lab practicals and be fit to carry out experiments independently where appropriate, and work alongside peers in an effective and collaborative manner

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.

The assessments and delivery of this unit has been adjusted to take into consideration student feedback from the previous years.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

All students should will wear a lab coat and safety eyewear when conducting a practical. Students will need to supply their own lab coats.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOL2031: Plants and Environment

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links