Outline

Overview

Plants are truly amazing. Plants lift water to heights that defy physics. Plants take sunlight and simple inorganic ingredients to create a bewildering diversity of organic compounds. What's even more amazing is that we are only just beginning to understand how plants achieve these amazing feats. This unit explores how plants function and illustrates how this knowledge can be applied to real-World problems. Major topics include how plants function as integrated systems, resource partitioning and the dilemmas faced by plants, interaction of plants with the world around them. Emphasis will be placed on integration of plant responses from molecular through to whole plant scales, and how this knowledge can be practically applied to maximise plant growth, optimise use of water and nutrients, and understand how plants affect (and are affected by) their environment. Lectures are augmented by experimental work that leads to practical hands-on experience with research tools and techniques that can be applied across the sciences, and bespoke instruments used in the world's leading plant science research laboratories. This unit of study complements other senior units of study in the Plant Science minor and is essential for those seeking a career in plant biology and plant-related fields, including ecology, cell biology, genetics, breeding, agriculture, molecular biology, environmental law, education and the arts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOL2X23 or BIOL2X30 or BIOL2X31 or AGEN2001 or AGEN2005 or BIOL2X09
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL3043 or BIOL3943 or AGEN2005 or PLNT3001 or PLNT3901 or PLNT3002 or PLNT3902 or ENSY3001
Assumed knowledge ?	Knowledge of concepts and skills in BIOL1XX6
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Charles Warren, charles.warren@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Thomas Roberts, thomas.roberts@sydney.edu.au
	Tina Bell, tina.bell@sydney.edu.au
	Charles Warren, charles.warren@sydney.edu.au
	Min Chen, min.chen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Supervised exam End of semester exam	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Laboratory notebook To meet the learning outcomes of this Unit of Study, students are required to attend a minimum of 10 of the 12 scheduled laboratory classes as defined in the unit of study outline.	15%	Multiple weeks	see Canvas for instructions.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Lab report Formal lab report - see Canvas for more details	30%	Week 10 Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59	see Canvas for instructions
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group Presentation: one-page summary See canvas	5%	Week 11 Due date: 16 May 2025 at 23:59	One-page summary
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Submit presentation online before 11:59PM on May 26th	10%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes maximum. See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Exam: 2-hour exam at the end of semester. 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
Group presentation: Near the bginning of semester students will form groups and begin researching a topic. During the scheduled lab class in week 13 students will make short presentations to class
Lab report: Students will write a formal lab report. The formatting guidelines are provided in Canvas and are based upon ‘norms’ for the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Please follow these guidelines. Additional advice on writing lab reports will be provided in class and on Canvas.
Laboratory notebook: As with any experimental work, it is essential that you maintain a complete record of your experiments throughout this unit. Your records should refer to and record changes to the experimental procedures described in the lab manual, and detail calculations, results. All labs require interpretation and a short conclusion.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 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 of the subject and can solve simple problems and can accurately identify key theoretical concepts.
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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

All assignments have specified deadlines and marks will be deducted for late assignments at the rate of 5% per day or part day late. 5% per day applies to regular working days, weekend days, and public holidays. If you are ill or have any other valid reason to hand in an assignment late or feel that your overall performance may have been adversely affected; you may submit a "Request for special consideration" form. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, the final mark will be zero

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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	Introduction to tools and techniques for plant sciences	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	The C cycle and long-term energy flows	Lecture (1 hr)
	Short-term energy flows	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Using genAI to research a topic	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	CO2 movement into chloroplasts	Lecture (1 hr)
	Dynamic responses of photosynthesis to light	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Photopigments and photoadaptation	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Photopigments and light harvesting	Lecture (1 hr)
	Photosynthetic units and light energy conversion	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Photoinhibition and oxygen evolution	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Carbon dioxide fixation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Plant respiration	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Metabolic flexibility and acclimation to water deficits	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Life choices and dilemmas	Lecture (1 hr)
	Source-sink relationships and recycling	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Collating and analysing data for metabolic flexibility	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Co-ordination of light harvesting in plant canopies	Lecture (1 hr)
	Heteroblasty and plasticity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Leaf development, senescence and recycling	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Carbon allocation to cell walls and defence	Lecture (1 hr)
	Plants interacting with aboveground environment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Leaf cell ultrastructure	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 08	Plants interacting with below-ground environment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Collating and analysing data for leaf development, senescence and recycling	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Plant-plant interactions	Lecture (1 hr)
	Plant-animal interactions	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Game development Intro & Work on group presentations	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Plant communication and responses to herbivory	Lecture (1 hr)
	Plant-soil interactions and the C cycle	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Modelling carbon allocation through game development	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Improving nutrient-use efficiency	Lecture (1 hr)
	Improving water-use efficiency	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Work on group presentations	Science laboratory (3 hr)
	Converting C3 rice to C4: anatomical and metabolic control	Lecture (1 hr)
	Crops and their wild relatives	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Student presentations	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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 12 scheduled laboratory classes as defined in the unit of study outline. 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

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. For most lectures there will be one or more peer-reviewed papers to read. Lecturers will generally provide you with hypertext links or digital object identifiers (DOI) so that you can download and read the papers at your leisure.

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. demonstrate an understanding of the key properties of plants
LO2. communicate the factors that determine how plants function as complex systems
LO3. identify the key mechanisms plants use to communicate among distant organs
LO4. identify and interpret peer-reviewed research
LO5. explain dilemmas plants face and how they arrive at an optimal solution
LO6. communicate ways in which plants interact with the world around them
LO7. describe how knowledge of plant function can be applied to real-world problems
LO8. illustrate how different aspects of plant function combine to affect growth
LO9. use research tools to investigate plant function.

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.

Students commented positively on the welcoming vibe of this Unit of Study, and appreciated receiving substantial feedback on submitted work. We have altered timing of assessments and lab classes so that students have longer to write the lab report.

Additional information

Additional costs

There are no additional costs.

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

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

BIOL3020: Applied Plant Function

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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