How will global climate change will the distribution and performance of plants in nature and in cultivation? This course will provide you with a solid background in plant function in relation to global climate change. The course is structured around topic modules selected to expose students to current research areas in the field. Each module is taught by an expert lecturer and specific topics will vary between years. Students will learn how to find, critique and synthesize papers in the primary literature and will develop written and oral communication skills with particular emphasis on communicating science in broadly accessible terms.

Each topic will be presented by a researcher from the Research School of Biology or CSIRO Plant Industry. 

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Understand and describe global climate change and the ways in which its effects may have impacts on plant biology
2. Understand and describe processes of plant biology relevant to plant growth and performance and ecological outcomes.
3. Search and read primary research literature and be able to critically analyze and critique the research results in written and oral formats.
4. Communicate science issues and ideas in broadly accessible terms.

Discussions/Presentations (40%), Literature review (40%), Written exam (20%)

Lectures and tutorials

Department consent required.

To provide essential theory on plant function in relation to global climate change. To provide skills in sourcing, synthesising and analysing papers in the primary literature and develop written and oral communication skills.