Food crises, invasive species, GMOs, loss of biodiversity, climate change - these are all hot topics in our society, and all of them are intrinsically linked to plants. Modern plant science holds unprecedented opportunities to link processes at the genetic level to patterns at the landscape, crop or plantation level. This multidisciplinary course introduces you to the exciting breadth of contemporary plant sciences so you can develop a synthetic understanding of this quickly changing field. We will demonstrate links between genetics, anatomy, physiology and ecology. You can expect to develop skills in a wide range of techniques important in contemporary plant science; we will apply your newly honed plant science skills to a detective problem - an intensive research project diagnosing consequences of specific genetic mutations to plant growth and physiology. 

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

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand, describe and critically evaluate the way plants function at a whole organism level - linking gene function with performance in nature
2. Develop, evaluate and apply a range of contemporary techniques in plant science through guided independent laboratory research: Plant Detectives
3. Analyse, interpret and evaluate results of independent research
4. Work collaboratively in a group to critically interpret results and present these findings orally
5. Design and develop a wikipedia page for a lay audience on a subject synthesising issues in plant science  

Assessment will be based on:

• Theory exam (40%; LO 1)
• Practical quizzes (5%; LO 1, 2)
• Final practical written report written in form of a scientific paper (30%; LO 2, 3)
• Group symposium presentation around lab project and participations in discussions (5%; LO 1, 4)
• Production of a Wikipedia (free online encyclopedia) page on a topic selected in consultation with lecturer and a 5 minute presentation of that page to the class (20%; LO 5)

Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological science with relevant experience or academic achievement. 

First year Biology, first year Genetics and first year Statistics are recommended. 

First year Chemistry is desirable.