Undergraduate Plant Science 2021-2022

Terrestrial ecosystems play a pivotal role in modulating the fluxes of energy and matter at the Earth’s surface, including the cycling of carbon, nutrients and greenhouse gases. Understanding the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems is critical for understanding environmental challenges such as global warming, biodiversity loss, sustainable development and pollution. This course develops principles of systems ecology and biogeochemistry, focusing on the fundamental role played by living things in regulating key ecosystem processes such as carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, trophic transfers, and land-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases.

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This advanced soil science course provides additional teaching of physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in the context of food security and climate change. You will learn a variety of processes that affect soil productivity, accompanied by practical sessions that will teach relevant analytical methods. Students are introduced to modelling of agricultural impacts on soils and the environment, particularly in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration, so that mitigation strategies can be assessed.

There are two practical sessions with assignments, a debate and a final exam.

Lectures, labs and an excursion provide a diverse set of learning opportunities relating to plant physiology and adaptations of plants to the environment.

Students choose a plant adaptation to investigate in detail in terms of physiological adaptations to a natural environment and in lab condition. Investigative work help to develop specialist knowledge and a capacity for creative, independent and critical thinking, problem identification and problem solving. Participation in the oral presentations of the projects helps students to develop confidence and oral communication skills.