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BB20030: Plant physiology & biochemistry

Academic Year: 2018/9
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: EX 80%, PR 20%
Assessment Detail:
  • Practical (PR 20%)
  • Examination (EX 80%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must take BB10006
Description: Aims:
To introduce some important aspects of plant metabolism and their role in the functioning of the whole plant.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* explain how plants (by definition static) are able to utilise light energy for the biosynthesis of important biomolecules, respond to the quality of light in order to maximise energy capture and simultaneously cope with extremes of temperature and water availability.
* explain how plants, through the action of signalling pathways, respond not only to internal developmental cues but also to external stimuli.
* explain why and how plants produce such a vast and diverse array of complex chemical compounds (secondary metabolites) a great many of which are of great importance to humankind.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Laboratory skills T/F, Information technology T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
Utilisation of light energy in photosynthesis; CO2 incorporation; carbohydrate synthesis, storage and breakdown; nitrogen fixation and metabolism; function and metabolism of lipids; plant growth regulators (hormones); plant signal transduction; secondary metabolism, its role in plant defence and biotechnological importance; photomorphogenesis.
Practical sessions provide experience in the use of a variety of techniques for the study of plant processes and will complement topics covered in the lecture course.
Programme availability:

BB20030 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • RSBB-AFM17 : Integrated PhD Postgenomic Biosciences (Molecular Plant Sciences)
  • TSBB-AFM17 : MRes Molecular Plant Sciences
  • TSBB-AFM11 : MSc Molecular Plant Sciences
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Biology (Year 2)
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc(Hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Year 2)
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2018/19 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2019/20 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2018/19.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Undergraduates: .
  • Postgraduates: .