Plant Biology
The course describes different aspects on plants and how they function in their natural environment, such as the coupling between structure and function, what plants need to survive, how both external and internal factors regulate growth and development, and how plants defend against different forms of stress. Furthermore, plant photosynthesis, general metabolism and nutritional contents are treated, and how mankind has tried to improve these by different forms of breeding. The use of plants as experimental model systems within biology is underscored, and experimental training is given in the form of several laboratory practicals and plant growth experiments.
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
BI1279-20005 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Additional course evaluations for BI1279
Academic year 2025/2026
2025-11-03 - 2026-01-18
Academic year 2024/2025
2024-11-01 - 2025-01-19
Academic year 2023/2024
2023-10-31 - 2024-01-14
Academic year 2022/2023
2022-11-01 - 2023-01-15
Academic year 2021/2022
2021-11-02 - 2022-01-16
Academic year 2020/2021
2020-11-02 - 2021-01-17
Academic year 2019/2020
2019-11-01 - 2020-01-19
Academic year 2018/2019
2018-11-05 - 2019-01-20
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
BI1279 Plant Biology, 15.0 Credits
VäxtbiologiSubjects
BiologyEducation cycle
Bachelor’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Laborations and other compulsory parts | 2.5 | 0001 |
| Written exam | 12.5 | 0002 |
Advanced study in the main field
First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsBachelor’s level (G1F)
Grading scale
The requirements for attaining different grades are described in the course assessment criteria which are contained in a supplement to the course syllabus. Current information on assessment criteria shall be made available at the start of the course.
Prior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 7,5 credits Chemistry and 20 credits Biology.Objectives
The course provides a basic understanding of how plants are built up, functions, and are used for human benefit. Theory is linked to the practice by laboratory experiments and plant cultivation trials.
After a completed course the student will be able to:
describe the structure and function of higher plant cells, tissues and organs
account for higher plant photosynthesis, respiration and metabolism; uptake, transport and sales of water respectively. mineral nutrition; growth and development; protection against biotic and abiotic stresses; functional adaptations to different environments; as well as how external factors and internal mechanisms regulate these processes
account for plant breeding by selection and genetic modification, as well as practical applications of this
plan, perform and report on experiments that show plant biological phenomena, as well as orally and in writing explain the results of such trials
seek, critically examine and collate literature data within a specific plant area, and verbally communicate these in an easily understandable way.
Content
The course provides basic knowledge of the higher plant anatomy, physiology and breeding, as well as training in experimental and analytical methods for the study of biological processes in plants.
Anatomy: Structure of the higher plant cells, tissues and organs. The relationship between structure and function of roots, stem, leaf and flower. Ecological adaptations of appearance and structure.
Physiology: The higher plants’ life cycle and reproduction. Photosynthesis and respiration. Function, needs and absorption of water, respectively mineral nutrition. Transport processes. Primary and secondary metabolism. Growth, development and plant hormones. Temperature, water and light as ecological factors. Stress physiology and plant protection.
Plant breeding: The basics in classical plant breeding as well as its practical applications. Genetically modified plants.
Experimental and analytical methods: Laboratory experiments. Basis for planning and statistical analysis of crop trials. Oral and written reports.
Grading form
The requirements for attaining different grades are described in the course assessment criteria which are contained in a supplement to the course syllabus. Current information on assessment criteria shall be made available at the start of the course.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed written exam. Approved written and oral presentations of exercises, laboratory practicals and literature reviews. Approved participation in compulsory parts.
If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.
For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.
Other information
The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.
Additional information
The required course prerequisites in chemistry can be obtained by for instance following the courses Basic Chemistry I, 15 hp (KE0062); Basic Chemistry II, 7,5 hp (KE0063); or Biochemistry, continuation 7,5 hp (KE0064) and achieving at least 7,5 hp. Some parts of the course may be given with English as the main language.Responsible department
Department of Plant Biology
Further information
Grading criteria
Litterature list
- Biology - A global approach 11:e uppl. Författare: Campbell, Urry, Cain m.fl ISBN: ISBN13: 9781292170435 [Biology - A global approach 11:e uppl.] (https://www.pearson.ch/HigherEducation/Pearson/EAN/9781292170435/Biology-A-Global-Approach-Global-Edition) Kommentar: 11:e upplagan o "Global edition". Näckros på framsidan. Tillägget "Mastering Biology" innehåller info o övningar på web:en. De hänvisas inte till under kursen, men kan givetvis utnyttjas ändå (kostar lite extra).
Sidhänvisningar till äldre upplagor kan fås på begäran.
- Sidhänvisningar till kursbok 11uppl [Sidhänvisningar till kursbok 11uppl] (https://slunik.slu.se/kursfiler/BI1279/20005.1718/Sidhanvisningar_11e.pdf)