Basic course in physiology and cell biology of plants, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course focus on the morphology, physiology and life processes of plants. In particular, the structure and function of eukaryotic cells are dealt with and provide the prerequisites for understanding the connection between different levels of organismal organization from cell biology to ecophysiology.

The course provides basic knowledge about the development and how plants develop in response to the current and changing environmental conditions, in terms of plant organs, form, energy processes and physiology. The course introduces the fundamental importance of plants for the global sustainable development goals. The course also deals with how organisms such as plants adapt their physiology to a life in different, often extreme, environments.

The course contains theoretical and practical parts, of which special laboratory work with consideration of lab safety regulations is included.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of plant physiology by being able to:

ILO 1. Explain the life processes of plants from "seed to seed", including seed germination, growth, biomass production, mineral nutrition and flowering.

ILO  2. Explain photosynthesis; its cellular mechanisms and how they are regulated by biotic and abiotic factors.

ILO 3. Explain the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell, including growth, determination, differentiation and death. For the plant cell, the focus is on the cell wall, its synthesis and stretch growth.

ILO 4. Explain the structure of plants and their structural and functional adaptation to their habitat, as well as how plants affect the cycle of carbon, water and minerals.

ILO 5. Explain orally and exemplify how plants work, as well as use acquired knowledge to clarify various issues.

ILO 6. Carry out laboratories in the field of plant physiology and report them orally and in writing.

ILO 7. Independently obtain, compile and discuss information that highlights plants' specializations and adaptation to the environment with regard to cell biological and physiological mechanisms.
ILO 8. Oral and/or written account and discussion of relevant issues with attention to potential ethical issues and approaches, which have relevance to the data and results that are treated in the course.

ILO 9. Carry out a thematic literature project that is reported in writing and/or orally.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Teaching on the course includes lectures, group work, group discussions and laboratory exercises.

Examination modes

The course's intended learning outcomes are examined in accordance with the regulations below.

The course is examined through the following tests:

• individual written exam
• practical examination in connection with active participation in laboratories,
• oral examination in connection with active participation in group discussions,
• submission of written assignments and oral presentations in literature projects in groups or individually,

The written examination is assessed with one of the results well passed (VG), passed (G) or failed (U). For the others proven, only one of the results is given pass (G) or fail (U).

Grades on the spot are only decided when all tests have been completed. The part is graded with one of the grades well passed (VG), passed (G) or failed (U). For the grade passed (G) it is required that all tests have been assessed with a minimum result of passed (G). For the grade well passed (VG) it is additionally required that the written in-depth assignment is assessed with the result well passed (VG). If any of the evidence is assessed with a result of fail (U), the grade of fail (U) is assigned to the module under the condition that the student has completed a performance on all of the module's tests.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.