- Academic Registry
Course & Unit Catalogues


SL22047: Plant physiology and biochemistry

[Page last updated: 03 June 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CWRI 30%, EXOB 70%
Assessment Detail:
  • Open-book written examination (EXOB 70%)
  • Report Individual (CWRI 30%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit you will be able to: �Explain how plants utilise light energy for the biosynthesis of important biomolecules and how they cope with changes in the quality of light and extremes of temperature and water availability. �Describe how plants use plant hormones to respond not only to internal developmental cues but also to external stimuli. �Recognise why and how plants produce such a vast and diverse array of complex chemical compounds (secondary metabolites). �Work with plant tissues to extract and measure molecules involved in metabolic/physiological processes and responses to environmental cues.


Synopsis: "This unit gives you an introduction to how plants provide oxygen, food, medicine and shelter for humans and animals. You will develop an understanding of their diverse forms and functions, their physiological and metabolic processes. In practical sessions you will experience techniques for the study of plant processes covered in this unit. "

Content: This unit will cover: 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.

Course availability:

SL22047 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses 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.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.