BOTN30140 Experimental Plant Physiology

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module focuses on the experimental aspects of Plant Physiology and Abiotic Stress. The practical labs cover growth, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition and also stress responses of plants. The last two labs focus on plant physiology at an ecosystem scale.
Experimental Plant Physiology covers the main principles of plant physiology from photosynthesis to water relations and mineral nutrition, while incorporating the symptoms and physiological changes caused by abiotic stresses. The module details the environmental impact and effects of abiotic stresses such as cold, heat, drought, salinity and mineral nutrition.
We carry out several lab experiments on plants mineral nutrition, salinity stress where we do a range of analyses in successive weeks (e.g., chlorophyll extraction, proline determination, biomass measurements). We also demonstrate the use of specialized equipment for plant physiology at lab and field level that can be used for agricultural/crop science or for environmental studies, including the leaf porometer, SPAD and IRGA.
Furthermore, this module deals with experimental data analyses, the use of stress indices and the most adequate ways to examine and interpret data results at lab and ecosystem scale.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Understand the principles of plant physiology, ranging from photosynthesis to water relations and phenotype;
- Understand the complexity of response of plants to abiotic stresses;
- Understand the importance of mineral nutrients and their assimilation for plant growth and development;
- Describe the major nutrients required by plants;
- Summarise and analyse plant physiological data;
- Relate contents of lectures to practical class material;
- Be able to apply some basic and advanced techniques in the area of plant physiology.

Indicative Module Content:

Plant
- Growth
- Development
- Photosynthesis
- Water relations
- Abiotic stress responses and physiological impact in plants (e.g., drought, heat, salinity)
- Mineral nutrition
- Analysing techniques
- Data Handling

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Practical

36
Specified Learning Activities

10
Autonomous Student Learning

67
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and labs

- inclusive
- interactive
- critical thinking
- problem-solving
- constructive feedback 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Level 2 module: Principles of Plant Biology (BOTN 20050)


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Exam (In-person): End of trimester exam n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

60
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Small practical lab report on plant physiology at ecosystem level, comprising one short quiz that takes place in the last practical laboratory. n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Report(s): Report on lab experiments taking place during several Practical Labs. n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback/Discussions during lectures/labs and on final report; interactive throughout

Name Role
Dr Elke Eichelmann Lecturer / Co-Lecturer