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PLNB40010

Academic Year 2026/2027

Trends in Plant Science (PLNB40010)

Subject:
Plant Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Carl Ng
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will explore current trends in the field of plant biology, and will cover topics ranging from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem function. Designed for postgraduate and final year undergraduate students, it aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and transformative technologies to address challenges to environmental sustainability and food security due to a changing climate.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On satisfactory completion of the module, students should be able to (1) appreciate and demonstrate the importance of recent developments in diverse aspects of plant biology, ranging from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem function, (2) critically analyse and critique scientific papers, and (3) complete reflective journal assignments.

Indicative Module Content:

Students enrolled in this module will be introduced to current developments in the following areas:
(1) Plant Cell and Molecular Biology
(2) Plant Developmental Biology
(2) Plant Evolution
(4) Plant Physiology and Ecology
(5) Plant Stress Biology: biotic and abiotic
(6) Plant Interactions

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Competent

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

103
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module will include combinations of some or all of the following:
(1) Active/task-based learning
(2) Lectures and tutorials
(3) Enquiry- and problem-based learning
(4) Case-based learning

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: Students are required to submit 9 reflective assignments based on the topics covered in the module. Submission via BrightSpace. Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
100
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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