Program Overview

University Program Information

Southern Cross University offers a range of study options, including undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees, research degrees, online study, and short courses. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education and supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Study Options

• Undergraduate degrees
• Postgraduate degrees
• Research degrees
• Online study
• Short courses

Research Degrees

The university offers various research degrees, including:

• Higher Degree Research
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Masters by Thesis

Unit of Study: Plant Physiology and Ecology (2017)

Unit Snapshot

• Unit type: UG Coursework Unit
• Credit points: 12
• AQF level: 7
• Level of learning: Intermediate
• Former School/College: Former School of Environment, Science and Engineering
• Pre-requisites: [BIO00201] Biology

Unit Description

This unit considers the unique elements of the Australian flora, reflecting the evolutionary circumstances under which it has developed. The course provides an understanding of the physiological adaptations of Australian plants and the ecological circumstances in which they have developed.

Unit Content

• Biogeography of the Australian flora
• Genetic function and enzymology as the basis of evolutionary development
• Photosynthesis as the basis of plant growth
• The role of light, water, temperature, and mineral nutrients in plant function and adaptation

Availabilities

Not currently available in 2017

Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Understand the basic biochemical, physiological, and ecological concepts that underlie plant adaptations to their environment
2. Appreciate the fundamental importance of water, light, temperature, fire, and nutrients in plant and community function
3. Appreciate the evolutionary circumstances under which the Australian flora has developed

These learning outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes, which include:

• GA1: Intellectual rigour
• GA2: Creativity
• GA3: Ethical practice
• GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
• GA5: Lifelong learning
• GA6: Communication and social skills
• GA7: Cultural competence

Graduate Attributes

• GA1: Intellectual rigour - A commitment to excellence in all scholarly and intellectual activities, including critical judgement.
• GA2: Creativity - An ability to develop creative and effective responses to intellectual, professional, and social challenges.
• GA3: Ethical practice - A commitment to sustainability and high ethical standards in social and professional practices.
• GA4: Knowledge of a discipline - Command of a discipline to enable a smooth transition and contribution to professional and community settings.
• GA5: Lifelong learning - The ability to be responsive to change, to be inquiring and reflective in practice, through information literacy and autonomous, self-managed learning.
• GA6: Communication and social skills - The ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals, and within teams, in professional and community settings.
• GA7: Cultural competence - An ability to engage with diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives in both global and local settings.