Module Database Search



MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Plant Biology
Reference AS2106 Version 2
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved August 2018 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with the ability to explain the fundamentals of plant biology and appreciate the importance of plants to society.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Explain plant evolution and describe the major plant groups.
2 Discuss the requirements for the survival and growth of plants.
3 Describe the processes associated with plant survival, growth and reproduction.
4 Discuss the importance of plants and plant products to society.
5 Demonstrate effective teamwork and communications skills

Indicative Module Content
Introduction to the Plant Kingdom: evolution of plants, taxonomic classification, principal characteristics of lower and higher plants. Plant growth requirements: environmental factors, water, light, temperature, gravity, gases, soil minerals, macronutrients, micronutrients, salinity, pH, biotic factors, hormones, photosynthesis. Plant growth: cell division, transpiration. Sexual reproduction, pollination, fertilisation, germination, seeds and fruits. Vegetative growth, asexual reproduction. senescence, abscission. Plants and society: plant breeding, crop production, secondary metabolites, plant biotechnology.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture based course supplemented with tutorial sessions and virtual lab exercises.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 36 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 114 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 70% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: The examination consists of a balance of short answer and extended response questions.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 30% Outcomes Assessed: 4, 5
Description: The coursework consists of an oral group presentation with peer assessment

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (EX1) weighted as major and the second, Component 2 (CW1), weighted as minor. A module grade of D is required for a pass, with compensation of grade E in Component 1 or Component 2 permitted. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, AB
B AC, AD, AE, BA, BB, BC, CA
C BD, BE, CB, CC, CD, DA, DB
D CE, DC, DD, DE, EA, EB, EC
E AF, BF, CF, DF, ED, EE, EF, FA, FB, FC, FD
F FE,FF
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of Stage 1 of the course or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 EVERT, R.F. AND EICHORN, S.E., Raven Biology of Plants. Current Edition. : MacMillan.
2 BIDLACK, J.E. AND JANSKY, S.H., Stern's Introductory Plant Biology. Current Edition.: McGraw Hill.
3 MAUSETH, J.D., Botany. Current Edition.: Jones and Bartlett


Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781