To introduce the students to the principles and applications of plant physiology.

Plant mineral nutrition, nutrient deficiencies and fertiliser use. Nitrogen and secondary plant metabolism. Types and structures of mycorrhizas and their roles in plant nutrition. Saprotrophy, parasitism and carnivory in plants. Water relations in plants. Plant hormones, roles and their applications: plants responses, root and shoot growth, tissue differentiation, photoperiodic responses in plants, photomorphogenesis, flowering. Seed dispersal, dormancy and germination. Tropisms and plant movement. Applications in horticulture and agriculture. Plant reproduction and pollination ecology; interactions with animals. Phytopathology; fungal pathogens of plants and plant defence mechanisms, phytoalexins, allelopathy. Photosynthesis, C3, C4 and crassullacean. Acid metabolism; photorespiration and plant metabolism. Plant growth measurement. Biological/ecological relationships between plants and other organisms. Plants and medicines, ethnobotany. Pedagogical approaches to teaching plant physiology at second-level

The student will be able to describe the principal functions of the macronutrients in plant metabolism. The student will be able to recognise the deficiency symptoms for macro and micro nutrients in plants, and will be able to explain why the deficiencies present themselves as they do. The student will be able to distinguish between the deficiency symptoms demonstrated when a plant is short of a mobile or non-mobile nutrient, and will be able to explain the reason for these differences. The student will be able to describe the main instances of mineral substitution in plants and will be able to outline the effects of these on mineral nutrition of plants, as well as the effects on deficiency symptoms. The student will be able to interpret the results of a soil or foliar nutrient analysis lab report, and will be able to compare the relative merits of both these methods in assessing the nutrient requirements of plants. The student will be able to recall the significance of seasonal fluctuations in leaf mineral levels, and will be able to relate the basis for nutrient application recommendations. The student will be able to describe the features of the two main groups of mycorrhizas and relate structure to function. The will be able to explain how mycorrhizas benefit plants. The student will be able to define water potential, explain the concept of water potential gradient, and relate this to water movement in plant tissues. The student will be able to solve problems relating to water potential. The student will be able to describe the adaptations of plants to minimise transpiration. The student will be able to review current theories on phloem transport The student will be able to report the sites of production, principal effects, movement and growth responses of plants to the five plant hormone groups. The student will be able to elaborate on the horticultural applications of plant derived and synthetic auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins and ethylene. The student will be able to identify at least two examples of gibberellin synthesis inhibitors and two examples of ethylene inhibitors, and evaluate potential uses for these. The student will be able to interpret how the balance between auxin and cytokinins production, and seasonal changes in these, effect the outwardly visible growth patterns of plants. The student will be able to describe how the major plant responses to the environment are controlled at the molecular level insofar as this is currently understood. The student will be able to explain current thinking on underlying mechanisms of dormancy patterns in seeds and buds. The student will be able to describe function of phytochrome in flowering and other light-mediated plant responses. The student will be able to explain the physical and chemical basis of the light reactions. The student will be able to relate the structural arrangement of the light-gathering pigments and electron carriers to the light reactions. The student will be able to explain the function of the light reactions, and describe the central role of these reactions in the earths ecosystems. The student will be able to summarise the dark reactions in relation to products, energetics and efficiency. The student will be able to explain why there are inherent inefficiencies in phototosynthesis and how some plant groups have evolved mechanisms to increase photosynthetic efficiency. The student will be able to summarise the metabolic differences between plant and animal cells, particularly in relation to secondary plant metabolism.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: Appreciate the unique role of plant carbon metabolism in ecosystem function. Relate fundamentals of plant physiology to applications in horticulture and agriculture. Develop and aappreciation of the funadmental importance of plants in all ecosystems.

The students will acquire skills in laboratory technique, designing experiments and experimental manipulations, in biometric analysis, in collaborative project work and in devising pedagogical approaches to teaching plant physiology

The module will be taught through a blend of: lectures and practical laboratory work to provide for knowledge development and skill acquisition; problem solving to develop critical thinking and innovation; group projects, both laboratory and literature based, to develop collaborative proficiency in working as member of a team and confidence in applying scientific knowledge.