Description
Plant scientists study what plants are, how they grow and their interactions with other organisms. They seek to explain the structure and function of plants in terms of their environmental adaptations and evolutionary history and to use this understanding to manage plants in natural and agricultural systems.
Plant scientists work at a range of levels from molecular genetics and biochemistry through physiology, reproductive biology, pathology, through to the landscape ecology and phylogeny. Modern technologies have allowed plant science to expand beyond traditional disciplines of botany and agronomy. The knowledge of what plants are and how they work is fundamental to our efforts to feed and clothe the world and to maintain our living environment.
All students will study a core in basic sciences and plant biology, plus a major which develops depth of knowledge and understanding in a particular area of plant science. There is opportunity for a wide range of elective units from disciplines which complement the study of plants.
Career Opportunities
Plant science graduates are in high demand around the world in careers which apply their skills to practical problems as well as in furthering basic science. Plant scientists are employed by a wide range of employers including consultants in environmental management and agriculture, biotech companies, government departments, statutory authorities and universities. There is and will likely continue to be a strong demand in Australia from commercial environmental consultancy companies for graduates of plant science with a strong organismal focus as provided for in the BPlantSc at UNE
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee- EUR 14900 Year (National)
- EUR 14900 Year (International)
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
- English
Course Content
Course Aims
The aim of this course is to teach and inspire students about all aspects of the biology of plants - at all scales from whole organisms to their molecules (including morphology, anatomy, physiology), covering their ecology, evolution and systematics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline
Core units in all years develop a body of knowledge about plant science by teaching what plants are, how they function and their evolution and interactions with their environments. The depth of this knowledge is extended by prescribed and listed units in the majors. The historical context of plant sciences is taught, especially in second year core units, including current trends in theory and application.
Communication Skills
Students are taught and assessed on a range of different communication types appropriate to science graduates. There is emphasis on the ability to provide clear and accurate descriptions of phenomena; on writing reports of technical and scientific investigations; and on presenting critical reviews of knowledge. Within the core and prescribed units, communication tasks address a range of different audiences and use oral, written and electronic presentation.
Global Perspectives
The course teaches the place of the Australian flora and economic plants within global biodiversity. Theory and applications are taught in the context of international knowledge and standards. Students are made aware of the unique features of the disciplinary content in Australia and are taught how to generalise their knowledge to other parts of the world.
Information Literacy
Students will be taught how to access and critically assess information sources, including botanical literature, online information and databases. They will use these sources in a range of tasks which develop skills in extracting information, organising it and using it to develop new concepts or understanding. Students will be taught how to manage and archive information and materials, including herbarium accessions, to international best practice.
Life-Long Learning
Students will use a range of learning strategies which they can apply to self-directed learning. Assignment work develops skills in critical thinking that allow students to evaluate their own knowledge of a subject area as well as the information sources available to them. The discipline specific knowledge in plant sciences provides a springboard to lifelong learning.
Problem Solving
Problem solving is taught in the scientific context of researching the background to a problem, formulating one or more hypotheses in plant science to be tested and drawing conclusions from the results of those tests. All practical assignments are based around this approach. Problem solving skills are also developed in field and laboratory settings where students decide the best approach to performing tasks.
Social Responsibility
Students are taught ethical practices in relation to the discipline, including respecting intellectual property rights, ethical behaviour in fieldwork and assessment tasks, and honesty and trust as the basis of the cooperative endeavour of science. The purpose of plant science is reviewed in relation to social and other outcomes. Identification of occupational risks and duty of care are taught as part of field and laboratory classes.
Team Work
Teamwork is used in classes at all levels, especially in practical work in the field and laboratory. Students develop the skills to work cooperatively to define and achieve common goals, to take initiative and to assume responsibility for tasks.
English Language Requirements
IELTS band : 6
To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to
take an IELTS test. More About IELTSRequirements
For direct admission into undergraduate courses offered by the University of New England, international applicants must have completed an educational qualification considered to be at least equivalent to completion of Year 12 in Australia.
A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule - Undergraduate Policy).
Work Experience
No work experience is required.
Related Scholarships*
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
"The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."
- Alumni Study Travel Fund
Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of New England.
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