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Plant Health and Improvement (BIOL30006)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Formerly AGRI30032
This subject outlines the methods used to identify pathogens causing plant diseases, the consequences of diseases for plant productivity; and techniques used in breeding for plant disease resistance. The links between these two areas are explored as plant breeders and pathologists seek novel genetic material capable of resisting or tolerating plant pathogens.
Topics covered include:
- Taxonomy, identification and biology of the main groups of plant pathogens and abiotic causes of plant diseases
- Host pathogen relationships, and the nature of disease resistance and pathogenesis
- Methods to identify pathogens, and development of tools for diagnosis
- Processes leading to plant disease epidemics and their evaluation
- Principles and methodology of plant breeding for disease resistance
- Evolutionary processes and genetic variability of plant and pathogen populations
- World-wide distribution and conservation of plant genetic resources
- Methods of breeding self– and cross-pollinating plants
- Management and integrated control of plant diseases
Practical work includes:
- Identification and diagnosis of common diseases
- Development of skills in research techniques and methodology in plant pathology
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students will:
- Understand the importance of genetic resources
- Understand the principles and methodology of plant breeding and improvement
- Be familiar with the biology and taxonomy of the major biotic causes of disease
- Be aware of the factors leading to disease epidemics
- Be capable of diagnosing common diseases of agricultural and horticultural crops
- Be able to formulate a practicable approach to integrated disease control in commercial plant species
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed their:
- Capacity to tackle unfamiliar problems
- Ability to integrate knowledge from different disciplines
- Communication skills, through written and oral presentations
- Quantitative analysis skills
- Sense of intellectual curiosity
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
AGRI20026 | Plant Growth Processes | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
or equivalent
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
AGRI20026 or equivalent
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 1-hour mid-semester examination held at approximately week 6 or week 7 (30%)
- One 500 word assignment based on the practical classes to identify a post harvest disease, due at approximately week 6 or week 7 (10%)
- One 1000 word assignment comprising a collection of plant diseases due at the end of semester (20%)
- 2-hour end-of-semester exam (40%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Paul Taylor Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 60 hours total - 24 hours of lectures, 36 hours of practicals. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
G. N. Agrios 2005. Plant Pathology. 5th ed. Academic Press, Harcourt/Academic Press, USA.
Recommended texts and other resources
G.L. Schumann & C.J. D’Arcy. 2010 Essential Plant Pathology 2nd Ed. American Phytopathological Society Press, USA
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Plant and Soil Science Major Agricultural Science Major Production Animal Health Major Sustainable Production Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022