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Plant Pathology (AGRI30042)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
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 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject outlines the methods used to identify pathogens causing plant diseases, the consequences of diseases for plant productivity, and control of plant diseases. The links between classic plant pathology and modern molecular pathology techniques are explored as plant breeders and pathologists seek novel integrated disease management procedures to control pathogens.
Topics covered include:
- Taxonomy, identification and biology of the main groups of plant pathogens affecting Australian cropping industries 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
- Modern bioinformatic techniques used in plant pathology
- Processes leading to plant disease epidemics and their evaluation
- Evolutionary processes and management practices affecting pathogen populations in agricultural ecosystems
- Management and integrated control of plant diseases
- Current professional opportunities and challenges in the field of plant pathology
Practical work includes:
- Identification and diagnosis of common diseases
- Development of skills in traditional and molecular research techniques and methodology in plant pathology
- Development of bioinformatic skills used in pathogen diagnosis and molecular taxonomy of plant pathogens
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the classification and biology of the major groups of plant pathogens
- Apply an understanding of plant pathology and molecular biology techniques in order to isolate and diagnose plant pathogenic organisms.
- Demonstrate an understanding of bioinformatics tools used in plant pathology and be able to conduct DNA sequence analyses for diagnostics and molecular taxonomy
- Identify the factors leading to disease epidemics
- 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: 10 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BOTA20001 | Green Planet: Plants and the Environment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AGRI20026 | Plant Growth Processes | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
BIOL30006 AGRI30032
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: 10 November 2023
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Mid-semester test
| From Week 6 to Week 7 | 20% |
Assignment based on practical classes to identify a post harvest disease
| From Week 5 to Week 6 | 20% |
Assignment comprising a collection of plant diseases
| End of semester | 30% |
Exam
| During the examination period | 30% |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Niloofar Vaghefi 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 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Last updated: 10 November 2023
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 Sustainable Production Major Plant and Soil Science Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Production Animal Health Major Agricultural Science - 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: 10 November 2023