Plant Pathology (AGRI30042)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
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 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 reports
- Quantitative analysis skills
Last updated: 4 March 2025
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, ensuring a basic understanding of plant growth and development, and abiotic factors affecting plant productivity
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Assignment based on practical classes to identify a post harvest disease
| From Week 5 to Week 6 | 15% |
Mid-semester test
| From Week 6 to Week 7 | 15% |
Completion and submission of molecular biology practical tasks, through submission of practical report at end of Practical 7
| Week 8 | 5% |
Completion and submission of bioinformatics practical tasks, through the completion of practical report at the end of Practical 9
| Week 10 | 5% |
Assignment comprising a collection of plant diseases
| End of semester | 30% |
Exam
| During the examination period | 30% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Niloofar Vaghefi Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total of 60 hours - 24 hours of lectures (2 x 1 -hour per week for 12 weeks) and 36 hours of practicals (1 x 3-hours per week for 12 weeks) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Agricultural Science Major Plant and Soil 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 4 March 2025