BL4270 Plant environment Interactions
(BL4270 online module handbook version 18)
image: The evolutionary context for herbivore-induced plant volatiles: beyond the cry for help? , Trends in Plant Science, 15: 167-175.†
This module will provide an analysis of the ways in which plants interact with their physical, chemical and biological environments. This is a wide-ranging course which will bring together current knowledge of the physiological and molecular responses of plants within the wider context of how whole organisms and communities respond to the environment. Topics include: parasitism, plant pathogens and diseases, symbioses, plant stress responses, and human influences such as pollution, bioremediation and genetic modification.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4270: Assessment
Coursework = 100%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4270: Contributing Staff †
BL4270: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4270 successfully should be able to:
- identify several examples of the way plants respond to their biotic and abiotic environment
- search for scientific literature and understand the measures of quality used to assess the value of individual scientific research articles.
- present succinct accounts of scientific literature in both oral and written format.
- appraise critically research papers, in particular experimental design aspects.
- formulate a testable hypothesis on a selected area of research.
- follow the development of a scientific topic over time within the discipline of plant environment interactions.
- plan and prepare a grant proposal
BL4270: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Long individual presentation on given topic (>15 min)
- Short individual presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
- Handout (for presentation or poster)
- Long essay (>2000 words)
- Research proposal
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
