Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This is an advanced unit linking soil fertility, plant nutrition and human diet. It emphasises (1) plant accumulation of macronutrients and micronutrients in edible parts and bioavailability of these nutrients in the human digestive tract; and (2) supply of antioxidants, vitamins and other health-promoting phytochemicals in edible plant parts. Special attention is paid to the balance between nutrients and antinutrients in plant-based food. Physiological mechanisms governing uptake of mineral nutrients from soil and transport to and remobilisation from non-edible into edible plant parts (particularly grains) are emphasised together with biosynthesis of phytochemicals (nutraceuticals) in edible plant tissues. Various types of biofortification (e.g. fertilisation and other agricultural measures, selection of genotypes with enhanced nutrient accumulation in edible parts, etc.) are covered. Students gain an understanding of the dynamics of nutrient cycling from soil to plants to humans, as well as the importance of nutritional food quality. While the main emphasis is on soils and plants, attention is also paid to food processing and social and health issues associated with food choice and quality.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Honours option in Agricultural Science [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) understand processes governing cycling of macronutrients and micronutrients from soils to plants to humans; (2) understand the role of phytochemicals in a healthy diet; (3) integrate the concept of nutrient bioavailability across the soil–plant–human continuum; (4) understand agricultural and genetic means of producing food with a high content of micronutrients; (5) analyse, critically assess, present and discuss experimental data; (6) write research essays based on relevant literature; and (7) place relevant soil and plant science information in the context of healthy food production.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a research essay based on assigned literature (70 per cent) and (2) a seminar on an assigned topic (30 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Zed Rengel
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in
- Contact hours
- total workload: 150 hours
contact hours: 6 days full-time - Note
- There is no end-of-semester examination in this unit. Students are assigned literature and write an essay based on that literature, supported by lectures and class discussions. Group work comprises a seminar presentation on an assigned topic linked to lecture and essay material.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.