91128 Plant Biotechnology

3cp; 3hpw

Students are introduced to plant cell and tissue culture, and the application of these techniques to cloning, somatic embryogenesis, somaclonal variation, anther and pollen culture, and totipotent suspension as a means of multiplication, and determining phenotypic and genetic stability of tissue cultured plants. The program also includes media preparation and nutrient requirements, and the use of robotics and biofermentors in micropropagation. Pathogen detection and elimination, production of virus-free plants, pathogen indexing, certification of horticultural crops, plant quarantine, germplasm preservation, cryopreservation, long-term storage, and biosecondary metabolites are covered. Physiological status of micropropagated plants, transplanting and hardening-off stages are demonstrated, and practices and problems in micropropagation such as vitrification, phenolic exudates, vessel environment, and large-scale production are covered. Special emphasis is given to Australian indigenous and rare flora.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus (2008 only)

Fee information

2008 contribution for post-2008 Commonwealth-supported students: $453.75
Note: Students who commenced prior to 1 January 2008 should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth Supported places.

2008 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $1,245.00

Note: Fees for Postgraduate domestic fee-paying students and international students are charged according to the course they are enrolled in. Students should refer to the Annual Fees Schedule.

Subject EFTSL: 0.063

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.