This unit introduces students to the study of botany so that they will develop a knowledge and understanding of plants. The unit covers the topics of plant anatomy, evolution, morphology and taxonomy, economically important plants and an introduction to Australian plants.

This unit introduces students to the study of the mechanisms by which plants function and provides an understanding of these mechanisms. The unit covers the basic concepts of plant physiology, photosynthesis, respiration, photomorphogenesis, phytohormones, mineral nutrition, water relations and the regulation of plant growth and development. This unit is designed to provide a basic knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin horticulture.

The unit will explore the positive and negative aspects of interactions between plants and micro-organisms in the environment. This includes plant pathological viruses, bacteria and fungi, their mode of action, life cycle and symptomatology. Beneficial associations include rood nodules, mycorrhizae, rhizosphere effects and soil nutrient cycles. The response by plants and their natural defence mechanisms to infection and their positive interactions with micro-organisms will also be investigated.

This unit enables students to study the biology of Australian plants. The unit covers the topics of origins of the flora of Australia, Gondwanan plants, vegetation structures in Australia, ecology of Australian plants, physiology of Australian plants and the uses of Australian plants.