BIO3091 Biology of Australian vegetation
Faculty of Science
BIO3091 Biology of Australian vegetation is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
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Requisites
Overview
This unit focuses on the factors influencing the distribution, composition and structure of vegetation and the characteristics of the component plant species that enable them to survive in diverse environments. Methods of quantifying vegetation structure, composition and physiological responses are covered in the practical course. Case studies will focus on Australian species. There is a four-day field excursion (fee payable).
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Field trip and in-semester assessmentsDemonstration25%
- ProjectWritten45%
- e-FolioPortfolio30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Recognize the characteristics of Australia’s major vegetation types and identify the key threats impacting those vegetation types;
- 2
Develop and test hypotheses on how environments cause functional and structural differences between plants;
- 3
Evaluate evidence on how fundamental physiological and ecological processes influence vegetation types and their component species;
- 4
Demonstrate competence in methodological approaches used in the plant sciences, including the field collection, study design, interpretation, analysis and synthesis of biological data;
- 5
Effectively communicate the results of field and project work in a range of modes and for a variety of audiences;
- 6
Work effectively, responsibly and safely in peer and team contexts on field projects in remote locations.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories17 hours
- Applied sessions34 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachField trips
- Teaching approachActive learning
- One 2-hour workshop per week;
- Three-hour laboratory, field work or equivalent (6 sessions per semester);
- One 4-day field trip, including travel days and
- Seven-hours independent study per week.
You will undertake group research projects to address ecological problems faced by local stakeholders. The projects that are offered will reinforce many of the concepts delivered in seminars, while at the same time introducing you to the unique opportunities (and challenges) provided by doing field research in Australian habitats. The field trip will be run over a total duration of 4 days.
This unit is taught via a combination of workshops, laboratory sessions and a field trip. Workshops comprise a combination of seminar-style discussions on current topics in Australian vegetation and hands-on sessions which apply class theory to develop practical academic and industry-based skills. Laboratory sessions focus on the development of project management, peer assessment and group collaboration skills. In-class learning will be supported by self-study through the online Moodle content, and you will be expected to access Moodle regularly.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Keith, D.A. (2017) Australian vegetation. Cambridge University Press
Please note – it is recommended that you obtain a copy of the textbook, either new or second-hand, as some sections of the book are not available digitally. Class copies will be available for use on the day of scheduled classes.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Chris Lee
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Chris Lee
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO3091?
BIO3091 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BIO3091 offered?
In 2027, BIO3091 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO3091 have an exam?
No. BIO3091 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.