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 2021 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2021
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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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 during the Easter break (fee payable).
Offerings in 2021
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Essay15%
- Project report (including 5% assessment submitted on the field trip)Report35%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the broad characteristics of Australia’s major vegetation types;
- 2
Articulate the functional and structural differences between plants adapted to different environments;
- 3
Explain the fundamental physiological and ecological processes that influence vegetation types and their component species;
- 4
Demonstrate strong competence in methodological approaches used in the plant sciences, including the field collection, 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 individual and peer or team contexts.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories15 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- 2 one-hour lectures or workshops per week
- 3 hours laboratory, field work or equivalent per week
- 7 hours independent study per week
This unit is taught via a combination of lectures, workshops (in place of some lectures), practiacls and a field course.
Moodle
Moodle is used as an interactive learning tool. This is an open source learning platform used for assignment submission, access to marks, feedback on assessment tasks and online resources, and as a means of communication among staff and students. You are expected to access Moodle regularly.
Laboratories
Attendance at all scheduled laboratory sessions, for the whole session, is compulsory. Most of the practical work for this unit will be completed during the field trip. Only occasional sessions in the weekly time slot will be scheduled in the laboratory. Satisfactory performance and attendance in the laboratory classes are prerequisites for being admitted to the final examinations. If you are unable to attend a laboratory session or the field trip through illness you must produce a medical certificate and completed special consideration form via Moodle within 48 hours of the missed laboratory.
Learning resources
Required resources
Australian Vegetation , Keith D. 3rd Edition.
This is a third year unit with a special focus on plant ecology. In addition to using the text book, Australian Vegetation, we expect that most of the readings that you will do will be directly from the primary literature. For each lecture, we will provide you with 2-3 papers or book chapters to read. These papers represent an introduction to the topics being covered and should lead you onto further reading. We expect you to read widely. That is how you will learn about the richness and complexity of plant ecology as a scientific discipline.
Technology resources
You must regularly check Moodle for announcements and class times and locations. All questions should be posted on Moodle. Email is only to be used for private or confidential communication.
Where it fits
BIO3091 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Joslin Moore
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Joslin Moore
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO3091?
BIO3091 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BIO3091 offered?
In 2021, BIO3091 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO3091 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include BIO3091?
BIO3091 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; Environmental science; Plant sciences; and Zoology.