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 2023 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 25%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2023 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 five-day field excursion (fee payable).
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Field trip and in-semester assessment e.g. vegetation map, mini-quizzes, presentationsOther30%
- Project reportReport45%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam25%
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
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Two 1-hour workshops or lectures per week
- 3-hour laboratory, field work or equivalent (5 sessions per semester)
- One 4-day field trip, including travel days
- 7-hours independent study per week
This unit is taught via a combination of lectures, workshops (in place of some lectures), laboratory sessions 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.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Keith, D.A. (2017) Australian vegetation. Cambridge University Press
Where it fits
BIO3091 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2023 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Chris Lee
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Chris Lee
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO3091?
BIO3091 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BIO3091 offered?
In 2023, BIO3091 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO3091 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 25% 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.