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 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2024 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 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Field trip and in-semester assessmentsOther25%
- ProjectReport45%
- e-FolioFolio30%
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
- Laboratories15 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Applied sessions34 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachField trips
- Two 1-hour workshops per week;
- 3-hour laboratory, field work or equivalent (5 sessions per semester);
- One 4-day field trip, including travel days and
- 7-hours independent study per week.
This unit is taught via a combination of seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions and a field trip. Workshops apply theory from readings and pre-seminar work to develop practical academic and industry-based skills. Seminars emphasize class discussions on current topics in Australian vegetation. 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.
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.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Keith, D.A. (2017) Australian vegetation. Cambridge University Press
Where it fits
BIO3091 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2024 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Georgia Lloyd
- Chief Examiners
- Georgia Lloyd
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO3091?
BIO3091 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BIO3091 offered?
In 2024, BIO3091 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO3091 have an exam?
No. BIO3091 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include BIO3091?
BIO3091 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; Environmental science; and Plant sciences.