bot3eec plant evolution and ecology
PLANT EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
BOT3EEC
2015
Credit points: 30
Subject outline
This subject is concerned with advanced aspects of plant evolution and ecology, with an emphasis on how theory can be applied to practical conservation outcomes. In the component on plant ecology, the broad topics of fire ecology, habitat fragmentation, climate change and ecosystem resilience are introduced. These themes are connected by a focus on plant functional trait ecology. In the component on plant evolution, students are introduced to phylogenies and conservation genetics. There is a focus on the processes that drive plant evolution and the use of modern molecular approaches.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points30
Subject Co-ordinatorJohn Morgan
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites BIO2POS, and either of BOT2AES or BOT2PDE
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects BOT3ESE
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Write a multi-authored literature review that fully describes and discusses the background literature relevant to the research question being addressed (as a group of 4-5 students) during the field trip
- Activities:
- Before the field trip, students are instructed on the purpose of a Literature Review, how to collate material for the review, and on scientific writing. Lectures provide background theory
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Present a multi-authored Powerpoint Oral Presentation that fully describes the background information, research question, hypotheses and experimental design being addressed (as a group of 4-5 students) during the field trip research project.
- Activities:
- During the field trip, students are instructed on hypothesis testing, field sampling methods/techniques and data analysis, and are given structured feedback on their group's study design. Lectures provide background theory. During laboratory classes, students receive instruction in the ethics of plant collection and conducting research on public land
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
03. Incorporate relevant research findings from the scientific literature to support statements in the reporting of the field trip research.
- Activities:
- Lectures use examples from the scientific literature and students are instructed on citations and referencing.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
04. Communicate scientific information about plants and botanical sampling techniques in written reports and fact sheets to different audiences
- Activities:
- During laboratory classes, students are given instruction on science communication to non-specialist audiences Preparation of a Plant Fact Sheet (FS). Students are provided with examples of Plant FSs and are instructed on botanical standards of nomenclature, where to find relevant information, as well as citations and referencing. Peer review of Plant FS, providing formative feedback to FS author. ALLU to provide a workshop on editting.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
05. Generate and interpret simple molecular phylogenies
- Activities:
- Guided bioinformatic laboratory sessions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
06. Describe and explain various aspects of plant evolution, ecology and conservation, including the use of logical arguement
- Activities:
- Field trip oral presentation presentation Field trip Literature Review Essay questions in the theory exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
07. Critically analyse mock datasets and create solutions for evolutionary, ecological or conservation problems
- Activities:
- Computer-based laboratory sessions Assessment in theory exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment size60
Enrolment information Availability of accommodation for field trip, capacity of bus for field trip transportation, 3rd Year lab currently unable to support more than this number of students. Academic merit
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJohn Morgan
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 4.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Four 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical assignments and field trip reports | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 | |
| Two 2-hour examinations | 50 | 04, 07 |