bio2pe plant ecology
PLANT ECOLOGY
BIO2PE
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students are introduced to the functioning of plants with an emphasis on the Australian flora in their environment of low-nutrient soils, aridity, salinity and fire and including how they interact with other organisms through pollination, fruit dispersal and herbivory. Designing and carrying out ecological experiments to measure plant-animal interactions are an integral part of the practical component, as well as developing skills in identification, observation and drawing.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites OED1RAL or BIO1CO or approval of the unit coordinator
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Explain current (and speculate on possible future) adaptations of plants to diverse and changing environments.
- Activities:
- All topics are discussed in lectures; relevant documentaries are shown to illustrate examples; practicals are aligned with lectures, to further illustrate aspects of the topics.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Explain current (and speculate on possible future) interactions of plants and animals in a natural ecosystem, by giving examples of herbivory, parasitism, pollination, frugivory and seed dispersal.
- Activities:
- All topics are discussed in lectures; relevant documentaries are shown to illustrate examples; practicals are aligned with lectures, to further illustrate aspects of the topics.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Design and carry out experiments as well as evaluate the results, by using appropriate hypotheses, controls and simple statistical tests for ecological problems.
- Activities:
- Apart from illustrating aspects of the theory, practicals are also used to illustrate questions of experimental design.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
04. Communicate experimental results in a formal report style, through drawings or a poster.
- Activities:
- Scientific drawing and writing up practicals in a standard scientific format will be discussed and extensive feedback given on submitted work. Relevant posters are displayed and discussed at every practical sessions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
05. Identify the common plants of the box-ironbark forest.
- Activities:
- Excursions during practical periods to the local bushland will allow students to become familiar with the local flora.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
06. Preserve, display and identify plant material for a weed collection.
- Activities:
- Examples of weed collections are displayed and discussed. Various perspectives of 'what is a weed?' will be incorporated in lectures.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Bendigo, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
Six 3.0 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 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* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four practical reports (equivalent to 1,600 words) including one poster | 30 | 03, 04, 05 | |
| One weed collection including 20 pressed specimens (equivalent to 800 words) | 20 | 06 | |
| One 2-hour examination | 50 | 01, 02, 03 |