env3api animal plant interactions
ANIMAL-PLANT INTERACTIONS
ENV3API
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Interactions between different species are fundamental to agriculture, forestry and natural resource management. Interactions between animals and plants have driven much of the diversity in species apparent today but have ancient origins that influence biotic responses to change. This subject will introduce students to the patterns and processes underlying herbivory, pollination and other mutualisms between plants and animals (vertebrate and invertebrate) with an emphasis on phenomena affecting production and sustainability in the modern era (or Anthropocene).
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorMartin Steinbauer
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites BIO2POS and one of (ZOO2FE or BOT2PDE or WCB2IC)
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Insect-Plant Biology. Second Edition | Recommended | Louis M. Schoonhoven, Joop J.A. van Loon & Marcel Dicke (2012) | Oxford University Press |
| Readings | Plant-Animal Communication | Recommended | H. Martin Schaefer & Graeme D. Ruxton (2011) | Oxford University Press |
| Readings | Pollination and Floral Ecology | Recommended | P. Willmer (2011) | Princeton University Press |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Define and utilise discipline-specific key terms associated with animal-plant interactions, specifically in the areas of herbivory, pollination and seed-dispersal - reinforced through group discussions of scientific literature.
- Activities:
- Group discussions, mini lit review & poster
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Demonstrate writing ability and oral communication at a level that is consistent for the task and Faculty standards, and that uses correct grammar and terminology to summarise and communicate coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences, such as peers and scientific community.
- Activities:
- Mini lit review & prac report
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
03. Perform statistical analysis, consolidation and synthesis of data collected from scientific experiments, as well as interpretation of scientific data and journal articles to make evidence based conclusions consistent with Faculty/discipline standards - practical components, undertaken with guidance of lab demonstrators.
- Activities:
- Practical & prac report
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,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)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment size160
Enrolment information Quota due to limited capacity of wet laboratory. Merit based on academic performance in BIO2POS and at least one of the following subjects: ZOO2FE or BOT2PDE or WCB2IC.
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMartin Steinbauer
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours practical per week on weekdays from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster (groups of 4 to 5 students) | 15 | 01, 02 | |
| Project/prac report (1000 words, individual) | 25 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Exam (2 hr, 2000 words) | 40 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Mini lit review. (750 words, individual) | Topic of review of student's own choosing but relevant to animal-plant interactions in agriculture, forestry or natural resource management. | 20 | 01, 02 |