env3api animal plant interactions

ANIMAL-PLANT INTERACTIONS

ENV3API

2019

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 primary production and environmental sustainability.

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 ZOO2FE or BOT2PDE or WCB2IC

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsInsect-Plant Biology. Second EditionRecommendedLouis M. Schoonhoven, Joop J.A. van Loon & Marcel Dicke (2012)Oxford University Press
ReadingsPlant-Animal CommunicationRecommendedH. Martin Schaefer & Graeme D. Ruxton (2011)Oxford University Press
ReadingsPollination and Floral EcologyRecommendedP. 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, host specificity, plant defence/resistance, pollination and seed-dispersal - reinforced through group discussions of scientific literature.

Activities:
Group discussions, mini lit review, poster & exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
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, scientific community, employers and the general public.

Activities:
Mini lit review, prac report & exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)

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,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural 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)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Appreciate and be able to explain broader context of subject, e.g. with respect to protecting natural heritage of Australian ecosystems, managing invasive species, sustainable use of renewable natural resources and reduced reliance on pesticides in agriculture.

Activities:
Lectures, prac classes, Mini lit review, prac report.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural 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)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2019, 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 elementComments%ILO*
Poster (250 words per student in groups of 4 to 5 students)1501, 02, 04
Project/prac report (1000 words, individual)2501, 02, 03, 04
Exam (2 hr, 2000 words)4001, 02, 03, 04
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.2001, 02, 04