Flora of Victoria

Subject BOTA90005 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2013:

February, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 21 hours of lectures and 33 hours of practical work, including excursions full-time over two weeks: Monday 8th February to Thursday 18th February, 2010.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Mike Bayly

Contact

Email: mbayly@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is designed for students wishing to take a summer course, and who are interested in the biology of native plants and plant communities and environments in Victoria. It is suited to students studying environmental science or environmental studies.

Topics covered include:

  • biogeographic regions of Victoria: climate, landforms, geology, soils and vegetation types;
  • biology of Victorian plants: intraspecific variation and adaptation to local conditions, ecotypes and clines, mallee plants, coastal plants, alpine plants;
  • conservation and threats to the Victorian flora: weeds, diseases, pests, fire, extinctions.
Objectives:

At the completion of this subject, students should:

  • have an understanding of the biogeography and biology of the Victorian flora;
  • develop skills in identification of Victoria's plants; and
  • appreciate the evolutionary history of, conservation value of and threats to Victoria's ecosystems.
Assessment:

Written assignments of 1500 words total due during the subject (10%); written assignment of 3000 words due at the start of Semester 1 (25%); a 2-hour written examination in the summer semester examination period (65%).

Prescribed Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • This subject should provide you with knowledge of the diversity and biology of the Victorian Flora, especially the vascular, flowering plants. It is presented in the context of understanding the natural regions and evolutionary history of Victoria.
  • You should gain generic skills in identifying flowering plant families and genera by the use of identification tools, including both written keys and computer-based interactive keys.
  • You should develop your observation skills and knowledge of plant and fungi structures.
  • Through reports you should enhance your written presentation skills and abilities to interpret literature.
  • Through field excursions you should learn to observe and describe vegetation patterns, and develop skills to enable you to discover more about the flora yourself.
Related Course(s): Master of Urban Horticulture
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Botany
Conservation, Restoration and Landscape Management
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
Honours Program - Botany
Sustainable Forests

Download PDF version.