Forest Botany and Ecology

Subject 220-160 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - 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: Thirty hours of lectures and 30 hours of practical work
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Mr Ron Hateley
Subject Overview:

This subject introduces ecological concepts and the importance of ecological balance in forest management. On completion of this subject, students should:

  • understand basic plant structure, the terms used to identify trees and be able to identify common tree species;

  • be familiar with plant classification and systems used to classify plants;

  • understand the fundamentals of tree growth and forest structure;

  • be familiar with the principle of niche theory, inter and intra-specific competition, diversity and species richness; and

  • have an appreciation of the processes influencing community diversity and structure and ecosystem stability.

This subject covers:

  • basic plant structure, classification, taxonomy and identification;

  • functional relationships, trophic levels, microenvironment, adaptation, habitat and niche;

  • limiting factors, variability and diversity of forest populations, spacing, territoriality and social hierarchies;

  • population growth and development of forest stands;

  • community structure and species composition, interaction within the community and the external environment; and

  • community change, succession and ecosystem stability and response to manipulation.
Assessment: A 2-hour examination worth 40% and up to five practical exercises totalling 60%.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available
Related Course(s): Associate Degree in Forestry Management

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