Functional Tree Biology

Subject 220-408 (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: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - 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

Regular teaching mode at the Creswick Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48 hours of lectures, practical work and tutorials
Total Time Commitment: 96 hours
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

Dr M Tausz & Dr S Arndt
Subject Overview:

This subject will provide a broad understanding of functional tree biology. Modern forest science, ecology and management relies on tools and models based on functional parameters of trees, e. g. in forest growth modelling, estimating water use by forests, assessing risks by environmental extremes, quantifying carbon sequestration by forests etc. Masters level forest scientists are expected to adequately and critically interpret such scenarios and outputs, a task that can only be achieved by the fundamental understanding of how the main forest resource - trees - work.

By the end of the subject students should:

  • Understand the structure of trees in relation to associated functional aspects (growth, wood formation, water and nutrient uptake, environmental interactions)
  • Have a good knowledge of the fundamental processes of tree life and primary production - photosynthesis, respiration, nutrition;
  • Understand water relations and water use of trees;
  • Have a broad knowledge of primary and secondary metabolism of trees;
  • Understand principles of tree-environment interactions (ecophysiology);
  • Understand strategies used by trees to withstand adverse environmental conditions (stress physiology);
  • Have an overview of methods to measure the life functions of trees;
  • Be able to critically evaluate the use of tree physiological characteristics in models and scenarios;

Recognise the importance of trees in ecosystems in general and value the inherent beauty of trees as an organism.

Assessment: One assignment of 3,000 words (60%) and one two-hour examination (40%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: Lambers, H. (1998) Plant Physiological Ecology. Springer, New York.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://www.forests.unimelb.edu.au/subjects.html

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