Marine Botany

Subject 606-302 (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: 25.000
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: 100 hours during late November and early December, including 34 lectures, 45 hours of practical classes and 21 hours of fieldwork
Total Time Commitment: 240 hours
Prerequisites: Botany 606-203 or permission of the coordinator.
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 R Wetherbee
Subject Overview:

This subject will introduce students to identifying and classifying micro- and macroalgae from marine and freshwater habitats; identifying and characterising algal pigments; and the use of light and electron microscopes for studying microalgae. Fieldwork along the Victorian coast will focus on the identification and ecology of Australia's unique seaweed flora. Topics to be covered include:

  • the biology and diversity of algal protists;

  • the evolution and phylogeny of protists;

  • algal structure, taxonomy and classification;

  • algal reproduction and life histories;

  • endosymbiosis and the origin of algal chloroplasts;

  • distribution and ecology of aquatic plants;

  • aquatic environments and global ecology; and

  • the commercial utilisation of marine algal products.

At the completion of the subject, students should have developed an understanding of:

  • the biology and diversity of algal protists;

  • algal reproduction and significance of their life history strategies;

  • the origin and phylogenetic significance of algal chloroplasts and pigments;

  • practical skills in identifying the major groups of marine and freshwater algae;

  • the biology of toxic algae and their impact;

  • practical skills in light and electron microscopy of algal protists;

  • the unique nature of the Australian seaweed flora; and

  • current themes in algal research.
Assessment: Two 2-hour laboratory examinations held during the semester (25% each); a 3-hour written examination at the conclusion of the subject (50%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes: Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science

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