Marine Botany

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment of 80 hours

25 points of first year level biology subjects plus 50 points of second year level biological sciences subjects or equivalent.

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For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in practical work, laboratory work and fieldwork activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

(An enrolment quota of 30 students applies to this subject)

This subject will introduce students to the biology of marine and estuarine plants (seaweeds, seagrasses and phytoplankton). Fieldwork focuses on the identification, diversity and ecology of Australia's unique marine flora. Topics to be covered include:

• biodiversity and evolution
• structure, life history and classification
• distribution and ecology
• human impacts and commercial uses
• gain, spread and loss of photosynthesis in protists
• role of phytoplankton in the marine environment

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

• the biology, diversity and evolution of Australian marine plants and protists
• the unique nature of the Australian seaweed flora
• the role of algae in marine ecosystems
• practical skills in identifying common seaweeds and marine protists
• practical skills in processing, preserving and culturing marine plants and plankton
• the diverse cell biology of marine protists
• current themes in algal research

One 20-minute mid-subject progression test, taken mid-way through the teaching period (5%);

One 15-minute group research project presentation due on the last day of class (15%);

Collection and preservation of 6 to 10 seaweed specimen throughout the teaching period (10%);

One 2-hour laboratory examination, taken at the end of the teaching period (30%); and

One 2-hour written examination, taken at the end of the teaching period (40%).

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This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Upon completion of this subject, students should be capable of:

• Independent critical thought and rational enquiry
• Reading and interpreting technical literature
• Working as a team to perform scientific tasks

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.