ContemporaryPlantProduction&Establishmt

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Nil (Subject is taken by students who have graduated from a non-cognate program).

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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/. Email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

This subject examines the landscape horticulture industry from plant production to plant use in the landscape. Basic categories of vegetation use in urban landscapes and of the plant propagation and production systems used in their multiplication. Pre-planting site evaluation (with specific reference to the properties of urban soils and their impact on vegetation performance), plant establishment, plant handling and transplanting and the basic plant maintenance processes required for landscape management.

At the conclusion of this subject the student should be able to demonstrate an undertstanding of plant production systems and their application, demonstate an understanding of plant propagation methods and conduct plant propagation protocols, analyse planting sites and outline the requirements for successful plant establishment at that site, perform the skills involved in plant handling and transplanting.

Upon completion of this subject you will:

• be able to demonstrate an undertstanding of plant production systems and their application
• demonstrate an understanding of plant propagation methods and correct plant propogation protocols
• be capable of assessing planting sites
• be able to outline the requirements for successful plant establishment
• perform the skills involved in plant handling and transplanting.

A 90 minute final examination 40% (due end of semester), two practical reports, each equivalent to 1000 words 15% each (due during semester) and a 1500 word essay 30% (due during semester).

Reading material to support the subject will be made available through the Learning Management System.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

As a result of attendance at scheduled classes, participation in planned activities, and timely completion of assignments, students completing this subject should acquire skills in the following areas:

• a sound understanding of the theory of modern plant production and establishment techniques
• the capacity to apply this theory in the conduct of practical research projects
• an aptitude for interpreting research results and using this information, with appropriate recognition, in reporting simple experiments
• scientific report writing