Vegetation Management and Conservation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

At least 75 points of second year level subjects, at least 50 points of which are from subjects from a Science or Environments degree

None

Basics of plant biology and identification:

Basic ecology:

None

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 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/

This subject provides a detailed knowledge of vegetation structure and natural values of Victorian plant communities and their assessment, including environmental limiting factors, threats due to land use, development and fragmentation, and management issues related to environmental impact assessment and conservation of native vegetation. The subject will be based around short excursions to examine different vegetation types in the Melbourne region, and a series of special lectures by scientists, managers and consultants from both the government and private sectors. Topics will include:

• ecology and natural history of Victorian plant communities;

• environmental impacts and vegetation assessment;

• conservation and management issues (e.g. revegetation, rare species, faunal habitat, weed invasions);

• biodiversity legislation and government agencies;

• consulting services and client focus.

At the completion of the subject students should be able to:

• determine the structure, composition and significance of Victorian native plant communities;

• develop an vegetation assessment and management plan;

• understand the legislative requirements and governmental structure for managing native vegetation in Victoria.

Four written reports on practical work due during the semester (70% total) - these reports may vary in size (between 500 and 2000 words) and comparative weighting; a take home assignment of up to 2000 words plus supporting data as appendices (e.g. maps. species lists/data sheets, etc) in the examination period (30%).

None

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.

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.