Flora of Victoria

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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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.

This subject is designed for students wishing to take a summer course, and who are interested in the biology of native plants and plant communities and environments in Victoria. It is suited to students studying environmental science or environmental studies.

Topics covered include:

• biogeographic regions of Victoria: climate, landforms, geology, soils and vegetation types;
• biology of Victorian plants: intraspecific variation and adaptation to local conditions, ecotypes and clines, mallee plants, coastal plants, alpine plants;
• conservation and threats to the Victorian flora: weeds, diseases, pests, fire, extinctions.

At the completion of this subject, students should:

• have an understanding of the biogeography and biology of the Victorian flora;
• develop skills in identification of Victoria's plants; and
• appreciate the evolutionary history of, conservation value of and threats to Victoria's ecosystems.

Written assignments of 1500 words total due during the subject (10%); written assignment of 3000 words due at the start of Semester 1 (25%); a 2-hour written examination in the summer semester examination period (65%).

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• This subject should provide you with knowledge of the diversity and biology of the Victorian Flora, especially the vascular, flowering plants. It is presented in the context of understanding the natural regions and evolutionary history of Victoria.
• You should gain generic skills in identifying flowering plant families and genera by the use of identification tools, including both written keys and computer-based interactive keys.
• You should develop your observation skills and knowledge of plant structures.
• Through reports you should enhance your written presentation skills and abilities to interpret literature.
• Through field excursions you should learn to observe and describe vegetation patterns, and develop skills to enable you to discover more about the flora yourself.