This course takes an evolutionary approach to the systematics and diversity of plants. It starts with a practical approach to collecting, identifying and classifying plants, culminating in a three-day trip to develop skills in the field. Multi-media identification tools will be introduced and used throughout the semester. The structure and variation of plants will be explored through the many levels of diversity: geographic patterns among populations, the critical step of speciation among species within genera, and within and among families. Finally, the evolution of the major groups of plants and fungi will be studied, from the invasion of land to the explosive radiation of angiosperms, as well as the causes of these major events.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Collect, preserve and identify herbarium specimens, and to examine, describe and illustrate plants
2. Apply practical plant taxonomic skills in the laboratory, glasshouse and field
3. Find and interpret taxonomic literature and access and use the plant collections in a herbarium
4. Understand plant structure relevant to classification, its diversity and evolution
5.  Integrate and apply the principles of plant classification into making a basic taxonomic treatment of a group of plants

Assessment will be based on:

• Four practical reports (20%; LO 1, 2, 4)
• Theory exam (40%; LO 3, 4, 5)
• Plant collection and descriptions (40%; LO 1, 2, 3, 5)

Two lectures per week, nine practicals of three hours each and a field trip to Jervis Bay field station over one weekend. Non-contact time: plant collection approx 30 hrs; practical reports 2 hrs each.

BIOL1009