BIOL6003 Australian Plant Diversity
| Offered By | Biology Teaching and Learning |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Biology |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2010 and First Semester, 2011 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
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. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately |
| Learning Outcomes |
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 plants2. 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 6. Integrate concepts of plant evolution and speciation into an understanding of how organisms are classified in a phylogenetic framework |
| Indicative Assessment |
Assessment will be based on:
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| Workload |
Two lectures per week, nine practicals of three hours each and a field trip to Jervis Bay field station over one weekend.Non-contact: plant collection approx 30 hrs; practical reports 2 hrs each; essay 10-20 hrs. |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation. |
| Eligibility |
Requires Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological science with relevant experience or academic achievement. First year Biology, first year Genetics and first year Statistics are recommended. First year Chemistry is desirable. |
| Academic Contact | Prof Mike Crisp |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.
