BIO2103

Field Methods in Botany (6 points)

(SCI)

Leader: Dr Alistair Hamilton

Offered:
Clayton SC 2003 (Day)
Clayton SC 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit will be held at Clayton-campus and a field station (to be advised). The course focuses on modern methods used by field botanists to study vegetation patterns as part of ecological studies. It includes discussion of a wide range of sampling methods used to survey vegetation and an introduction to some methods of floristic data analysis. Plant identification is a major component of the practical course. The course also includes an introduction to measurement of relevant environmental data, including soil description and analysis and to field-based ecophysiology. Each topic will be placed in the context of plant and vegetation responses to environmental factors.

Assessment: Field project: 40% + Practical reports: 30% + Herbarium collection: 20% + Quiz: 10%

Contact Hours: 2 weeks in November-December

Prerequisites: 12 points of BIO or BOT units (any level)

Prohibitions: BIO3103