BIO2103

Field methods in botany ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Patrick Baker

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: This unit will be held at Clayton-campus and a field station (to be advised). The unit 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 unit. The unit 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.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will understand, and have used, a range of sampling methods available to survey vegetation, and some methods of analysis of floristic data. They will achieve a knowledge of plant identification principles and the characteristics of the major Australian plant families, and be familiar with both traditional and computer-based identification keys. They will know how to measure the major environmental parameters relevant to plant performance under field conditions, and how to measure plant performance.

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