Botany
Dr Paul Bailey
12 points * Four 1-hour lectures and one 6-hour practical or equivalent project work per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: Minimum of at least sixteen points at second-year level from subjects offered by the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology or permission of the head of the department
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will understand the basic principles underlying the particular field of study; appreciate some of the important current trends in research in the field; develop a critical, analytical approach to scientific research; develop practical skills required for making observations (including field work) and experiments using relevant plant material; develop skills in data evaluation and presentation; develop skills in writing scientific reports; gain experience in oral presentation of scientific information.
Synopsis This subject consists of any two of three units `Research methods in biology', `Marine botany' and `Plant eco-physiology'. `Research methods in biology' (prerequisite BIO2011) deals with the philosophy of science, writing and assessing scientific papers and reports, and the analysis and interpretation of biological data with particular emphasis on the design and analysis of experiments. Students intending to take honours (BIO4000) are expected to enrol in this unit. The `Marine botany' unit focuses on the biology of algae and gives special emphasis to the ecology of marine plants, algal physiology, and algal biotechnology including techniques for tissue culture and genetic engineering. There will be a five-day marine botany program held at the Queenscliff marine station during orientation week. `Plant eco-physiology' (recommended BOT2031) deals with the ways in which environment determines plant form and distribution, and offers a detailed treatment of the mechanisms underlying plant responses to the environment, stress tolerance, drought, salinity, flower induction and plant hormones.
Assessment Examinations (5 hours): 60% * Practical work/fieldwork: 40%
Recommended texts
Anderson J W and Beardall J Molecular activities of plant cells Blackwell, 1991
Clayton M N and King R J Biology of marine plants Longman Cheshire, 1990
Dring M R The biology of marine plants Edward Arnold, 1982
Salisbury F B and Ross C W Plant physiology 4th edn, Wadsworth, 1992
or
Taiz L and Zeiger E Plant physiology Benjamin-Cummings, 1991
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