GES2170

Biogeography - the status of Australian vegetation

Professor Peter Kershaw

4 points
* 2.5 hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture plus a 2-hour practical in alternate weeks)
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in geography, or permission of the head of department

Objectives By completing this subject students should gain an understanding of the particular characteristics of Australian vegetation; an appreciation of timescales and their importance to processes of evolution, environmental change and vegetation succession; a firm basis for assessment of future conservation and management options for various vegetation types; and skills in vegetation survey and methods of data analysis and the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature.

Synopsis This subject presents a dynamic approach to the study of natural and society-modified vegetation. It includes an examination of the factors and processes which have contributed towards the origins, nature and distribution of Australian vegetation types, and an assessment of particular problems of land use and conservation. The practical side of the course is designed to provide familiarity with Australian vegetation and its analysis.

Assessment Written (1500 words): 30%
* Examination (1.5 hours): 40%
* Practical work/fieldwork: 30%

Recommended texts

Cox C B and Moore P D Biogeography: An ecological and evolutionary approach 5th edn, Blackwell, 1993
Groves R H (ed.) Australian vegetation 2nd edn, CUP, 1994
Hill R (ed.) History of the Australian vegetation: Cretaceous to recent CUP, 1994
Kirkpatrick J A continent transformed: Human impact on the natural vegetation of Australia OUP, 1994