Key facts

UNE unit code: ECOL307

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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What drives evolution in plant populations? How do ecological and genetic factors shape the evolution of plant functional traits? In this unit you will explore the evolutionary and demographic processes that influence plant populations.

This unit equips you with knowledge and skills to apply to the complex ecology problems you may encounter in practice in a range of environmental, life and animal science settings. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of theoretical principles, methodology and practical applications of studying plant populations.

Topics explored include special features of plant populations, plant breeding systems, seed production and dispersal, seed dormancy and seed banks, seed germination and seedling recruitment, asexual reproduction. You will also examine population dynamics, competition and density dependency, and evolution of plant life histories.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
19 April 202420 April 20242 daysNon-Mandatory Intensive SchoolAll offeringsDates to be advised.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
ECOL203 or ECOL210 or candidature in a postgraduate award in the School of Environmental and Rural Science or School of Science and Technology
Restrictions
ECOL507

Notes

The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Boyd Wright
Boyd WrightLecturer in Botany, Fire Ecology - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of how population theory can be applied to the study of plant populations and communicate this information to others using verbal and written formats;
  2. analyse and evaluate the role of ecological and genetic factors in shaping the evolution of plant life histories;
  3. demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge through implementing appropriate methodologies for studying plant populations;
  4. critically analyse scientific research in this field; and
  5. demonstrate professional research and report writing skills.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Consultancy ReportYes30%All offerings

No. Words: 2500

Practical WorkbookYes40%All offerings

No. Words: 1000

QuizzesYes30%All offerings

Two (2) quizzes

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Introduction to Plant Population Biology

ISBN: 9780632049912

Silvertown, J. and Charlesworth, D., Wiley 4th ed. 2001

Text refers to: All offerings

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