Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL307
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
What drives survival in plant populations? How do ecological and genetic factors shape the evolution of plant functional traits? In this unit, you explore the evolutionary and demographic processes that influence plant populations, and use these insights to interpret how populations respond to change.
You build knowledge and capabilities to apply to the complex ecology problems you may encounter in practice across environmental, life and animal science settings. You also develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical principles and approaches used to investigate plant populations, connecting concepts to real-world applications.
You examine the special features of plant populations, such as plant reproduction, and how they operate in varied management contexts. Key topics include population dynamics, competition, life history evolution, and threatening processes including invasive species. You also explore how community diversity and facilitation drive ecosystem structure and function.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
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)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- explain how population theory and models can be applied to the study of plant populations;
- analyse and evaluate the roles of ecological and genetic factors in shaping the evolution of plant life histories and how these contribute to plant survival;
- evaluate the implications of plant functional traits for investigating and managing plant populations;
- interpret and analyse scientific research in field of plant population ecology by interpreting data and making recommendations for scientific investigations; and
- accurately communicate plant population ecology using biological terminology and scientific conventions across written and oral media.
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.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultancy Report | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Consultancy Report. No. Words: 1000 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 35% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Oral Assessment - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Consultant interview on population. Duration: approximately 20 minutes The oral assessment will be offered face-to-face or online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Oral Assessment – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical Workbook | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Introduction to Plant Population Biology
ISBN: 9781444311150
Silvertown, J. and Charlesworth, D., Wiley 4th ed. 2001
Text refers to: All offerings
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