Key facts
UNE unit code: BOTY390
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In this unit, you build the real-world skillsets that botanists and ecologists rely on when plant identification needs to be accurate, defensible and efficient. You learn to recognise important Australian plant groups through field recognition features and diagnostic characters, then apply integrated knowledge of plant morphology, ecology and field techniques to identify and survey plants in practical settings.
You gain hands-on field experience across multiple days, focusing on plant identification and survey work using vegetative characters and identification keys. You also synthesise information from multiple sources, including identification keys, relevant literature and your own plant survey results, to support clear and justified conclusions. Throughout the unit, you strengthen your ability to communicate botanical findings in written and verbal formats using scientific conventions, and respond to questions with reasoned explanations—preparing you for future research or plant-related careers in conservation, research and environmental assessment.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 6 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | There will be a 6-day mandatory intensive school with 5 days spent at a remote field camp and the last day spent on UNE campus completing a Plant Identification test. The off-campus Intensive School may incur additional expenses, for further information please contact the unit coordinator. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
There will be a 6-day mandatory intensive school with 5 days spent at a remote field camp and the last day spent on UNE campus completing a Plant Identification test.
The off-campus Intensive School may incur additional expenses, for further information please contact the unit coordinator.
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:
- demonstrate the field recognition features and diagnostic characters of important Australian plant groups;
- apply an integrated knowledge of plant morphology, ecology and field techniques to identify and survey plants;
- synthesise information from a range of sources, including keys, literature and plant survey results; and
- effectively communicate in written and verbal form using scientific conventions and respond to questions with reasoned explanations.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. Words: 800 |
| Oral Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Consultant style oral presentation entailing a summary of the field survey report to a client and includes a Question and Answer. Approximately 10 minutes. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Oral Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Presentation and Q&A. Approximately 10 minutes. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Plant Identification Test - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | The plant Identification test will be conducted face-to-face during the intensive school. No. Words: equivalent to 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Report | Yes | 15% | 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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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