Key facts
UNE unit code: BOTY370
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Cryptogams include far more than mushrooms and mosses. They span a wide range of land plant and fungal diversity, including lichens. Often overlooked in favour of flowering plants, cryptogams are highly diverse and occur all over the world, including throughout Australia where many fascinating cryptogams have unique and important ecological roles.
In this unit, you learn to identify cryptogams using identification keys and other modern diagnostic tools, while building your understanding of their biology. You explore how cryptogams function in ecosystems, how they interact with other organisms, and the ways some species can also be detrimental to native ecosystems and agricultural systems.
Through practical exercises, you develop confidence in collecting and identifying cryptogams and in integrating technical methods with the underlying theory.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school is mandatory for online students. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
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:
- identify cryptogams using keys and modern diagnostic tools to species level, recognising diagnostic characters;
- explain cryptogam biology, diversity, and ecological roles in ecosystem processes, taxonomic ethics, interpretation of phylogenies and the species naming process;
- conduct fieldwork and specimen preparation to herbarium standards with complete metadata documentation;
- interpret and analyse morphological characters, phylogenies and published literature as a basis for published taxonomic descriptions; and
- communicate specialist knowledge through written work and scientific documentation.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Assessment - Assurance Task, Herbarium Collection - Assurance Task, and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Herbarium Collection - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Make collections of cryptogams during the intensive school. Prepare those specimens and curate them into a small cryptogam herbarium to be submitted to the Beadle Herbarium for assessment. No. Words: 1500 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Assessment - Assurance Task, Herbarium Collection - Assurance Task, and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online Quizzes | Yes | 15% | All offerings | A series of online quizzes.
|
| Practical Assessment - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Identification quiz at the end of the intensive school. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Assessment - Assurance Task, Herbarium Collection - Assurance Task, and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Taxonomic Description | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Write a formal description of a cryptogam species in a style that would allow it to be included in a taxonomic treatment. |
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 Bryophytes
ISBN: 9780511738951
Vanderpoorten, A., & Goffinet, B. , Cambridge University Press. 2009
Text refers to: All offerings
Fungi for Land - a guide for land managers
ISBN: 9781760803223
McMullan-Fisher SJM and Hart R , UWA Publishing 1st 2026
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
