ENVS2005
10 units
2000 level
Course handbook
Description
Australia’s unique and diverse flora is not only fascinating, but provides many ecosystem services upon which humans and native fauna depend. A key global and societal challenge is finding ways to manage and maintain floristic diversity in the face of population growth and land-use change. ENVS2005 explores a range of plant ecosystems and communities, focusing in particular on Australia's flora. A number of real-world problems in vegetation management will be examined via lectures, whilst hands-on laboratory and fieldwork exercises in plant identification and vegetation assessment will equip students with the knowledge and skills for entry into biodiversity management careers.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the major vegetation types in Australia and explain the key adaptive features relevant to their distribution and management;
2. Explain the key biological processes that influence the dynamics and management of plant populations;
3. Explain the current issues in vegetation degradation and the key strategies to identify and manage them;
4. Recognise, name, label and describe the main botanical features of key Australian plant families and genera;
5. Identify plants, assess vegetation and acquire other site-specific information relevant to environmental decision-making;
6. Apply theoretical knowledge and communicate ideas in written form.
Content
1. Major Australian plant families and conventions in classifying, naming and identifying plants.
2. Main features of vegetation types in Australia, their distribution and relationship with the environment.
3. Key adaptive features of plants relevant to their distribution and management.
4. Key biological processes that influence the dynamics and management of plant populations.
5. Methods to assess vegetation, its condition and conservation value.
6. Current issues in vegetation degradation.
7. Key strategies to manage vegetation and floral biodiversity.
Requisite
This course replaces EMGT2040. If you have successfully completed EMGT2040 you cannot enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
BIOL1001 or BIOL1002, AND BIOL1003 (Callaghan students) BIOL1040 and BIOL1070 (or BIOL1050) (Ourimbah students)
Assessment items
Online Open Book Formal Examination: Examination: Formal
Report: Laboratory Quizzes
Written Assignment: Written Assignment
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Field Study-1
- Face to Face On Campus 6 hour(s) per term
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
- Lectures also offered by Panopto
Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Field Study-1
- Face to Face On Campus 6 hour(s) per term
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
- Lectures also offered by Panopto
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.