Plant Evolution (BOTA30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject will introduce the general principles and modern methods of plant evolutionary biology: how to discover the phylogeny (relationships) of organisms using both morphological characters and molecular (DNA) data; how to use this information to improve the classification systems of plants; how to study aspects of evolution, coevolution and historical biogeography; and how to integrate information from living and fossil plants to discover the past and date evolutionary events. Examples of the diversity and evolution of Australian plants - both fossil and living forms - will be used throughout this subject. Topics will include:

  • discovering plant relationships phylogenetic systematics;
  • evolution of vascular plants, especially flowering plants;
  • fossil history of land plants;
  • historical biogeography and evolution of Australian flora.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of the subject, students should:



  • have a knowledge of modern methods of phylogenetic systematics, including the application of morphological and molecular data
  • have skills in analysing systematic data, including the use of computer interactive programs;
  • understand how to infer evolutionary and biogeographic patterns;
  • have a knowledge of the evolution and diversity of Australian flora.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BOTA20002 Plant Biodiversity
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BOTA20004 Flora of Victoria
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in practical work. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Assessment

Additional details

A 2000 word practical report (20%) due during the semester; a 15-minute oral presentation and 1000 word written report (20%) at the end of semester; a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (60%).

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorMike Bayly
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 x one hour lectures per week, 36 hours practical work during the semester, one-day excursion
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017
    Census date31 August 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2017
    Assessment period ends17 November 2017

    Semester 2 contact information

    mbayly@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    None

  • Subject notes

    This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.

    Previously known as 606-303 Systematics of Plants and Fungi (prior to 2008)

    Previously known as Botany Systematics and Evolution (prior to 2005)

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Informal specialisationBotany
    MajorGenetics
    MajorGenetics
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
    Informal specialisationSelective subjects for B-BMED
    MajorPlant Science
    MajorBotany
    Informal specialisationBotany
    MajorEcology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 14 March 2025