Marine Botany (BOTA30001)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2024

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Overview

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(An enrolment quota of 30 students applies to this subject)

This subject will introduce students to the biology of marine and estuarine plants (seaweeds, seagrasses and phytoplankton). Fieldwork focuses on the identification, diversity and ecology of Australia's unique marine flora. Topics to be covered include:

  • biodiversity and evolution
  • structure, life history and classification
  • distribution and ecology
  • human impacts and commercial uses
  • gain, spread and loss of photosynthesis in protists
  • role of phytoplankton in the marine environment

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • Describe and explain the biology, diversity and evolution of Australian marine plants and protists; the unique nature of the Australian seaweed flora; the role of algae in marine ecosystems; the diverse cell biology of marine protists; and current themes in algal research;
  • Demonstrate practical skills in identifying common seaweeds and marine protists, and in processing, preserving and culturing marine plants and plankton;
  • Exercise independent critical thought and rational enquiry;
  • Analyse and evaluate technical literature;
  • Operate as part of a team to perform scientific tasks and interpret scientific data.

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students should be capable of:

  • Independent critical thought and rational enquiry;
  • Reading and interpreting technical literature;
  • Working as a team to perform scientific tasks.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

25 credit points in a Level 1 biology subjects

AND

50 credit points in a Level 2 biological sciences subjects

OR

Equivalent

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
EVSC20004 Blue Planet - Intro to Marine Biology
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

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, laboratory work, and fieldwork activities. 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

DescriptionTimingPercentage

One mid-subject test

  • 200 words
Mid-way through the intensive teaching period 5%

One 15-minute group research project presentation due on the last day of class

  • 15 minutes
End of the teaching period15%

Collection, preservation and identification of 6-10 seaweed specimens

Throughout the teaching period10%

One 1.5-hour laboratory examination, taken ca. 1 week after the intensive teaching period

  • 1 hours
1 Weeks after the end of teaching35%

One 1.5-hr written examination, taken ca. 1 week after the intensive teaching period

  • 1 hours
1 Weeks after the end of teaching35%

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

Not available in 2024

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment: 170 hours

Additional delivery details

An enrolment quota of 30 students applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, enrolment deadlines and selection preferences, refer to the Faculty of Science website: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-bsc-continuing/quota-subjects

Intensive subject taught partially at Parkville campus, partially in the field in Queenscliff (Victoria).

Students need to arrange their own accommodation in Queenscliff and transportation to and from field sites for the duration of the field component of the course. The LMS subject pages are a forum for students to make arrangements to share accommodation and cars.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and field activities. Students must be physically capable of undertaking outdoor field work and walk on rough terrain (rocky coast).

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025