Plant Evolution (BOTA30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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 be able to:
- Describe key evolutionary processes in plants;
- Explain and apply principles used to infer the evolutionary history of plants from morphological and genomic data;
- Analyse morphological and genomic data using phylogenetic methods;
- Interpret the results of evolutionary studies and evaluate their implications for plant classification, historical biogeography or character evolution;
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the Australian flora and major Australian biomes and evaluate evidence for their evolutionary history.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- ability to access, read and interpret relevant works from the primary scientific literature
- ability to communicate scientific concepts and data in written and oral form
- experience in relevant field and laboratory work, including working in groups
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
Non-allowed subjects
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
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Practical Report
| Due in Week 7-8 | 25% |
Two quizzes based on work in practical classes (one in weeks 4 -6, and one in weeks 9-10)
| From Week 4 to Week 10 | 5% |
Individual oral presentation on a relevant journal article
| Week 12 | 15% |
Written Examination
| During the examination period | 55% |
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Jo Birch Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 68 hours: 2 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x 3-hour practical class per week, one-day excursion on weekend (typically at end of week 1). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 14 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Botany Major Genetics Informal specialisation Plant Science Major Genetics Major Plant Science Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Plant Science Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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
Last updated: 14 March 2025