Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL307
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
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What drives evolution in plant populations? How do ecological and genetic factors shape the evolution of plant functional traits? In this unit you will explore the evolutionary and demographic processes that influence plant populations.
This unit equips you with knowledge and skills to apply to the complex ecology problems you may encounter in practice in a range of environmental, life and animal science settings. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of theoretical principles, methodology and practical applications of studying plant populations.
Topics explored include special features of plant populations, plant breeding systems, seed production and dispersal, seed dormancy and seed banks, seed germination and seedling recruitment, asexual reproduction. You will also examine population dynamics, competition and density dependency, and evolution of plant life histories.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 2 days | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
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Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of how population theory can be applied to the study of plant populations and communicate this information to others using verbal and written formats;
- analyse and evaluate the role of ecological and genetic factors in shaping the evolution of plant life histories;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge through implementing appropriate methodologies for studying plant populations;
- critically analyse scientific research in this field; and
- demonstrate professional research and report writing skills.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Consultancy Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
Practical Workbook | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Quizzes | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Two (2) quizzes |
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 Plant Population Biology
ISBN: 9780632049912
Silvertown, J. and Charlesworth, D., Wiley 4th ed. 2001
Text refers to: All offerings
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