James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2017

BZ3615 - Plant Survival in a Land of Fire, Flood and Drought

Credit points: 03
Year: 2017
Student Contribution Band: Band 2
Administered by: College of Science and Engineering

We explore the origins of the Australian flora and the strategies that allow plants to survive and proliferate in variable and unpredictable Australian environments. We examine how climate has changed and plants have adjusted during the northward drifting of Australia. Knowledge of plant survival strategies, in particular the responses of plants to drought and fire, is used to provide a framework for assessing the resilience and vulnerability of our living flora to changing climate. Practical skills in this subject will be provided in field-based learning activities 'out bush', where we will quantify ecological, reproductive and physiological survival strategies.

Learning Outcomes

Assumed
Knowledge:
Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of level 2 science, and a fundamental understanding of whole organism-environment interactions.
Prerequisites:Any level 2 or above BZ, EV or EA subject, or equivalent.
Inadmissible
Subject
Combinations:
BT3010 BT5010 BZ5615

Availabilities

Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 23-Mar-2017
Coordinator: Professor Joseph Holtum
Contact hours:
  • 22 hours lectures
  • 3 hours tutorials
  • 6 days fieldwork
Assessment:other exams (50%); (50%).

Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 23-Mar-2017
Coordinator: Professor Joseph Holtum
Contact hours:
  • 22 hours lectures
  • 3 hours tutorials
  • 6 days fieldwork
Assessment:other exams (50%); (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.