HRT202 Plant Taxonomy and Systematics (8)

This subject provides an introduction to the classification, naming, identification and floral biology of plants. The taxonomy and reclassification of Australias two largest and iconic plant groups, the acacias and the eucalypts, are emphasised. Students will develop skills in preparing and curating herbarium specimens, and in identifying native and exotic species, using conventional and computer-based keys.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: HRT202. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Prerequisites

BIO100 or PSC102 or PSC103 or AGR130

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to use and apply the theoretical aspects of plant taxonomy; and
  • be able to accurately identify native and exotic species using various identification techniques.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The need for classification;
  • Types of classification;
  • History of plant taxonomy;
  • Botanical nomenclature;
  • Identification methods;
  • Key construction;
  • Eucalypt classification;
  • Floral biology;
  • Flowering plant and structure;
  • Floral diagrams and formulae;
  • Identification of native and exotic plants by use of dichotomous keys;
  • Use of multi-access keys;
  • Key construction; and
  • Computer assisted identification.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of HRT202 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Online activities
5
2
Characteristics herbarium
25
3
Identification test
10
4
Family recognition test
10
5
Acacia key
10
6
Final exam
40

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

Students will develop skills in:

  • preparing floral formulae;
  • using single access dichotomous keys (e.g. Flora of NSW);
  • using multi-access keys;
  • preparing their own keys; and
  • identifying eucalypts.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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