Outline

Overview

Australian native vegetation is a unique resource for diversity, ecosystem services, and public use. The objective of this unit is to provide a broad understanding of three major plant terrestrial ecosystems that are found across Australia: forests, heathlands and woodlands, and grasslands. While the focus will be on native plant systems in an Australian setting, their importance at a global level will also be discussed. You will develop an understanding of the characteristics of key plant ecosystems, including where they are found and their main ecophysiology features. Each of the ecosystems described has the potential to be affected (positively or negatively) by a range of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. They include fire, climate change (drought and heatwaves), changes in nutrient flows, and more broadly human-induced disturbances such as logging, mining, urban development and, agriculture. The impact of these disturbances along with mitigation via conservation and associated management changes will also be addressed. Finally, government policy around conservation and management of these ecosystems will be examined. At the completion of this unit you will have developed an understanding of the environmental and economic importance of forests, heathlands and woodlands, and grasslands, their vulnerability to a range of external factors, and the extent that these can be mitigated.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points of BIOL2X23 or BIOL2X30 or GEOS2X21 or BIOL2X09
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENSY3003 or ENSY3002
Assumed knowledge ?	Students should have a basic understanding of plant biology, plant ecology and/or plant physiology. Some background knowledge in mathematics and chemistry would be beneficial
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tina Bell, tina.bell@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew Merchant, andrew.merchant@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Malcolm Possell, malcolm.possell@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-class quiz	Quiz 1 Students will be tested on material presented in Weeks 1 and 2	10%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2025 at 11:00 Closing date: 21 Aug 2025	1 h, short answer	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 2 Students will be tested on material presented in Weeks 4 and 5	10%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2025 at 11:00 Closing date: 11 Sep 2025	1 h, short answer and multiple choice	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Field Report Report on field activities	20%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Oct 2025	1,000-1,200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Land Management Plan presentation Oral presentation of Group Land Management Plan developed in Weeks 3-13	10%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 11:00 Closing date: 30 Oct 2025	30 min presentation and question time	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Group Land Management Plan Written report detailing Group Land Management Plan developed in Weeks 3-13	35%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Nov 2025	3,000‐3,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Individual Land Management Plan Written report detailing theoretical/scientific basis of a component of a Land Management Plan	15%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Nov 2025	1,000-1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Academic honesty is expected at all times. Assessment tasks must be submitted as hard copy, via Canvas, or in class as directed. When assessments are submitted via Canvas they will be subject to checking for originality by Turnitin. This is in accordance with University policies around educational integrity. Also in accordance with University policy, you will receive a grade and timely feedback for each piece of work submitted. This will help you gauge your progress in learning and level of current understanding.

You are responsible for understanding the University policy regarding assessment and examination, which can be found at Assessments Procedures.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates an ability to independantly build knowledge from course material and develop policy and management plans in a multidisciplinary context. Is able to communicate and justify these ideas and perspectives to a high standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates an ability to build knowledge based upon course material and develop future management prescriptions in a multidisciplinary context.
Credit	65 - 74	Describes course material and is able to contextualise infromation to form opinions on future planning and management decisions.
Pass	50 - 64	Is able to describe course material as presented but demonstrates an inability to contextualise information or think independently.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

All assessment tasks have specified deadlines and marks will be deducted for late assignments at the rate of 5% per day. The daily penalty applies to regular working days, weekend days, and public holidays. If you are ill or have a valid reason to hand in an assignment late or feel that your overall performance may have been adversely affected, you may wish to apply for a Simple Extension or Special Consideration, depending on the type of assessment.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Vegetation classification and distribution	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Vegetation classification and distribution	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Vegetation classification and distribution	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Land Management Plans	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Analytical measures of vegetation	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Management of vegetation	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Analytical measures of vegetation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Analytical measures of vegetation	Workshop (2 hr)
	Land Management Plans	Workshop (2 hr)
	Vegetation analysis	Field trip (20 hr)
Week 07	Land Management Plans	Independent study (4 hr)
Week 08	Mount Annan Botanic Gardens	Field trip (8 hr)
Week 09	Management of vegetation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Management of vegetation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Management of vegetation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Land Management Plans	Workshop (4 hr)
Week 13	Land Management Plans	Independent study (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled lectures, workshops, and fieldwork activities as listed in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Please note that there will be a 2 to 3-day field trip to the south coast of NSW during which we will be visiting forested sites. It is important that you attend the briefing for this trip (Week 6) so that you bring clothing and footwear suitable for working in thick vegetation.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate sound knowledge of three major vegetation types in Australia – forests, heathlands, and grasslands
LO2. Communicate the importance of nutrient balances for productivity and plant diversity in Australian ecosystems
LO3. Explain the concept of ecosystem fluxes and how they can be quantified at a range of scales
LO4. Measure and analyse environmental variables and integrate these measures to describe ecosystem functioning
LO5. Review the range of ways that humans interact both positively and negatively with forests, heathlands, and grasslands
LO6. Plan management responses for a given vegetation type subjected to one or more natural and human-induced disturbances
LO7. Combine knowledge of climate and landscapes, the ecology of biota, land use management, and social and political constraints to evaluate current land management strategies and outcomes

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Thanks to everyone for their responses to the USS. Valuable feedback was provided, and we will consider all comments in the next reiteration of BIOL3004 in 2025. It was fantastic to read that so many students enjoyed the field trip. We were very impressed that everyone was able to join the trip. We worked hard to make it an academically useful and enjoyable experience. Many thanks for your participation! It is noted that carbon markets are important to learn about, and we will consider including this topic in the future. We endeavour to make students aware that the management of forests and forest resources are vastly different from grasslands (e.g., agriculturally focussed management) and heathlands/woodlands (e.g., smaller extent and biodiversity/conservation focused). It is noted that this was evident in the theory provided but the next step, the link to the assignments, could have been given more emphasis.

Additional information

Additional costs

There may be a nominal charge for the 3-day field trip (e.g., $50 per night) to partially cover costs of transport, food, and accommodation.

Work, health and safety

Details about work, health and safety requirements for field trips will be provided in class, in field trip notes, and via Field Friendly, the administration and management tool used by the Faculty of Science.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOL3004: Plant Ecosystem Management

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links