Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Laboratory and field-based course aimed at developing professional skills in plant identification and community classification. Focus on identification of major plant families and regional ecosystems from South-east Queensland. 1 day field trip.
‘Whether beautiful, or only strange, I doubt I shall ever forget their flowers'
Fringe of Leaves (Patrick White)
This is a laboratory and field based course to develop skills in plant identification and biodiversity assessment.ﾠOne full day, and one part day excursion areﾠplanned to develop skills in habitat assessment and identification of the flora in Queensland plant communities.
Students will learn to recognise species belonging to the dominant Angiosperm families of Australian plants, and practice using keys for identification. Identification in the lab will cover major plant families and genera from the diverse flora of south-east Queensland. There will also be lectures and practicals for plant community assessment including the identification of regional ecosystems and their relevance to conservation.
Specific topics will include: the identification of rainforest trees, Acacia, Eucalyptus, grasses and sedges, regional ecosystems and Queensland environmental policy.
Course requirements
Assumed background
BIOL2010 Ecology and BIOL2203 are recommended courses.
Plant Identification will begin with basic flower structure and build on this knowledge.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BOTN3004 or PLNT3804
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop professional skills in plant identification.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Presentation |
Ecosystems or rare plants
|
30% |
7/10/2025 1:00 pm
Presentations to be held during Week 11. |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation |
Plant collection and key to collection
|
40% |
24/10/2025 5:00 pm
During Practical |
| Examination |
Practical End of Semester exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Ecosystems or rare plants
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
7/10/2025 1:00 pm
Presentations to be held during Week 11.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
There are two choices of assessment:
1) Heathlands assessment using data from field trip (written assessment)
2) Adopt a rare plant species (delivery of slides by due date, and then oral assessment with a 5 minute presentation and 5 minutes for questions during Week 11)
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission of the Written Assessment and Slides must be submitted by the due date and time provided. Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Plant collection and key to collection
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
24/10/2025 5:00 pm
During Practical
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Collection of a herbarium of 25 identified plants from a single habitat and an accompanying key to the collection.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your collection in the Practical in Week 12.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Practical End of Semester exam
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students will be presented with fresh plant specimens to test identification skills. The exam involves identifying and answering questions about live plant material.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Access to a digital platform is required for this exam. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional handouts will be provided during the course. Interactive keys to plant taxa will be provided when needed. Recommended but not essential text -ﾠACE Guide to Eucalypts Brisbane (Rod Fensham)
Most weeks we will be studying specific groups of plants but students should also feel free to bring in plants that they would like to identify. This will be done during the practical component of the course.
For field trips students need to have appropriate gear: hat, sunblock, notepad, hand lens, camera etc. and refreshments, in particular water. Wearing long trousers and covered footwear prevents scratches from shrubby undergrowth.ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Practical |
Interactive family key Introduction to Course. Basic anatomy. Mimosaceae. |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Vegetation classification 1 |
Practical |
Fabacaee |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Vegetation classification 2 |
Practical |
Rainforest trees |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Fieldwork |
Rainforest field trip Mt Glorious |
Fieldwork |
Vegetation survey field trip Surveying heath in response to fire-Beerwah Scientific Reserve. |
|
Lecture |
Vegetation classification Lecture 3 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Practical |
From the kitchen Plant families from our culinary life: Brassicaceae, Solanaceae etc, |
Lecture |
Plant taxonomy An overview of the history of plant taxonomy from Linnaeus to DNA |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Practical |
Eucalypt id Dutton Park eucalypt ID with 'ACE guide to eucalypts' |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Practical |
Proteaceae and Ericaceae Dissection, description and familiarity with family and species |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Practical |
Asteraceae |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Practical |
Poaceae |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Practical |
Queensland Herbarium Tour of Herbarium and the Botanic Gardens |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Fieldwork |
Plant Collection Students are to prepare a herbarium collection of 25 flowering plant specimens from a single habitat. Students will be responsible for collecting and identifying their specimens outside of class hours |
Practical |
Mystery family and collections Time for tidying up plant collections. Submit Assessment 2 in Practical by 5pm. |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Practical |
Practice test Mock test and collections |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.