11177 Botany
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level: Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject introduces students to botany, horticulture and plant aesthetics –– interrelated fields that are integral to landscape architecture. Students learn how to observe, research, identify and document a range of plant species and associations and understand their horticultural requirements. In doing the above, the subject introduces foundational knowledge and skills for planting design, and invites students to develop an appreciation of plants and vegetation.
The subject is undertaken as a combination of lectures, tutorials and discussions, with the potential for some site visits and workshops.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Independently research and learn about plant species and communities using observation, identification and research skills. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Develop ways of observing, drawing and documenting plants individually and in natural associations (i.e. plant communities) through a range of media. |
| 3. | Build skills and knowledge in the cultivation of plants, including propagation, plant selection, soil types, care and plant tolerances. |
| 4. | Develop drawing techniques for plant documentation and design. Curate and communicate phenomena through writing, drawing and photography. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Communicate ideas professionally. (C.2)
- Develop advanced skills for the production, presentation and documentation of work. (P.1)
- Define and apply appropriate design research methods. (R.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:
C = communication and groupwork
A = attitudes and values
P = practical and professional
R = research and critique
I = innovation and creativity.
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).
Teaching and learning strategies
DIVERSE LEARNING MEANS:
The subject is structured around several modes of delivery including a series of illustrated lectures with experts from the field coupled with workshop/tutorial discussions, and individual site visits with practical exercises. Assignment submissions may include verbal presentation and physical documents for the 2 assignments. Feedback will be verbal throughout the semester. It is the student's responsibility to make notes of any feedback given in these sessions. Supplemental written feedback will also be provided for each of the 2 assignments with the assessment.
FEEDBACK:
The class structure provides several opportunities for feedback:
1. Throughout the semester verbal feedback will be provided by tutor(s) and peer-peer in the tutorial and workshop sessions for in-class presentations and work sessions. It is the student's responsibility to bring sufficient work for feedback (in line with the required timeline) and to make notes of any feedback given in these sessions.
2. All assignments are graded in ReView, where the tutor(s) will give formal feedback and indicative grades. This site also allows students to self-assess.
3. The online forum will allow students to engage with the work of their peers and the tutor(s) and can be seen as a further opportunity for informal feedback.
Content (topics)
- Appreciation, identification and research of plants.
- Analysing the aesthetics and composition of plant communities and designed planting.
- Plant communities of the Sydney region.
- The aesthetic, ecological and cultural capacities of plants for an enriched city and environment.
- Human cultivation of plants.
- Designing with plants.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Urban Plant Catalogue
| Intent: | The aim of the assessment is to develop methods of observation, identification, research and documentation of plants. | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.2 and P.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Plant Community Portfolio
| Intent: | The aim of the assessment is to develop methods of observation, identification, research and documentation plants (both in isolation and in communities). | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2 and 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.2, P.1 and R.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Portfolio | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 60% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.
Required texts
Botany & Plant Identification – These should be purchased in week 1.
Robinson, Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney. 3rd Edition, Simon & Schuster 2003
Farley & Moore, Native Plants of the Sydney Region. 3rd Edition, Allen & Unwin 2010
HAND LENS
One 10x magnification hand lens (often labelled as 'geology hand lens'). These can be purchased online or in specialist shops
Recommended texts
You do not need to purchase these texts, but we encourage you to consult them as required during the semester to complete your assignments, or to read them in your spare time.
Additional texts for plant identification & botanical research
Pellow, B. J., Carolin, R. C., & Henwood, M. J. (2009). Flora of the Sydney region :A complete revision (5th ed.). University of Sydney, N.S.W.: Sydney University Press.
Baker, M., Corringham, R., & Dark, J. (1986). Native plants of the Sydney region. Winmalee, N.S.W.: Three Sisters Productions.
Horticulture – To consult throughout the semester (available online at UTS library)
Turner, KD & Brands, R 2011, Botany for designers: a practical guide for landscape architects and other professionals, W.W. Norton & Company, New York.
Other resources
Landscape Architecture/Design Practices with a strong and focus on planting design
We encourage you to research the work or research of these people / practices:
INTERNATIONAL:
Phytostudio
Nigel Dunnett
James Hitchmough
Terremoto
O2 Landscapes
Gertrude Jeckyll
Gilles Clement
Piet Oudolf
Vogt Landscape Architects
Mosbach Paysagistes
AUSTRALIAN:
Edna Walling
Sue Barnsley Design
Jane Irwin Landscape Artchiture
Amanda Oliver Gardens
Fiona Brockhoff
Betty Maloney
Lectures/talks
http://sydney.edu.au/environment-institute/events
HumanNature Series (and others)
http://sydney.edu.au/environment-institute/events/?event_category=talk
Online
https://www.survival.org.au/bush_tucker_survival_guide.php
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research/VISmap.htm
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/land-and-soil/soil-data/soil-maps
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation
http://trees.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/map
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/PlantNet/Euc
https://www.ala.org.au
http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au
http://avh.ala.org.au/#tab_simpleSearch