A BSc degree majoring in Botany is required for acceptance into any fourth year level module. Students will be subjected to a selection process.
BOT410 - Botanical techniques
The botanical techniques that students will be introduced to during the first term include:
- Biostatistics (parametric, non-parametric, multivariate analysis)
- Computer use (data management, reference retrieval, Grapher, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero)
- Culturing (microalgae, tissue culture)
- Field environmental measures (physical factors, chemical factors, biotic comounds)
- Herbarium (Microsoft Access database, collection, curation, drying, literature)
- Microscopy (bright field, differential interference, phase contrast, fluorescence, scanning electron, transmission electron, image analysis)
- Philosophy of Science
- Photography
- Photosynthesis (IRGA, O2 evolution, PEA, PAM)
- Radiochemistry
- Scientific writing (proposals, papers, posters, projects, popular articles)
- Separation
- Surveying (dumpy level, GPS, theodolite)
BOT420, BOT430 & BOT 440 - Selected topics
Each of these three modules focus on aspects of a specialisation field selected by the student in consultation with the department. The three selected topics must be in a single specialisation field. Students may select from the following specialisation fields:
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Conservation Biology
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Ecology
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Environmental Management
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Marine Botany
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Plant Physiology
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Systematic Botany
Two special topics are offered as selected topics and may be taken with any field of specialisation field:
BOT450 & BOT 460 - Research projects
Each of these two modules consist of a research project, the topic of which must be chosen in consultation with a member of staff who will act as a supervisor. Students are required to work closely with the supervisor in the design, execution and presentation of the study.
BOT470 - Oral examination
Students are examined by the academic staff and an external examiner on topics of general knowledge related to botany and science as a whole. Students are also expected to provide a defence of their first research project (BOT450).