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ZOOL203 Vertebrate Zoology - Evolution and Diversity

Updated: 06 April 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus A- Internet access required
Armidale Semester 2 On Campus A- Internet access required
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
05 September 2010 08 September 2010 Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites BIOL110 and BIOL120 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions EM251 or EM561 or ZOOL230
Notes

offered off-campus in even numbered years
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Fritz Geiser (fgeiser@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit deals with the origins, evolution, classification, diversity, conservation, behaviour, reproductive biology, ecology, and adaptive radiation of extinct and extant vertebrates. Comparisons of the structure and function of each of the major organ systems are made among the living vertebrate classes. The unit covers vertebrate zoology and ecology on a global scale, but there is some emphasis placed upon the evolution and ecology of Australian vertebrate fauna. This unit is essential for further specialisation in marine and terrestrial vertebrate biology and ecology.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Vertebrate Life
ISBN: 9780321600790
Pough, F.H. and others, Prentice Hall 8th ed. 2008
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 20% 1200
Assessment Notes
Wildlife Species Account; Upper Word Limit: 1200 words (excluding illustrations, tables or references)
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Practical 10% 1000
Assessment Notes
Practical Report and Practical Work; figures, tables & references
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
Unit Test 20%
Assessment Notes
Mid-term Exam
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 50%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate a sound understanding of the evolution and diversity of vertebrates;
  2. distinguish between the different vertebrate taxa;
  3. explore and appreciate the links between vertebrate structure and function though theoretical and practical study;
  4. understand and explain the evolution, ecology and natural history of Australian wildlife species; and the natural factors that influence them.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Broad understanding of vertebrate zoology required for professional biologists. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Written communication skills taught, practised and assessed via essay. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Examples worldwide in lectures and practicals. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students instructed/assessed and expected to demonstrate in written assignments using a wide range of resources. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Instructed and practice learning skills beyond unit. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Provided with situations they have to use problem solving skills. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Need to work in pairs/groups and must cooperate. 		True
8 Team Work
Information gathered by groups, assembled by teams and individual work is assessed. 		True True True
   

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