Key facts
UNE unit code: CANI310
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
Are you interested in the role played by canids in the world’s diverse natural and urban environments? Do you want to know more about the ways dogs have evolved alongside human societies? Tracing the natural history of canids, this unit introduces you to current issues regarding canid ecology, population control and human interactions.
You will explore the ecology and evolution of canids. Using phylogeny and morphology, you will also examine the evolutionary origins of the domestic dog. With a focus on best practice management of free-roaming dogs (including dingoes) in Australia, you will learn about the implementation and impacts of policies for control and conservation.
The unit also provides you opportunities to put your knowledge of best practice to the test, providing you with first-hand, practical experience in modern techniques used to monitor canid activity.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the ecology and evolution of the family Canidae (canids) globally, their conservation status and their interactions with human society;
- exhibit broad and coherent understanding of phylogeny and comparative skull morphology in relation to canid ecology and taxonomy;
- analyse and critically evaluate the behavioural ecology of canids;
- demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Australian management policies regarding free-roaming canids, both dogs and dingoes; and
- exercise critical thinking and judgement in discussing issues related to canid management and providing documentation in scientific format.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Website Review No. Words: 1700 |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 1200 |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
| Practical Book - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Quiz - Assurance Task, Practical Book - Assurance Task, and Presentation - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | 2 group seminars (10 minutes each). To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Quiz - Assurance Task, Practical Book - Assurance Task, and Presentation - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Quiz | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Duration: approximately 30 minutes. |
| Quiz - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Quiz - Assurance Task, Practical Book - Assurance Task, and Presentation - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. Duration: approximately 1 hour. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Dogs: Their Fossil Relatives and Evolutionary History
ISBN: 9780231135290
Wang, X. and Tedford, R.H., Columbia University Press 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
The Biology and Conservation of Wild Canids
ISBN: 9780198515562
Macdonald, D.W. and Sillero-Zubiri, C. (eds), Oxford University Press 2004
Text refers to: All offerings
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