Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL210
*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
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Learn about Earth’s most diverse group of animals with this general introduction to the invertebrates.
In this unit you will delve into the taxonomy, anatomy, ecology and evolution of the main invertebrate groups.
Explore concepts of relevance to a broad range of scientific disciplines as you extend your understanding of the functional role of invertebrates in the natural environment and human society.
Practical sessions, some of them conducted using innovative online/virtual delivery, equip you with applied skills in zoology and provide opportunities to hone your critical thinking and scientific problem-solving abilities.
Note that you may be required to observe animal experimentation and/or dissection during some of this unit’s mandatory practical classes and virtual presentations.
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.
Students should note that this unit may require observation of animal experimentation and/or dissection (via virtual presentation) during some mandatory practical classes, with a portion of the practical classes being conducted online.
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 theoretical and technical knowledge of the diversity of invertebrate animals, their taxonomy, evolution and phylogeny;
- compare and contrast the morphology, ecology and physiology of the different invertebrate groups;
- identify and evaluate information and undertake problem solving within the context of invertebrate physiology and ecology;
- communicate effectively about invertebrate ecology and physiology in styles accessible to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
- apply knowledge of invertebrate taxonomy, ecology and physiology to identify the role of invertebrates in environment and society and the processes that affect their survival.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical – Assurance Task, and Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical – Assurance Task, and Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. 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. |
| Scientific Report | No | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Virtual Natural History Portfolio | No | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Invertebrates
ISBN: 9780197554418
Richard C. Brusca, Gonzalo Giribet, Wendy Moore, Oxford University Press Fourth Edition 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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