Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL203
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Vertebrates account for only a fraction of Earth’s animal species, however they have long fascinated life scientists. This unit introduces you to vertebrate zoology and ecology on a global scale.
With an emphasis on Australian vertebrate fauna, you will trace the origins, evolution, classification, conservation, behaviour, reproductive biology, ecology and adaptive radiation of extinct and extant vertebrates.
Comparing the structure and function of each of the major organ systems, you will explore living vertebrate classes, learning about the relationships of the vertebrate groups to each other and their distinguishing features.
Whether you wish to pursue further specialisation in marine and terrestrial vertebrate biology and ecology, or you simply wish to learn more about the fish, amphibians, mammals, birds and reptiles that inhabit our world, you will gain essential knowledge of the key principles and concepts in the discipline.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, 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 a good understanding of the evolution and diversity of the main vertebrate groups and their relationship to one another;
- compare and contrast the morphological and physiological features that distinguish the main vertebrate groups;
- demonstrate an understanding of the link between structure and function in vertebrates; and
- summarise the evolutionary lineage of the major vertebrate groups and the main evolutionary events that occurred along the way.
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 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Wildlife Species Account: excluding illustrations, tables or references. No. Words: 1200 maximum |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Mid Trimester Quiz - Assurance Task and the Final Examination – Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Mid-Trimester Quiz - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | The mid-trimester quiz is in person during the intensive school with face-to-face supervision. No. Words: 1500 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Mid Trimester Quiz - Assurance Task and the Final Examination – Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Practical Report and Practical Work: figures, tables and references. No. Words: 1000 |
| 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. |
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.
Vertebrate Life
ISBN: 9780197558621
Plough, H., Bemis, W.E., McGuire, B.A and Janis, C.M, Oxford University Press 11th Ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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