Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL327
*You are viewing the 2027 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
Knowledge of animal physiology adds a valuable dimension across a range of environmental, agricultural, animal and other life sciences. This unit provides you with a comprehensive overview of the physiological adaptations of animals to their environment, with an emphasis on Australian vertebrates.
You will explore energetics and thermoregulation of ectotherms and endotherms, digestive physiology and osmoregulation.
The importance of these topics in different environments – terrestrial, freshwater, marine and extreme – is discussed, equipping you with in-depth understanding of functional adaptations to environmental extremes and climate change.
Practical work, both laboratory and field-based, provides you with opportunities to hone your applied zoological skills. Note that this unit requires animal experimentation and/or dissection during some of the mandatory practical classes.
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 | Dates to be advised. 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:
- provide a broad and coherent understanding of the functional adaptations of animals to environmental extremes and be able to communicate this either verbally or in written form;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of thermal biology of ectotherms and endotherms;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the energetics of ectotherms and endotherms;
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of how animals osmoregulate in terrestrial, freshwater, marine and extreme environments; this will also show the student's ability to analyse and evaluate information; and
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate capacity to make individual well developed judgment about the subject.
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 | No | 20% | All offerings |
No. Words: 2000 This assessment is non-mandatory. Students who do not submit this assessment will receive a mark of zero, which will be included in the calculation of the final unit grade at its stated weighting.
|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Seminar - 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. |
| 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 Reports | No | 20% | All offerings | Three brief reports. No. Words: 500-1500 words This assessment is non-mandatory. Students who do not submit this assessment will receive a mark of zero, which will be included in the calculation of the final unit grade at its stated weighting.
|
| Seminar - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Your group will give a small “conference-style” talk to the class without the assistance of notes or presenter mode. After the talk the group will answer questions about their presentation. Although this is a group project, speakers will be marked individually. Online students will complete the seminar in the Intensive School and the On Campus students will complete the seminar in the first week back from mid trimester break - approximately 5 minutes per speaker. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Seminar - Assurance Task and the Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
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.
Animal Physiology
ISBN: 9780197552438
Richard W. Hill, Margaret Anderson, Daniel Cavanaugh, Sinauer 5th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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