Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL320
*You are viewing the 2027 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
Interested in the learning more about the most abundant group of animals on earth? Over one million species of insects have been described, and they are fundamental to our ecosystems, inhabiting the natural, agricultural, urban, and domestic environments.
This unit offers you a broad introduction to the behaviour, ecology, identity and physiology of insects and the many roles they play.
Exploring current theories and technical knowledge, you will develop an appreciation for insects as the major drivers of ecosystem function, and as fundamental drivers of biodiversity.
You will also learn about the role of insects in applied fields such as forensic entomology, agriculture, and quarantine.
Major assessments are designed to hone your critical thinking, practical, and communication skills.
Note that this unit requires animal experimentation and/or dissection during some mandatory practical classes.
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 | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | Dates to be advised. The ability to enrol in this unit as an online student will be removed approx two days prior to the commencement of the mandatory intensive school. The intensive school is mandatory for online students. Lab space and support is available for an additional fifth day at the end of the intensive school as an option for students that can spend the additional day in Armidale. This is entirely optional but strongly recommended. |
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:
- identify a range of insects by analysis of their morphology and classify them correctly;
- critically evaluate theoretical and technical knowledge of insect anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology;
- synthesise and discuss the fundamental roles that insects play in the natural, agricultural, urban and domestic environments;
- communicate to a non-specialist audience knowledge of insects as major drivers of ecosystem function, and as fundamental drivers of biodiversity, as well as their role in forensic entomology, and biocontrol/quarantine;
- undertake a range of practical tasks associated with entomology and communicate the knowledge gained in a comprehensive formal format; and
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final 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 Workbook – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Insect Collection | Yes | 30% | All offerings | 25 pinned Insects plus catalogue |
| Practical - Assurance Task | 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. To pass this unit, you must attend all practicals and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. | |
| Short Topic Assessments | No | 20% | All offerings | A sequence of short topic assessments. No. Words: 1000 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. |
| Workbook - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this 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.
The Insects: An Outline of Entomology
ISBN: 9781118846155
Gullan, P.J. and Cranston, P.S., Blackwell 5th ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
A Field Guide to Insects of Australia
ISBN: 9781925546071
Zborowski, P. and Storey, R., New Holland Publishers 4th ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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