AUSTRALIAN FAUNA AND ECOLOGY

ZOO2FE

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject covers the evolution, biology and ecology of Australian terrestrial fauna. It will introduce different phyla, with a particular emphasis on Arthropoda and Chordata, how they differ in form and function, and in the use of keys for identifying them. The taxa considered include: insects, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. The unit places a strong emphasis on examining evolutionary processes and how this has contributed to diversity. In so doing, students will be introduced to important biogeographical and ecological concepts and processes that are relevant to Australian fauna. Practical classes involve identification of major invertebrate and vertebrate groups and make use of reserves managed by the University or Parks Victoria. They will introduce students to field survey techniques used in terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the appropriate presentation of invertebrate collections.

School: Life Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Richard Peters

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: BIO1EEB

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: Merit based quota management

Quota-conditions or rules: Based on academic performance in BIO1EEB.

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Apply key morphological features to distinguish the major animal groups in Australia and related evolutionary processes.
02. Define and explain key concepts in Animal Ecology.
03. Classify Australian animals into taxa using physical characteristics and/or dichotomous keys.
04. Apply fauna survey techniques to create reference collections of insects and other fauna.
05. Communicate the outcomes of fauna surveys in writing.

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: 210

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Richard Peters

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.00 hour lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.00 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle%ILO*

Two online quizzesEquivalent to 1000 words

N/AN/AN/ANo25SILO1, SILO2

1-hour written theory examEquivalent to 1000 words

N/AN/AN/ANo25SILO1, SILO2, SILO3

Practical class worksheetsEquivalent to 400 words

N/AN/AN/ANo10SILO3, SILO4, SILO5

Insect collection (specimen or pictorial)Equivalent to 1000 words

N/AN/AN/ANo20SILO3, SILO4

Laboratory reportEquivalent to 1000 words

N/AN/AN/ANo20SILO3, SILO4, SILO5