Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit provides background and details on the diversity and evolution of vertebrates. It is therefore an important unit of study for any graduate wishing to pursue a career that requires an understanding of the earth's biological diversity. The unit compliments other advanced units dealing with animal and plant diversity, and the ecology of these groups.

Aims

The aim of this unit is for you to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of vertebrate groups, vertebrate taxonomy, physiology and behaviour.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should possess:

1. Knowledge of evolutionary diversity of the major groups of both extinct and extant vertebrates, including their phylogeny, morphology, physiology and behaviour;

2. Detailed knowledge and practical understanding of behavioural and evolutionary adaptations of a specified vertebrate group;

3. Enhanced practical knowledge of vertebrate morphology and physiology, including an ability to identify Australian vertebrates using authoritative taxonomic keys;

4. Enhanced written communication skills, with an ability to critically evaluate scientific data and interpret it scientifically;

5. An ability to search for and critically evaluate scientific literature and information from a variety of sources.

Content

This unit will cover the evolution of the major groups of vertebrates, considering the fossil record and plausible explanations for major changes such as 'mass extinctions'. Taxonomy and systematics of the group will be introduced. Physiological systems will be described and consideration given to how they work, and to how they operate in an integrated manner.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The mode of study will be two hours of lectures per week and a series of three hour practicals during the semester. Short field exercises may also form a component of the practical work. An independent study module will encourage independent research, critical and analytical thinking, and reinforce written communication skills.

Assessment

The unit includes a range of assessment types: practical reports, animal behaviour assignment, and written (short answer, short essay) final exam.Grades for practical reports and behaviour assignment are formative, including written feedback. The final exam is summative.

Assessment name: Exam
Description: This theoretical examination will test your knowledge, understanding and application of material covered throughout the unit. The format will be short answer and short essay questions. (Summative).
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Scientific Report
Description: Early in the semester, you will choose a local vertebrate species and conduct a series of experimental observations concerning some aspects of the animal's behaviour. These data will be collated, analysed and scientifically interpreted in detailed manner, with specific reference to pertinent literature concerning ecological, physiological and / or behavioural adaptations, characteristic of the species and vertebrate group. (Summative).
Relates to objectives: 2, 4 & 5
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: A series of scientific reports, relating to practicals conducted through the semester. This will test your practical knowledge and ability to interpret and discuss key evolutionary attributes of various vertebrate groups. It will also test your ability to use taxonomic keys to identify a selection of Australian vertebrates. (Formative and Summative).
Relates to objectives: 3, 4 & 5
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text:

1. Pough FH, Janis CM & Heiser JB (2012) Vertebrate Life, 9th edition, New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education Inc. ISBN 0-13-127836-3

Recommended Readings:

1. Benton MJ (2005) Vertebrate Palaeontology, 3rd edition, Victoria, Australia: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-632-05637-1

2. Briggs DEG & Crowther PR (eds) (2001) Palaeobiology II, Victoria, Australia: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-632-05149-3

3. Long J, Archer M, Flannery T & Hand S (2002) Prehistoric mammals of Australia and New Guinea: one hundred million years of evolution, Sydney, Australia: University of New South Wales Press Ltd. ISBN 0-86840-435-7

4. Pough FH, Andrews RM, Cadle JE, Crump ML, Savitzky AH & Wells KD (2004) Herpetology, 3rd edition, New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education Inc. ISBN 0-13-100849-8

Other resources:

A laboratory coat is required for practical classes.

Risk assessment statement

The unit consists of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are extremely low risk activities. Risk assessments for field exercises identify several low impact risks, including: travel; slips and trips; animal bites, and animal and plant stings. Students are provided with a health and safety manual detailing health, safety and emergency procedures associated with field and laboratory activities. Students are required to read, understand and put into practice all safety guidelines.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Feb-2013