199212

Vertebrate Zoology

An exploration of the diversity and origins of fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and other chordate animals. Form, function and evolutionary drivers of body systems in vertebrate animals are examined, especially in practical work. Evidence for evolution is emphasised in comparative anatomy laboratories. Applications of vertebrate zoology knowledge for wildlife conservation and natural history research are highlighted.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

199212

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

200-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Zoology

Course planning information

Course notes

To pass the course it is compulsory to complete all assessments and attend all laboratory classes.

Prerequisite courses

Complete first
196101 and (199101 or 199103)

You need to complete the above course or courses before moving onto this one.

General progression requirements

You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Recognise and describe the fundamental characteristics of chordate animals.
  • 2 Describe evolutionary changes across the subphylum Vertebrata and explain how the anatomy, organ systems, physiology and behaviour of the major vertebrate groups reflect their evolutionary histories and adaptations to their environments.
  • 3 Identify homology and analogy of body parts and systems among different vertebrates.
  • 4 Recall the higher-level classifications for the fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
  • 5 Demonstrate competence in dissection and specimen preparation for display.
  • 6 Analyse data from vertebrate specimens.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Test 1 3 4 20%
Portfolio 1 2 3 4 5 6 20%
Test 1 2 3 4 15%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 3 4 45%
Participation 3 5 6 0%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

Textbooks can change. We recommend you wait until at least seven weeks before the semester starts to buy your textbooks.

Recommended

VERTEBRATE LIFE

Author
F. HARVEY POUGH AND CHRISTINE M. JANIS
ISBN
9781605357218, 16053
Edition
10TH
Publisher
SINAUER ASSOCIATES
Notes
https://www.vitalsource.com/en-au/products/vertebrate-life-f-harvey-pough-christine-m-v9781605357218

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