199330

Ornithology

This course examines the diversity of birds through consideration of their evolution, taxonomy, morphology and behaviour. The recognition of New Zealand birds by sight and sound is developed through tutorials. Practical work in this course focuses on research techniques employed in studies of anatomy, wing moult, plumage colouration and vocalisations.

Course code

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

199330

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).

300-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

Attend all laboratory sessions and all tests. All assessments are compulsory.

Prerequisite courses

Complete first
One of 196201, 199206, 199212 or 194245

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 200-level before enrolling in 300-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, identify and give the primary classification of the major avian groups.
  • 2 Recognise and identify the species of New Zealand birds by sight and sound.
  • 3 Describe current understanding of the evolutionary origins and contemporary diversity of birds.
  • 4 Describe the anatomy of birds and be able to relate form to function.
  • 5 Describe how birds move, feed, reproduce, survive, and perceive their environment.
  • 6 Record and analyse avian moults, plumage colours and vocalisations.
  • 7 Discuss the range of adaptive features shown across avian groups.

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 5 25%
Written Assignment 4 6 15%
Test 2 10%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 50%
Participation 2 4 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

There are no set texts for this course.