Australian Animals

Unit code:RBF2640Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

RBF1310 - Biology 1
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit builds on Biology 1 and explores the diversity of animal life on Australian fauna. The unit examines the science of systematics, including phylogeny cladistic analysis, bauplans, evolution and origin of biodiversity in marine and terrestrial environments and historical and ecological biogeography. The unit also analyse faunal regions and habitat types, and the 'uniqueness' of the Australian fauna.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Analyse and synthesise the characteristic features of major animal phyla;
Contextualise the principles of ecological biogeography in relation to the fauna of Australia;
Evaluate the adaptive features of animals living in either or terrestrial environment and assess the uniqueness of Australian fauna;
Contextualise the evolution and origin of biodiversity in marine and terrestrial environments demonstrating conceptual and technical understandings; and
Articulate clearly, orally, diagrammatically and in writing, complex information on the morphology, life cycles and relationships of various animal families and report on their evolutionary history.