This unit builds on Biology 1 and Biology 2 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.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
RBF2640

Prerequisites

RBF1310 - Biology 1

RBF1320 - Biology 2

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Analyse and synthesise the characteristic features of major animal phyla;  
  2. Contextualise the principles of ecological biogeography in relation to the fauna of Australia;  
  3. Evaluate the adaptive features of animals living in either or terrestrial environment and assess the uniqueness of Australian fauna;  
  4. Contextualise the evolution and origin of biodiversity in marine and terrestrial environments demonstrating conceptual and technical understandings; and  
  5. 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.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Portfolio Report 20%
Portfolio Presentation (2) 50%
Test Tests 30%

Required reading

Integrated Principles of Zoology 17th ed. (International ed.)
Hickman, C. (Jr); Keen, S.; Larson, A.; Eisenhour, D.; l'Anson, H. and Roberts, L. (2016)
McGraw-Hill

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As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

You can choose to study this unit as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to structure your course to include this unit.

Course Study as part of
Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership Ecology and Environmental Management - Major
Bachelor of Science Ecology and Environmental Management - Major
Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science Environmental Science - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Science Environmental Science - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Education (P-12) Environmental Science (Education Minor) - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Education Studies Environmental Science (Education Minor) - Discipline Minor
Bachelor of Education (P-12) Environmental Science (Education) - Major
Bachelor of Education Studies Environmental Studies (Ed Studies) - Major

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