Warning! This subjects requires on campus attendance. Refer to Special Requirements for more information.
Undergraduate MAQ-BIOX3510-2023
Vertebrate Biology and Behaviour
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Duration
18 weeks
Study method
Online & on-campus
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
Subjects may require attendance
Prior study
Required
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Subject details
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to
- Apply taxonomic nomenclature to vertebrate groups
- Relate anatomical and behavioural traits to the diversity of key vertebrate species
- Associate the major steps in vertebrate evolution to behaviour, body form and physiological function
- Evaluate different methods for determining evolutionary relationships
- Classify vertebrate behaviour to functional roles and interactions at community levels
- Communicate scientific information relevant to vertebrate biology in oral and in written format
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- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one ofandOthers
130cp at 1000 level or above including BIOX2310 or BIOX2210
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - On campus practical classes will be undertaken in blocks
Evolution is a dynamic process that has occurred over many millions of years (deep evolution) and continues to this day (contemporary evolution) shaping all aspects of vertebrate biology. This unit considers the major events in vertebrate evolution: invertebrate chordate to vertebrate; jawless to jawed; water to land; ectothermy to endothermy; and land to air. The newly emerging synthesis of evolutionary and developmental biology is having considerable impact on current vertebrate evolutionary theory, as are molecular techniques for constructing phylogenies. These topics are discussed in relation to deep and contemporary evolution of vertebrate groups. Lecture topics also discuss the main traits associated with each group of vertebrates including anatomy, physiology, brains and behaviour. The practical work reinforces the lectures by focussing on the comparative anatomy, morphology and behaviour of representative vertebrate groups.
- Science Communication (10%)
- wwekly activities (10%)
- Prac report (20%)
- Lab notes (20%)
- Final Examination (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).