Warning! This subjects requires on campus attendance. Refer to Special Requirements for more information.

Undergraduate RMI-SCB301-2020

Animal Diversity

Take a virtual trek into the natural world and study the structures, lifecycles and functions of different animal groups. Explore animal reproduction and body processes. Identify the characteristics in fauna as varied as amphibians, worms, mammals and birds.

From

$2,075 $2,325

Your upfront cost: $0

International student?

Duration

13 weeks

Study method

Online and other materials

Available loans

FEE-HELP
HECS-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

30 Nov 2020

Australia's largest dual-sector institute, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 60,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.

QS RANKING 2020

Times Higher Education Ranking 2020

2020

Subject details

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

Know characteristics of important groups of animals;
Recognise unknown animals to major groups (phylum, order or family);
Identify relevant structures for critical body processes and reproduction;
Identify unknown animals to family, genus (or species) using keys and other aids;
Work independently and in teams to achieve these goals.

Topics covered

- Animal Classification and phylogeny
- Sponges and Cnidaria
- Worms (flatworms, roundworms, segmented worms)
- Molluscs
- Arthropods - Insects, Spiders, Crustaceans, etc.
- Echinoderms and Chordates, Echinoderms and Invertebrate Chordates
- Fishes
- Amphibians and Reptiles
- Birds
- Mammals
- Lesser phyla
- Animal Evolution
Study resources
- Print materials
  - Welcome letter
- Online materials
  - Printable format materials
  - Quizzes
  - Online Assessment
  - Resources and Links
  - Online Assessment
- Other materials
  - Practicum

Entry requirements

Others

This is an introductory subject requiring no formal prerequisites but students will find that knowledge of biology and chemistry at VCE level will be an advantage.

Special requirements

AttendanceDetails - Practical of five half days in Melbourne

Description

Gain an understanding of animal identification for future employment in agricultural, horticultural and environmental areas. You will finish the subject being able to examine animal structure and identify animals in phylum or better level using appropriate techniques. You will study invertebrates (sponges, cnidarian, flatworms, molluscs, annelids, anthropods, nematodes, echinoderms, etc.) and the vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). You will also learn about lifecycles, structure, function and reasons for importance of different groups of animals.

Assessments

Quizzes (20%)
Practicum Reports (40%)
Invigilated Exam (40%)

Textbooks

Current study term (29 Nov 20 to 28 Feb 21)

Check the learning management system (LMS) of your university for textbook details.

Related degrees

undergraduate RMI-SCI-DEG-2020

Bachelor of Science Applied Sciences