UnitLevel 2Undergraduate

BIO2231 Animal diversity

Faculty of Science

BIO2231 Animal diversity is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2022 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 6 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2022
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 35%
and 2 other tasks

This is the 2022 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before BIO2231

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISTE:  BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1042; or BMS1011 and BMS1021; or permission

Overview

This unit examines the diversity of animals and organises them in a systematic way using their evolutionary history. We examine a range of representatives from different animal phyla, starting with the structurally simple and progressing to mammals, in the context of emerging and changing patterns in their body plans. These are related to changes in the ecology and diversification within the phyla. Concepts and theories developed during the theory part of the course are developed further in the practical classes. During these interactive sessions use of live material is made for observation and the characters used to group animals into higher taxonomic groups are demonstrated and discussed.

Offerings in 2022

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Project workProject
    55%
  • Mini quizzesOther
    10%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam
    35%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the origin of animals and how they differ from other living organisms;

  2. 2

    Explain the relationship between animal diversity and evolutionary derived changes in animal body plans;

  3. 3

    Identify major animal phyla;

  4. 4

    Demonstrate skills in library and field research, data and information gathering, collation and organisation suitable for the preparation of a scientific report;

  5. 5

    Demonstrate basic laboratory techniques associated with examining and handling zoological specimens.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories33 hours
  • Lectures24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Two 1-hour lectures
  • One 3-hour practical (or equivalent) per week

Learning resources

Required resources

Integrated Principles of Zoology, 18th Edition . Hickman, Jr., Cleveland; Keen, Susan; Eisenhour, David; Larson, Allan; l'Anson, Helen. Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education. Copyright year: © 2020 There are now options to purchase an e-textbook with extra online resources - see the BIO2231 Moodle page for more information.

Where it fits

BIO2231 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2022 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Professor Carla Sgro
Unit Coordinators
Dr Nicholas Deal

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BIO2231?

BIO2231 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after BIO2231?

BIO2231 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including BIO2242, BIO3020, BIO3021 and BIO3052. Those lead on to 6 units in all.

When is BIO2231 offered?

In 2022, BIO2231 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does BIO2231 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include BIO2231?

BIO2231 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; and Zoology.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
2
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Biological Sciences
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available