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 2023 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 5 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BIO2231
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BIO2231
4 units list BIO2231 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
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 laboratory 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 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Project workProject40%
- Mini quizzesOther10%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam35%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam15%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the origin of animals and how they differ from other living organisms;
- 2
Explain the relationship between animal diversity and evolutionary derived changes in animal body plans;
- 3
Identify major animal phyla;
- 4
Demonstrate skills in library and field research, data and information gathering, collation and organisation suitable for the preparation of a scientific report;
- 5
Demonstrate basic laboratory techniques associated with examining and handling zoological specimens.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Two 1-hour lectures;
- One 3-hour laboratory (or equivalent) and
- Seven hours of independent study per week
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where students engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.
Learning resources
Required resources
Zoology dissecting kit.
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 2023 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Matt McGee
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Matt McGee
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 5 units in all.
When is BIO2231 offered?
In 2023, BIO2231 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO2231 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include BIO2231?
BIO2231 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; and Zoology.