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 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 35%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BIO2231
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BIO2231
2 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 the 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 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- Project workProject30%
- Mini quizzesQuiz / Test10%
- Laboratory assessmentDemonstration25%
- Practical examExamination35%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Examine the origin of animals and how they differ from other living organisms;
- 2
Compare and evaluate the relationship between animal diversity and evolutionarily derived changes in animal body plans;
- 3
Identify major animal phyla;
- 4
Demonstrate skills in scientific research, data gathering, collation and organisation;
- 5
Demonstrate basic laboratory techniques associated with examining and handling zoological specimens.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Two 1-hour lectures;
- One 3-hour laboratory (or equivalent) and
- Seven hours of independent study per week.
This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you 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.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
Where it fits
BIO2231 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Kelly Merrin
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Kelly Merrin
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 2 units, including BIO3021 and BIO3052.
When is BIO2231 offered?
In 2026, BIO2231 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO2231 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include BIO2231?
BIO2231 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; and Zoology.