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Course profile

Animal Environmental Physiology (ANIM2021)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
Gatton
Coordinating unit
Agriculture and Food Sustainability School

How domestic animals and wildlife interact with the natural and modified climate (housing and transport); Animal response to micro and macro climate; adaptive strategies for dealing with climate studies; impact of housing; environmental control for animals; monitoring of micro-climate and macro-climate as it applies to animals.

Evidence of immunity to Q fever is mandatory for this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.

External mode of study is restricted and will require permission to enrol. To request permission email agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au with the course information and include relevant supporting evidence.

Eligibility criteria: 1. Students must show evidence that travel time of greater than 90 minutes or 100km from Gatton Campus and is reflected in mySI-net: Acceptable Evidence advice that MySi-net record is up to date; 2. Students must show evidence that work commitments restrict their ability to attend regular practicals: Acceptable Evidence a letter from employer
3. Students with core course timetable clashes: Acceptable Evidence a copy of correspondence from Science My Timetable indicating clash is unable to be resolved. Clashes with elective courses will not be considered. 4. Students unable to provide this evidence will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In this course you will learn about how animals, including domestic, wildlife and livestock, interact with their thermal environment. This means that this course has a focus on how animalsᅠrespondᅠand interact with climatic conditions. This course is not just about heat stress or cold stress, although there is a greater focus on hot climatic conditions. Simply, this occurs because the responses of animals to hot climatic conditions are complex and more relevant to the Australian environment. Regardless, this course investigates thermoregulation, adaptation, physiology and behaviour across an array of species. We will look at how animals adapt both behaviourally or physiologically,ᅠto a range of climatic conditions, and changing climatic conditions. We will look at strategies that can be used to improve the microclimate around an animal and also pathways to reduce the impact of thermal challenges on the body. At the end of this course, you should be able to discuss how climate influences animals, the alleviation pathways and discuss rationally the advantages and disadvantages of alleviation techniques.

PLEASE NOTE: We spend time in the animal units across campus and as such, you are expected to meet the entry requirements to these facilities. This means that you are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear to these sessions. This includes enclosed footwear (preferably boots), a hat, and a collared sleeved shirt (preferably long sleeved) failure to comply with these standards will result in your being unable to participate in the practical session and you will be asked to leave. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the course coordinator.


This course has mandatory immunisation requirements due to an increased risk of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) for students working with animals or in agricultural environments. Students will be asked to provide evidence of immunity to Q fever via my.UQ My Requests as a condition of enrolment in this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.

Course requirements

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ANIM3060

Restrictions

Restricted to students who meet mandatory immunisation requirements.
External offering requires permission to enrol.

Jointly taught details

This course is jointly-taught with:

  • Another instance of the same course

This course is co-taught with the external mode of ANIM2021, this means that lecture and self-directed learning activities are shared via BlackBoard. However external students are expected to attend the mandatory residential school, please refer to the external mode for further details.

Course contact

Course coordinator

Dr Angela Lees

Please email for a consultation appointment.

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Course Summary

Information highlighting the course schedule will be available in theᅠLearning Activities section of this Course Instance for a week-by-week approach to your study program. In the event that changes are required this will be announced via Blackboard. Please ensure that you are referring to Blackboard for the most up-to-date information.


Lectures/Learning Activities

Lectures for this course will be provided in a pre-recorded format and provided via Blackboard in the "Learning Materials" section. Some weeks may consist of a self-directed learning activity rather than a traditional style lecture. This approach provides a flexible environment allowing students interact with the course content at their own pace throughout the semester.ᅠ


Tutorials

Tutorial sessions will be conducted weekly, except on occasions where staff are unavailable. An announcement will be made via Blackboard to notify of any changes as such, students are encouraged to engage with Blackboard regularly.ᅠIt is anticipated that peer-reviewed publications relevant to the week's topic will be discussed during these sessions. These sessions will not be recorded for external mode students, rather the discussion will continue via the discussion board on Blackboard. It is expected that all studentsᅠwill read and contribute to these conversations.ᅠᅠ

Practicalsᅠ

In personᅠstudents will need to follow the practicalᅠtimetable for submission of the sequential practicalᅠreports as described in the assessment section.ᅠ

Aims and outcomes

“Thermal biology comprises the study of the direct and indirect effects (of an irregular, fluctuating or rhythmic nature) of the physical, chemical and physio-chemical micro- and macro-environments of both the earth atmosphere, and of similar extra-terrestrial environments, on physio-chemical systems in general and on living organisms (plants, animals and man) in particular.” (Tromp & Bouma, 1976).

Basically, this means the study of animals within their climatic environment. In the context of this course, we will also look at animals within aquatic environments.

The course is designed so that on completion students will:

  • have an understanding of what is meant by climate, and what drives climatic change.
  • understand heat flow between animals and the environment and the influencing factors.
  • understand thermogenesis and the influencing factors.
  • have a good understanding of the behavioural and physiological mechanisms that animals use to survive in harsh environments ~ how animals are thermally adapted.
  • understand how climate change will impact on wildlife and livestock production.
  • be able to discuss strategies that can be used to modify an animal's micro-climate.


These will be achieved by formal lectures and applied hands-on practical classes. In the practical classes we will look at the thermal dynamics of horses, cattle, and wildlife. We will use thermal imaging equipment, temperature sensors to determine changes in animals under a variety of natural and built environments.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain what is meant by environmental physiology of animals.

LO2.

Students will become comfortable using technologies (inc. data loggers) to measure climatic conditions, and animal responses to climate conditions.

LO3.

Propose solutions to potential problems related to climate impacts on animals.

LO4.

 Illustrate the methods that can be used to modify both macro and micro climates to address their impact on animals.

LO5.

Discuss the ethical issues associated with climate and animals.

LO6.

Effectively communicate how the various environmental factors affect animal physiology.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation Sequential Practical - Seasonal Influences on Lactating Dairy Cows
  • Hurdle
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.

18/10/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration Sequential Practical - Evaluating Microclimates
  • Hurdle
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.

9/08/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration Sequential Practical - Climates and Climate Models
  • Hurdle
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.

23/08/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Practical/ Demonstration Sequential Practical - Thermal Preferences of Reptiles
  • Hurdle
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.

13/09/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration Sequential Practical - Life in a different light
  • Hurdle
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.

30/09/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Practical/ Demonstration, Poster Sequential Practical - Exercise Induced Hyperthermia
  • Hurdle
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.

11/10/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Practical/ Demonstration, Poster Sequential Practical - Shade Influences on Goats
  • Hurdle
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Literature Review - Influence of heat stress on reproduction
25%

20/09/2024 2:00 pm

Examination End of Semester Exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
40%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Sequential Practical - Seasonal Influences on Lactating Dairy Cows

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation
Weight
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.
Due date

18/10/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Other conditions
Student specific, Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L06

Task description

Heat stress is a production and animal welfare concern in sub-tropical and tropical dairy enterprises worldwide. Within Queensland climatic conditions during summer months can exceed thermoneutral conditions for lactating dairy cows. By looking at the response of the dairy cows to different climatic conditions, both within and outside the thermoneutral conditions, we are attempting to see how climatic variation impacts the cows. 


In this practical you will be undertaking behavioural and physiological observations on lactating dairy cows. This practical consists of 2 parts; the first using data collected in the first week of semester (July), and the second using data collected towards the end of semester (October). A group of focal cows will be identified to undertake the observational component of this practical. During the observations data collected will include: respiration rate, panting score and body surface temperature (BST) measurements. From the data obtained during the practical you will be required to generate a 3-minute (3MT) presentation. For your 3MT style presentation you will use the information you generated during the practical to prepare a conference style e-poster that you will present as a 3-minute presentation. You get one slide to do as you wish. There are no set guidelines for what your slide needs to contain, so you have a lot of flexibility and free choice here. Your presentation will be 3 minutes in length. The time is not negotiable, noting that time contributes to 30% of the grades possible for this task. 

A more detailed Practical Description, Presentation Description and Presentation Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Submission guidelines

Practical reports are to be submitted via the links available on Blackboard, 7 days after completion of the practical or as directed and noted in the semester plan for ANIM2021. You must retain a copy of any submitted work.

Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

Sequential Practical - Evaluating Microclimates

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.
Due date

9/08/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

In climatology, the microclimate of a particular location is characterized through a number of climate variables. Within animal environmental physiology we consider microclimates as the climate of areas that animals inhabit. We are also interested in what influences various structures, both natural and manmade, have on the microclimate and how this may influence animal preference and their ability to thermoregulate. The objective of this practical is to investigate how natural and manmade features influence microclimates. By investigating this, students will gain a greater appreciation for how natural and manmade features influence microclimates and how this may impact animals. 


In this practical you will be undertaking climate observations throughout the equine precinct and consider the natural and manmade features influence on climatic variables. From the data obtained during the practical you will be required to generate a practical report. For your report you will use the information you generated during the practical to respond to seven questions (with data-based evidence).


A more detailed Practical Description, Report Template and Report Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Submission guidelines

Practical reports are to be submitted via the links available on Blackboard, 7 days after completion of the practical or as directed and noted in the semester plan for ANIM2021. You must retain a copy of any submitted work.

Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.


Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

Sequential Practical - Climates and Climate Models

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.
Due date

23/08/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

In climatology, regional differences in climatic conditions are well described. Climatic conditions are influenced by a number of factors including elevation, proximity to large water sources (e.g. the ocean or large bodies of freshwater), and land-use (e.g. urban climates). A locations climate is also driven by latitude and longitude. Within animal environmental physiology climate of areas will influence the adaptations that animals need to possess in order to survive in that location. In this practical you will be investigating how location influences climatic conditions and then consider how this may impact animals living in those environments. From the data investigated during the practical you will be required to generate a practical report. For your report you will use the information you generated during the practical to respond to seven questions (with data-based evidence).

This session is a classroom-based activity and requires you to bring your laptop.


A more detailed Practical Description, Report Template and Report Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Submission guidelines

Practical reports are to be submitted via the links available on Blackboard, 7 days after completion of the practical or as directed and noted in the semester plan for ANIM2021. You must retain a copy of any submitted work.

Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

Sequential Practical - Thermal Preferences of Reptiles

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.
Due date

13/09/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Being ectotherms, reptiles require assistance from their thermal environment to thermoregulate. Most of the practical work for this course highlights the influence of heat related thermal loads on animals. Here, we will be investigating the heating requirements of two reptile species. The aim of this practical session is to determine temperature preferences of reptiles, in this instance central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and blue tongue lizards (Tiliqua scincoides). In ‘natural’ conditions thermoregulation can be achieved via basking in direct sunlight, on warm surfaces or utilising shaded areas and/or cooler microclimates. When housed in captive conditions, the temperature preferences of these animals becomes important for the health and welfare of these animals. 


In this practical you will be undertaking behavioural and physiological observations on central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and blue tongue lizards (Tiliqua scincoides). During the observations data collected temperature within the 'temperature preference arena', body surface temperatures of the central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and blue tongue lizards (Tiliqua scincoides). From the data obtained during the practical you will be required to generate a 3-minute (3MT) presentation. For your 3MT style presentation you will use the information you generated during the practical to prepare a conference style e-poster that you will present as a 3-minute presentation. You get one slide to do as you wish. There are no set guidelines for what your slide needs to contain, so you have a lot of flexibility and free choice here. Your presentation will be 3 minutes in length. The time is not negotiable, noting that time contributes to 30% of the grades possible for this task. 

 

A more detailed Practical Description, Presentation Description and Presentation Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Submission guidelines

Practical reports are to be submitted via the links available on BlackBoard, 7 days after completion of the practical or as directed and noted in the semester plan for ANIM2021.


Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

Sequential Practical - Life in a different light

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.
Due date

30/09/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L06

Task description

This is a self-directed learning activity.


Most of the practical work for this course highlights the influence of heat related thermal loads on animals. The purpose of this self-directed practical is to generate an understanding of how different animals, particularly those that 'do life differently', that is those animals that live in environmental extremes (i.e. hot, cold, acidic, hypoxic) and/or cold-blooded species (i.e. reptiles, amphibians) maintain thermal comfort in collaboration with their thermal environment. The objective of this practical is to demonstrate an ability to synthesise, interpret and communicate scientific information to the general public.


In this task you will select one of a series of peer reviewed publications that will be available on Blackboard that discusses animals that 'do life differently' and be able to prepare a science communications article, similar to those you would read on The Conversation here is an example that talks about the increasing temperature of NZ summers. Your task is to write a two-page general communication focusing on the research publication (you can draw from additional sources).


Peer reviewed publications foundational to this assessment, along with a more detailed Description and assessment Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Submission guidelines

Practical reports are to be submitted via the links available on Blackboard, 7 days after completion of the practical or as directed and noted in the semester plan for ANIM2021. You must retain a copy of any submitted work.

Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

Sequential Practical - Exercise Induced Hyperthermia

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration, Poster
Weight
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.
Due date

11/10/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L02, L06

Task description

Heat exchanges with the environment are a crucial process for maintaining homeothermy by animals. These exchanges involve heat production, conservation and dissipation, and are dependent on both biological and physical factors. Horses, like other mammals, maintain their body temperature within a narrow range. However, heat production can exceed heat dissipation during particularly during periods of strenuous exercise (e.g. racing or heavy work), this can be exacerbated under thermally challenging conditions, resulting in prolonged heat stress that can develop into exertional heat illness, aka heat stroke. Thus, it is important to develop an understanding of the impact that exercise can have on body temperature. The objective of this practical is to investigate the interaction between exercise and body temperature regulation and recovery of body temperature. 


In this practical you will be undertaking behavioural and physiological observations on horses. This practical consists of exercising horses on the horse walker for 30 minutes. At the completion of the data collection period, you will have: 1 × baseline observation, 3 × exercise observations, and then 4 × recovery observations. During the observations data collected will include: respiration rate, heart rate, rectal temperature and body surface temperature (BST) measurements. From the data obtained during the practical you will be required to generate a poster depicting your results. Your poster will need to contain an introduction, results, discussion and conclusions. There are no set guidelines for what your poster needs to look like, so you have a lot of flexibility and free choice here. 


A more detailed Practical Description, Poster Presentation Description and Poster Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Submission guidelines

Practical reports are to be submitted via the links available on Blackboard, 7 days after completion of the practical or as directed and noted in the semester plan for ANIM2021. You must retain a copy of any submitted work.

Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

Sequential Practical - Shade Influences on Goats

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration, Poster
Weight
5% This assessment contributes towards the sequential practical (total 35%) and is exempt from supplementary.
Due date

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Reports are due 7 days after the completion of the practical

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Heat exchanges with the environment are crucial processes for maintaining homeothermy in animals. These exchanges involve heat production and dissipation, and are dependent on both biological and physical factors. In animal production systems providing animals with shade has been a primary strategy for reducing the impact of hot climatic conditions. Here we will use goats as a case study to investigate the benefits of providing animals with shade. The objective of this practical is to investigate how manmade shade structures influence the microclimate animals inhabit and the impact that this has on physiological response in goats. 


In this practical you will be undertaking behavioural and physiological observations on goats that have been assigned (randomly) to either a shaded area or unshaded area. These animals will be given time to habituate to the treatments while data loggers to monitor climatic conditions are deployed. Upon commencement of the data collection period you will be undertaking behavioural and physiological observations on the goats. During the observations data collected will include: respiration rate, panting score and body surface temperature (BST) measurements in conjunction with microclimate conditions. From the data obtained during the practical you will be required to generate a poster depicting your results. Your poster will need to contain an introduction, results, discussion and conclusions. There are no set guidelines for what your poster needs to look like, so you have a lot of flexibility and free choice here.  


A more detailed Practical Description, Poster Presentation Description and Poster Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Submission guidelines

Practical reports are to be submitted via the links available on Blackboard, 7 days after completion of the practical or as directed and noted in the semester plan for ANIM2021. You must retain a copy of any submitted work.

Legal Declaration By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

Literature Review - Influence of heat stress on reproduction

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
25%
Due date

20/09/2024 2:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L03

Task description

Background. Climate change is likely to have negative impacts on the reproductive performance of domestic and wild species. Heat stress can have large effects on most aspects of reproductive function in mammals. These include disruptions in spermatogenesis and oocyte development, oocyte maturation, early embryonic development, foetal and placental growth and lactation. These deleterious effects of heat stress are the result of either the hyperthermia associated with heat stress or the physiological adjustments made by the heat-stressed animal to regulate body temperature. There are both direct and indirect effects of heat on reproductive performance. A direct effect is the increase in the temperature of the scrotum due to high ambient temperature, an indirect effect is reduced feed intake leading to weight loss, and subsequent reduction in fertility of females. There is also evidence showing heat stressed females produce lighter weight young which subsequently impacts on the young’s future reproductive performance. For this literature review you are to discuss the effects of heat stress on reproductive performance in mammals, with a focus on a species of choice (companion, livestock or wildlife). 


Literature Review Structure.

You may find it useful to use these descriptions to create headings to start your literature review skeleton.

  1.  Introduction - define/describe the problem, that is highlighting the animal of choice in context of the climatic conditions you are discussing, i.e. heat stress in giraffes.
  2. Main Content - discussing the implications for reproduction.
  3. Future Challenges - you may wish to consider the impact of climate change on the species of choice.
  4. Conclusions.


Credibility & References. 

Given that this is a literature review you will need to do lots of reading, so you are encouraged to choose a topic that is of interest to you. Selecting a topic that is of interest to you will make this task more enjoyable to complete, otherwise you will find it a dreadful task that you will take nothing away from. In addition, it is advisable that you select a topic that you are able to find scientific resources easily 


General Formatting and Communication.

The main body of the literature review should be 2500-3000 words, this includes your in-text citations, BUT excludes the reference list provided at the end. For this literature I am requesting the use of Journal of Animal Science formatting. The reason is simple, in my opinion this is the most simplistic and discipline relevant citation style that exists for us. The general rules are simple. Your literature must be typed, 1.5 to 2.0 line spacings are ok, font size 12, in Australian (British) English and neatly presented. Communicating your thoughts in a concise and grammatically correct manner is essential to any written document, here at The University of Queensland or outside this institution. 


A more detailed Description and Rubric will be provided on Blackboard.


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.

Legal Declaration. By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy (http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct) and understand its implications.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Extension to the specified timelines may be available for students who are able to provide appropriate evidence of documented exceptional circumstances.

Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed before the due date and time of the assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).

End of Semester Exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
40%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L05

Task description

The exam will cover all aspects of the course: Lectures, tutorials, assignment and set readings. The exam will be a two-hour written examination with short answer and essay based questions, and will be similar in format to previous years.


The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in person. 


This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Materials

An unmarked bilingual dictionary may be taken to this examination.

Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 0% - 34%

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 35% - 46%

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: 47% - 49%

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 50% - 64%

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 65% - 74%

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 75% - 84%

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 85% - 100%

Additional course grading information

Course Grading rules and Assessment Hurdles


Exam Hurdleᅠ

Students must pass the End of Semester exam in order to pass the course. If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing grade in the final exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.ᅠ


Practical SequentialᅠAssessment Hurdle

In addition to any other hurdles, a student must achieve a pass on the Sequential Practical assessment (7x practical assessments) in order to achieve a grade of 4 or higher. Any student who fails to meet this will be awarded a grade of 3 and will not be eligible for a supplementary assessment.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.

This course is Partially Exempt for Supplementary Assessment. Not all of the assessment components of this course may be re-assessed with supplementary assessment. A grade of 3 or N does not guarantee that supplementary assessment may be undertaken for this course, however students may apply.

Assessment item(s) exempt: 7 x Practical assessments (Seasonal Influences on Dairy Cows; Evaluating Microclimates; Climates and Climate Models; Life in a different light; Thermal preferences of Reptiles; Exercise Induced Hyperthermia; and Shade influences on Goats). The practical exercise is a major part of this course and provides a hands-on understanding of the theoretical knowledge you will gain through the lectures. Demonstration of the practical techniques is compulsory and it is not possible to reproduce the activities for supplementary assessment.

Supplementary assessment can take any form, for example, an oral or a written exam. Students who are eligible and approved for a supplementary assessment and the form of assessment is an examination, are expected to be available to sit the supplementary exam during the University’s Deferred and Supplementary examination period. Once approved, supplementary assessment cannot be rescinded by the student.

Additional assessment information

Please note the following when writing assignments

You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.


TurnItInᅠ

Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.


Feedback and Markingᅠ

Additional feedback on the assignment (after it has been marked) can be obtained from the teaching staff if you require this. If you do, please contact the course co-ordinator.


Release of marks

Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved,ᅠevery attempt will be made to haveᅠthe results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site. 


Re-mark Applicationsᅠ– refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility.

Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:

  • You have consulted the course coordinator for feedback
  • Your academic grounds for remark have been discussed and are valid
  • Wanting a higher grade is not grounds for a remark. A remark can decrease your grade.

Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.


Deferred and Supplementary assessment (including Deferred In-Semester Examinations)

Deferred and Supplementary information can be located on theᅠmy.UQᅠwebsite

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Additional resources, i.e. published literature, will be provided throughout semester on blackboard. Reference to these materials will be made available weekly via Blackboard announcements.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Lecture

Week 1 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will cover

  1. Introduction to Environmental Physiology of Animals
  2. What Drives Earth's Temperature?
  3. The Thermal Environment

Learning outcomes: L01, L05

Tutorial

Week 1 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Housekeeping, Semester breakdown and planning.

These sessions will typically be held in a face to face format, however your course co-ordinator is unavailable for this session due to a conflict with a training session. Due to this session will be pre-recorded and made available via BlackBoard.

Learning outcomes: L01

Practical

Week 1 - Practical

Due to the nature of this course, we need to commence practical activities in Week 1. This week you will undertake the first part of the Seasonal Influence on Lactating Dairy Cows practical

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06

Lecture

Week 2 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will cover:

  1. Temperature and Heat
  2. Wind Speed
  3. Thermal Exchange - Conduction

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Tutorial

Week 2 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Practical

Week 2 - Practical

This week you will be exploring Microclimates, this activity will be undertaken at the Equine Precinct

Lecture

Week 3 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities will cover:

  1. Thermal Exchange - Convection
  2. Thermal Exchange - Radiation
  3. Thermal Exchange - Evaporation


Tutorial

Week 3 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Practical

Week 3 - Practical/Workshop

This week we will offer an informal Excel workshop that does not form a formal component of the practical series but we will work through example data and discuss the presentation of data for the practical assessment items.

Learning outcomes: L02

Lecture

Week 4 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities will focus on:

  1. Thermal models and their use
  2. Climate classifications and climate zones
  3. Climate change

Practical

Week 4 - Practical/Workshop

This session is a classroom workshop that explores Australia's Climates and will apply introductory principles for Climate Modelling via the use of thermal models

Lecture

Week 5 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will investigate:

  1. Body temperature and factors that influence it
  2. Water loss
  3. Metabolic Rate

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Practical

Week 5 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Lecture

Week 6 - Learning Activities

Learning activities this week will focus on

  1. Constraints to Adaptation
  2. Natural Selection and the Environment
  3. Heat Shock Proteins

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Tutorial

Week 6 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Lecture

Week 7 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will unravel

  1. Extreme Environments
  2. Extreme Cold
  3. Extreme Hot

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Tutorial

Week 7 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Practical

Week 7 - Practical

This practical will investigation the temperature preferences of reptiles

Lecture

Week 8 - Learning Activities

Lectures and Learning Activities this week will focus on

  1. Thermoregulation - Dogs
  2. Thermoregulation - Horses
  3. Thermoregulation - Reptiles

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Tutorial

Week 8 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Lecture

Week 9 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will focus on

  1. Thermoregulation - Torpor
  2. Thermoregulation - Marine Mammals
  3. Thermoregulation - Marine Environments

Tutorial

Week 9 - Practical (Self-Directed)

The purpose of this self-directed practical is to generate an understanding of how different animals, particularly those that 'do life differently', that is those animals that live in environmental extremes (i.e. hot, cold, acidic, hypoxic) and/or cold-blooded species (i.e. reptiles, amphibians) maintain thermal comfort in collaboration with their thermal environment. The objective of this practical is to demonstrate an ability to synthesise, interpret and communicate scientific information to the general public.


In this task you will select one of a series of peer reviewed publications that will be available on BlackBoard that discusses animals that 'do life differently' and be able to prepare a science communications article. Please refer to the assessment description and additional information available on BlackBoard.

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Lecture

Week 10 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will cover:

  1. Impact of thermal stress on animal industries
  2. Impacts to females
  3. Impacts to males

Learning outcomes: L01, L05

Tutorial

Week 10 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Practical

Week 10 - Practical

This practical will investigate exercise induced hyperthermia

Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L06

Lecture

Week 11 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will focus on

  1. Impacts to production
  2. Epigenetics - climate drivers of animal health and performance
  3. Epigenetics - does a intergenerational effect exist?

Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06

Practical

Week 11 - Practical

This session will complete the second part of the Seasonal Influence on Lactating Dairy Cows practical

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06

Lecture

Week 12 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will investigate

  1. Mitigation opportunities - housing and management
  2. Mitigation opportunities - genetics
  3. Mitigation opportunities - nutrition

Tutorial

Week 12 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts of the learning activities through the discussion of a research papers. Publications will be made available via BlackBoard

Practical

Week 12 - Practical

In this practical you will investigate Shade influences on Goats

Lecture

Week 13 - Learning Activities

Lectures and learning activities this week will focus on

  1. New research trends
  2. The Final One

Learning outcomes: L01, L06

Tutorial

Week 13 - Tutorial/Seminar/Workshop

Exploring the concepts across the semester and finalising bringing it all together

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

  • Immunisation

Course guidelines

Student immunisation requirements

The University policy Vaccination and Immunisation (https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/2.60.08-vaccinations-and-immunisation) provides information about immunisation and screening requirements related to programs and courses. Failure to comply with student immunisation requirements can lead to an increased risk of serious illness occurring. Therefore, non-compliance will result in the relevant course/s being dropped from your enrolment under Section 3.2 of the Enrolment policy (https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.40.11-enrolment).