Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course will give students a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the use of technology in Wildlife Science. We will cover historical, current and emerging technologies as they are applied to ecology and wildlife studies.
Wildlife Technologies, ANIM3018, will give students a broad overview of the use of technology in Wildlife Science. There will be a strong focus on the practical aspects of using technology in wildlife science, which will be backed by theory and complemented with special guest speakers who are using technology in their own work. This course integrates teaching of advanced monitoring tools, with Indigenous data sovereignty and ethical scientific practices. The course will develop student's ability to think critically about the application of technology in wildlife science.
Practical sessions will develop student's ability to use technology for mapping wildlife habitat, analysing wildlife populations and important techniques such as animal tracking.
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have a basic knowledge of Australian vertebrate animals, ecology and statistics.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANIM1026
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
AGRC2010 or ANIM1005 or BIOL2660 or ECOL2001
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Annabel Smith
Dr Coen Hird
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
It is important that you read the Course Profile thoroughly before you start. Carefully read the Learning Activities summary, as this outlines the areas you should be studying each week. Also, please note when each piece of assessment is due.
External students will complete this course online via Blackboard, with lectures recorded and practicals available online.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how technology is used in Wildlife Science, covering technologies used by Indigenous Australians before and after European colonisation, early natural scientists and current practicing scientists. Students will be encouraged to take a critical view of technology and examine what "should be done" rather than simply "what can be done". The course also aims to develop student's ability to generate a hypothesis regarding an area of technology of their interest and test the hypothesis in the field. Students will gain practical skills in using a range of technology that will be directly relevant to jobs in industry, government and non-government sectors.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand a wide range of technological applications in Wildlife Science and critically evaluate their benefits and drawbacks
LO2.
Demonstrate core practical skills including the use of technology for field navigation and mapping of habitat and wildlife data
LO3.
Undertake experiments using state-of-the art technology for studying wildlife and their habitats, which require both qualitative and quantitative outcomes
LO4.
Analyse field-collected data and communicate your results clearly and critically
LO5.
Integrate the theory and practical components of the course to design a research project and present your idea to the class
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Mapping Exercise
|
20% |
22/08/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Wildlife Data Report
|
30% |
9/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Online Quizzes
|
20% |
Quiz 1 (10%) - 5/09/2025 4:00 pm Quiz 2 (10%) - 24/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Research Proposal Presentation
|
30% |
13/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 |
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
Mapping Exercise
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
22/08/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The aim of this mapping exercise is to teach students a range of basic GIS functions that are essential for environmental careers in research, government and industry. Students will develop maps of their study location, using remotely sensed data from open-access government databases and gain experience using QGIS. The mapping exercise assignment will assess student's ability to (1) understand GIS in the context of wildlife science; (2) understand official vegetation classifications used in Queensland; (3) explain the region targetted by the mapping exercise, and (3) create a high–quality map.
The practical exercises are a major part of this course and provide a hands-on understanding of the theoretical knowledge you will gain through the lectures. Completing the practical techniques is compulsory; learning objectives 2 and 3 cannot be achieved without completing the practical exercises. Hence, completion of all practical exercises is required to pass this course.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Inspera Assessment will used in ANIM3018. Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages. The practical exercises and quizzes will include a digital assessment and students in this course will complete and submit this using their own device. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension applications
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Wildlife Data Report
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
9/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Students will use data collected from online data bases and present an analysis of habitat and wildlife communities. Links to the databases and instructions will be provided on Blackboard and during online sessions.
The practical exercises are a major part of this course and provide a hands-on understanding of the theoretical knowledge you will gain through the lectures. Completing the practical techniques is compulsory; learning objectives 2 and 3 cannot be achieved without completing the practical exercises. Hence, completion of all practical exercises is required to pass this course.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Inspera Assessment will be used in ANIM3018. Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages. The practical exercises and quizzes will include a digital assessment and students in this course will complete and submit this using their own device. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Online Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Quiz 1 (10%) - 5/09/2025 4:00 pm
Quiz 2 (10%) - 24/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
Online quiz will assess the student's comprehension of the lecture material.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Inspera Assessment will used in ANIM3018. Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages. The practical exercises and quizzes will include a digital assessment and students in this course will complete and submit this using their own device. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension applications
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Research Proposal Presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
13/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
Students will develop a research project on a specific wildlife technology topic and present their idea to the class. The presentation will follow a structured format, including background literature on the topic, knowledge gaps, experimental design, application of technology and expected outcomes.
Students will present their work at a 'mini conference' between week 11 and week 13.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students will be allocated a presentation time. If you are unable to attend, you will need to contact the Course Coordinator for alternative arrangements. Presentations will not be possible outside of these dates.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
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: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain 50% or more on the Research Proposal Presentation.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Please contact the Course Coordinator for information.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Lecture |
Lecture Series A series of lectures spanning the range of technology used in Wildlife Science. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Practical |
Mapping Exercise Create a map using GIS software to describe variation in vegetation type. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 10 |
Practical |
Wildlife Data Report Complete wildlife data report based on practical activities. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Problem-based learning |
Online Quiz 1 Online Quiz, interactive student engagement in lecture content. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 13 |
Seminar |
Research Proposal Presentation Integrate theory from lectures to present a research proposal to the class. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Problem-based learning |
Online Quiz 2 Online Quiz, interactive student engagement in lecture content. Learning outcomes: L01 |
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.