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Course profile

Zoology (BIOL2204)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
The Environment School

The course will cover animal diversity & evolution, from primitive metazoans to vertebrates. It describes the fantastic diversity of animal and life histories in an evolutionary and phylogenetic context. Students will become familiar with body form & function, & life history characteristics of the major groups of animals.

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their diversity and evolution, development, structure, physiology, and behaviour. BIOL2204 examines animal life from all environments, including marine, freshwater andᅠterrestrial, and will have a focus on Australian animals.

The course will cover animal diversity and evolution, from basal metazoans to vertebrates, comparison of body form and function, and the diversity of life history strategies found across different animal groups. The great diversity of animal life will be put into an evolutionary and phylogenetic context.ᅠ

The course contentᅠis broken into modules, each dealing with a different phylogenetically related group.ᅠ In the first half of the course each module looks in detail at one invertebrate phylum. The second half of the course focusses on vertebrate animals, where each module looks in detail at one of the major body functions and compares this function across the different vertebrate groups.

Practical classes alternate between interactive workshops and laboratory classes. Each uses enquiry based learning to discover characteristics of and relationships between different groups of animals. Students will identify and sort animals into taxonomic groups from field collected samples using these acquired skills. Workshops/tutorials will engage students in applying what they have learned to real scenarios related to managing wildlife and identifying unknown species.

Course requirements

Assumed background

It will be assumed that students are familar with all material covered in the pre-requiste courses BIOL1030 Biodiversity and the Environment,ᅠand BIOL1040 Cells to Organisms.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL1030

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL1020+BIOL1040

Incompatible

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

ZOOL2028 or ZOOL2029

Jointly taught details

This course is jointly-taught with:

  • BIOL2904

All activities except for the BIOL2904 advanced readings are jointly taught between BIOL2204 and BIOL2904

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Demonstrator

Timetable

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

Aims and outcomes

The course aims to introduce:

  • animal diversity and evolution - from basal metazoans to vertebrates
  • the comparison of body form and function
  • modes of support, locomotion, feeding and reproductive strategies

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Describe the major animal phyla and there evolutionary relationships

LO2.

Apply the basic animal plans to unfamiliar animals and understand how they are formed

LO3.

Evaluate the different ways different groups of animals move, acquire food, respire, maintain fluid balance and reproduce based upon their anatomical structure and function.

LO4.

Analyse the diversity of animal life-history and reproductive strategies based on structure, function and habitat of animals.

LO5.

Identify an animal to phylum and order and know how to access information to identify animals to lower taxonomic levels.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Examination End of semester exam
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Quiz Post lab/workshop quizzes
  • Online
50%

Quizzes will be due within 24h after completion of each in-person class, excluding the first and last classes of semester.

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

End of semester exam

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Covers material covered in entire course.  Students must achieve at least 50% in the final exam to recieve a passing grade in the course.

This is an invigilated, on campus exam.

Hurdle requirements

Students must obtain 50% on the final exam, and 50% overall assessment to pass the course.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

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

One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, double sided, is permitted

Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Post lab/workshop quizzes

  • Online
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
50%
Due date

Quizzes will be due within 24h after completion of each in-person class, excluding the first and last classes of semester.

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Students will be assessed via a short quiz following each practical class. Practical classes include both labs and workshop style classes. 

The highest marks from 8 of the 10 quizzes will contribute towards your final grade.

Quizzes will cover material learned in the practical class and preparation reading for practicals. Each quiz that contributes to your final grade is worth 6.25% of your final grade.

Submission guidelines

Quizzes will be available online via the Inspera assessment platform, and submitted within this platform.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Marks from the best 8 out of 10 quizzes count towards the final grade.

Only students who miss more than two quizzes may apply for an extension.

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.

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

Students are required to get a grade of at least 50% in the final exam, and a grade of at least 50% overall to pass the course.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

 If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Applications for Extensions

Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.

Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.

If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.

 

Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)

For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.


Inspera Assessment.

Assessment in BIOL2204 will occur using the software platform called Inspera. The assessment item(s) include non-invigilated/invigilated on-campus assessment/exam/quiz and students will complete these 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.

If you don't have a suitable device for your assessment, please go to the Library site for information on Short-Term Laptop loans.

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

Other learning materials will be posted on the BIOL2204 Black Board website.

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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Not scheduled
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

NOTE ON COURSE STRUCTURE

The course structure and content for BIOL2204 in 2024 is similar to 2022 and 2022, but very different to years prior to 2022.


This course is a mix of online learning and in-person practical classes. Students are expected to complete approximately 3 hours online learning per week (plus personal study time) before they attend the in-person class. The online learning modules are designed to make your learning more interactive and effective than a traditional lecture format. The in-person practical classes will be held for 2-3 hours per week on campus as per your timetable. Here you will do hands on activities and work alongside your tutors and lecturers in the laboratory or in workshop-style groups. Practical classes are great places to bring questions you have about the online learning. An online discussion board is also available for your support.

Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Team Based Learning

1. Welcome to BIOL2204

A not-to-be-missed class where you will learn about essential course information and get to meet and interact with course staff and other Zoology students. Our aim is to set you up for a strong start to the semester by tapping into your inner zoologist!

Not Timetabled

2. Fundamentals - Development & classification

Prof Peter Mumby

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Not Timetabled

3. Zoology in context: solving the plight of GBR

Prof Peter Mumby

Learning outcomes: L01, L04

Not Timetabled

4. Inverts: Sponges...more than just a good sponge

Prof Peter Mumby

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Team Based Learning

Fundamentals of animal survival

with A/Prof Louise Kuchel

In this class we tap into what you already know about the essentials for animal life to create your own unique animal for a given habitat type

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Not Timetabled

5. Inverts: Corals, jellies & things that sting

Dr Ben Mos

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

6. Invertebrates: Sea cucumbers to starfish

The Echinoderms. Dr Ben Mos

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Practical

Porifera, Cnidaria & the Great Barrier Reef

Laboratory. Prof Peter Mumby

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Not Timetabled

7. Invertebrates: Ecydyzoa

Prof Sassan Asgari

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

8. Invertebrates: Panarthropoda/Arthropoda

Prof Sassan Asgari

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Team Based Learning

Animal ethics & Molluscs

with Dr. Ben Mos

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Not Timetabled

9. Invertebrates: Chelicerata/Myriapoda

Prof Sassan Asgari

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

10. Inverts: Insects - the largest animal taxon

Prof Sassan Asgari
Discuss key points from last week's modules

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Practical

Ecdysozoa

Laboratory. Prof Sassan Asgari

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Not Timetabled

11. Invertebrates: Crustaceans- insects of the sea

Prof Sassan Asgari

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

12. Zoology in context: animals & human health

Prof Sassan Asgari

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Team Based Learning

Zoological techniques

Workshop. A/Prof Louise Kuchel

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Not Timetabled

13 Invertebrates: Annelids - worms glorious worms

Dr Gurion Ang

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Practical

Annelids & Nematoda

Laboratory. Prof Sassan Asgari

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Not Timetabled

14. Zoology in context: MoretonBay Reef Management

Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Not Timetabled

15. Vertebrates: Diversity of Chordates

Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Team Based Learning

Vertebrate diversity

Workshop. A/Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Not Timetabled

17. Vertebrates: Body plans & development

Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts & Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Not Timetabled

16. Vertebrates: Sensing the environment

Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05

Practical

Fish diversity & dissection

Laboratory. Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

Not Timetabled

Mid-semester break

No lectures or practicals this week

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Not Timetabled

18. Vertebrates: Doing the Locomotion

Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts & Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

19. Vertebrates: Respiration & Circulation

Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts & Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Team Based Learning

Zoology Careers

Workshop. Dr Gurion Ang & Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Not Timetabled

20. Vertebrates: Fluid balance

Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

21. Vertebrates: Food acquisition

Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel & Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Practical

Amphibians & reptiles

Laboratory. Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Not Timetabled

22. Vertebrates: Urinogenital system 1

Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel & Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

23. Vertebrates: Urinogenital system 2

Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel & Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05

Practical

Mammals & birds

Laboratory. Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Team Based Learning

24. Summary & End sem exam discussion

Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel

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.