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
BIOL2904 explores the fantastic diversity of animals, from simple metazoans to complex vertebrates. Students will learn to apply the fundamental principles of animal structures, functions and life histories to identify animals and determine how they move, respire, feed, maintain internal physiogy and reproduce. The course uses an evolutionary and phylogenetic framework to provide context and enable deep learning of zoology.
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.ᅠᅠLaboratories use enquiry based learning to discover chararteristics of and relationships between different groups of animals, and student will be required to 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 course BIOL1030.
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:
BIOL2204 (non advanced)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
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 their 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
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Quiz |
Post lab/workshop quizzes
|
50% |
Quizzes will be due within 24h after the end of each practical class. Students will have 40 min to complete each quiz. |
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
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- 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 receive a passing grade in the course.
BIOL2904 students will sit almost the same exam as BIOL2204 students, but a small proportion of questions will differ. Those different questions will relate to the advanced readings.
Hurdle requirements
Students must obtain 50% or more on the end semester exam and 50% overall assessment to pass the courseExam 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
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
Quizzes will be due within 24h after the end of each practical class. Students will have 40 min to complete each quiz.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- 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 workshops.
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.
Students in BIOL2904 will do the same quizzes as BIOL2204 students but with a small proportion of questions related to the advanced readings in the weeks that those occur.
Submission guidelines
Students will complete the quizzes using the software platform called Inspera. Students will submit their assessment within Inspera.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
To calculate the final grade for the course we take the best 8 marks out of 10 quizzes.
Only students who have already missed 2 quizzes will be eligible to apply for an extension on the remaining quizzes
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.
Students whoᅠachieve a mark of less than 35%ᅠon the hurdle mentioned above,ᅠwill achieve a grade of 2ᅠfor the course (regardless of their total percentage for all assessments in the course).
ᅠ
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.
UQ is presently rolling out a new assessment tool, Inspera Assessment.
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.
Inspera Assessment will be used in BIOL2904. The assessment item(s) could 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.
ᅠ
COURSE HURDLE
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.
ᅠ
SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENTS
If you are awarded supplementary assessment then generally the supplementary assessment will be equivalent to the failed assessment piece. For example, If you failed the practical component, then you will be required to complete an additional practical report/exam. If you failed the exam component, then you will be required to complete an exam. If you failed both components, you will be required to complete both.
- A passing grade will be awarded only if you obtain at least 50% of the marks in all items of supplementary assessment that you undertake.
- The decision on the format of the supplementary assessment will be made by the course coordinator.
- For some assessment items, for example oral presentations, a different type of assessment may be substituted at the discretion of the course co-ordinator
Supplementary assessments will be designed to allow eligible students to demonstrate specific learning objectives of the course.
Information on supplementary assessment can be found on the MyUQ website.
APPLYING FOR A DEFERRAL OF AN EXAM
If you are unable to sit an exam you need to apply online through my-SiNet. Please read the information on theᅠMyUQ websiteᅠon how to apply for a deferral of your exam.
SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENTS
All appropriate assignments must be submitted through Turnitin. The course coordinator may also request a hard copy submission of the assignment.
If a hard copy assignment is required then the submission process is as follows:
Hard copy:
- You will be sent the cover sheet for your assignment by e-mail approximately 1 week before it is due.
- You must submit your assignment, with the SIGNED coversheet attached to the front, through the assignment slot at the Help Desk (Room 229, Goddard Building) by 4.00pm on the above date/dates.
- You will be emailed a receipt. Please retain this receipt as proof of submission. If assessment submission is disputed, you MUST produce this receipt.
- Please ensure that you keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Turnitin submission
- Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site
- Upload an electronic version through the Turnitin site for the assignment
- Assignments can be uploaded multiple times before the due date/time. The last upload before the due time will be the final version.
- You will be sent a receipt, retain the receipt as proof of submission.
Failure to submit both a electronic and hard copy (if required) on time will result in the late penalty (10% of maximum marks per day) being applied - you need to ensure that both the HARD copy and ELECTRONIC versions are submitted by the due date.
ᅠ
PLAGIARISM: You should be aware that the University employs purpose built software to detect plagiarism. It is very important that you understand clearly the practical meaning of plagiarism.
DEFINITION OF PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.
EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM:
1. Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence;
2. Direct copying of paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence with an end reference but without quotation marks around the copied text;
3. Copying ideas, concepts, research results, computer codes, statistical tables, designs, images, sounds or text or any combination of these;
4. Paraphrasing, summarising or simply rearranging another person's words, ideas, etc without changing the basic structure and/or meaning of the text;
5. Offering an idea or interpretation that is not one's own without identifying whose idea or interpretation it is;
6. A 'cut and paste' of statements from multiple sources;
7. Presenting as independent, work done in collaboration with others;
8. Copying or adapting another student's original work into a submitted assessment item.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USE (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
NOTE ON COURSE STRUCTURE The course structure for BIOL2904 in 2024 is similar to 2022 and 2023, but very different to previous years. BIOL2904 is a mix of online learning and in-person classes. We expect students to complete the online learning modules in the sequence shown. You will need to spend 2-3 hours doing the online learning each week (in addition to revision time) before you attend the in-person class. The online material is designed to make your learning more interactive and effective than the 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. These are also great places to bring along questions you have about the online learning. An online discussion board will also be available. |
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Team Based Learning |
1. Welcome to BIOL2204 Not-to-be-missed, this in-person class will cover the essential things you need to know for getting the most out of this course. It will include highly engaging activities to get to know other students and all of the staff in the course. |
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, L02, L03 |
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 Workshop with A/Prof Louise Kuchel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
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: Annelids - worms glorious worms Dr Gurion Ang Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Practical |
Porifera, Cnidaria & the GBR Laboratory. Prof Peter Mumby Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
7. Invertebrates: Sea cucumbers to starfish The Echinoderms. Dr Ben Mos Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
8. Invertebrates: Ecydyzoa Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Team Based Learning |
Animal ethics & Molluscs Workshop. Dr. Ben Mos Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Not Timetabled |
9. Invertebrates: Panarthropoda/Arthropoda Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
10. Invertebrates: Chelicerata/Myriapoda Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Practical |
Ecdysozoa Laboratory. Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Not Timetabled |
11. Inverts: Insects - the largest animal taxon Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
12. Invertebrates: Crustaceans- insects of the sea Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Team Based Learning |
Zoological techniques Workshop. A/Prof Louise Kuchel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Not Timetabled |
13. Zoology in context: animals & human health Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Practical |
Annelids & Nematodes Laboratory. Prof Sassan Asgari Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
13. Zoology in context: MoretonBay Reef Management Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Not Timetabled |
14. 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 |
16. Vertebrates: Body plans & development Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts & Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
15. Vertebrates: Sensing the environment Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, 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) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
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: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
19. Vertebrates: Respiration & Circulation Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts & Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Team Based Learning |
Zoology & Careers Workshop. Dr Gurion Ang & A/Prof Louise Kuchel |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
20. Vertebrates: Fluid balance Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
21. Vertebrates: Food acquisition Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel & Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts Learning outcomes: L01, 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: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
23. Vertebrates: Urinogenital system 2 Assoc Prof Louise Kuchel & Assoc Prof Ian Tibbetts Learning outcomes: L01, 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 & Gurion Ang |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.