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Course profile

Physiological & Integrative Zoology (BIOL3205)

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

Why do humpback whales sing and fight? How do some frogs survive in the desert? Why do freshwater turtles breathe through their bottom? Why can crocodiles grow so large? Is the platypus headed for extinction? This, and many other interesting questions, are asked and answered in the field of animal ecophysiology. This course integrates physiological, ecological, molecular, and quantitative techniques from the laboratory and field. Underpinning our learning activities is a focus on how animals have evolved strategies in response to extreme environments (e.g., marine and desert) as well as changing environmental conditions. In this way, you will be able to demonstrate cause and effect of human-induced environmental disturbance on organisms, and how animal ecophysiology contributes to the conservation and management of species. Case studies in this course feature diverse animals: invertebrates, fish, frogs, turtles, crocodiles, birds, terrestrial mammals, and cetaceans.

Why do humpback whales sing and fight? How do some frogs survive in the desert? Why do freshwater turtles breathe through their bum? Why can crocodiles grow so large? Is the platypus headed for extinction? This, and many other interesting questions, are asked and answered in the field of animal ecophysiology. This course integrates physiological, ecological, molecular, and quantitative techniques from the laboratory and field. Underpinning our learning activities is a focus on how animals have evolved strategies in response to extreme environments (e.g., marine and desert) as well as changing environmental conditions. In this way, you will be able to demonstrate cause and effect of human-induced environmental disturbance on organisms, and how animal ecophysiology contributes to the conservation and management of species. Case studies in this course feature diverse animals: invertebrates, fish, frogs, turtles, crocodiles, birds, terrestrial mammals, and cetaceans. 

Course requirements

Assumed background

BIOL2204 and BIOL1040 - Zoology.ᅠᅠ It is assumed you will have background knowledge of basic physiological processes and systems at the tissue, organ and whole animal levelᅠ (e.g. BIOL1040)

Prerequisites

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

BIOL2204

Recommended prerequisites

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

BIOL2006 or BIOL2106

Incompatible

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

ZOOL3005

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Associate lecturer

Demonstrator

Timetable

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

Additional timetable information

Check your timetable regularly for changes particularly at the beginning of semester.

Aims and outcomes

This course will explore how animals function and perform in various environments by examining topical issues in ecophysiology - at the interface between physiology and ecology.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Collect, analyse and interpret physiological data and effectively communicate the results to a broader audience

LO2.

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in small groups during the collection and analysis of experimental data

LO3.

Understand the importance of the environment in shaping the ecology and physiology of organisms in their natural habitat

LO4.

Appreciate the range of responses organisms possess to compensate for natural and human-induced environmental change

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Data analysis & interpretation of humpback whale practicals
  • Online
10%

Week 6, Fri 4:00 pm

Late submission is not possible. If you have a valid reason for being unable to complete this assignment by the deadline then you must apply for an extension. If you will be applying for an extension, please still click on the assessment link above so that you will be added into the assignment in Inspera; we will then easily be able to give you an individual submission deadline according to your extension details.

You will not be able to access the assignment after the closing time/submission deadline unless we have programmed an approved extension deadline for you in Inspera.

Examination Mid-semester exam
  • Online
25%

5/09/2024

This will be carried out during lecture time.

Academic integrity is a core value of the UQ community and as such high academic integrity expectations apply to all examinations, whether undertaken face-to-face or online.

This means:

  • You are allowed to refer to the permitted materials for this open book exam, but you cannot cut-and-paste material other than your own work as answers.
  • You are not permitted to consult any other person – whether directly, online, or through any other means – about any aspect of this examination during the period that it is available.
  • If it is found that you have given or sought outside assistance with this examination, then that will be deemed to be cheating.

Undertaking this examination deems your commitment to UQ’s academic integrity pledge as summarised in the following declaration:

“I certify that I have completed this examination in an honest, fair and trustworthy manner, that my submitted answers are entirely my own work, and that I have neither given nor received any unauthorised assistance on this examination”.

Paper/ Report/ Annotation Practical Report Series
  • Online
20%

18/10/2024 4:00 pm

You can enter and leave these assignments as many time as you like during the time they are available to you. Inspera will automatically save your work as you progress through the assignments.


Examination End of semester exam
  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
45%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Academic integrity is a core value of the UQ community and as such high academic integrity expectations apply to all examinations, whether undertaken face-to-face or online.

This means:

  • You are allowed to refer to the permitted materials for this open book exam, but you cannot cut-and-paste material other than your own work as answers.
  • You are not permitted to consult any other person – whether directly, online, or through any other means – about any aspect of this examination during the period that it is available.
  • If it is found that you have given or sought outside assistance with this examination, then that will be deemed to be cheating.

Undertaking this examination deems your commitment to UQ’s academic integrity pledge as summarised in the following declaration:

“I certify that I have completed this examination in an honest, fair and trustworthy manner, that my submitted answers are entirely my own work, and that I have neither given nor received any unauthorised assistance on this examination”.

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

Data analysis & interpretation of humpback whale practicals

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
10%
Due date

Week 6, Fri 4:00 pm

Late submission is not possible. If you have a valid reason for being unable to complete this assignment by the deadline then you must apply for an extension. If you will be applying for an extension, please still click on the assessment link above so that you will be added into the assignment in Inspera; we will then easily be able to give you an individual submission deadline according to your extension details.

You will not be able to access the assignment after the closing time/submission deadline unless we have programmed an approved extension deadline for you in Inspera.

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02

Task description

You will extend upon the data analysis and interpretation you do during two of the practicals and answer some questions. The assignment will be completed using Inspera, which is an assessment platform. Details will be provided to you during the practicals. The assessment will open in Inspera after the first practical has been completed and remain open until the week after the second humpback physiology practical has been completed.

 

Submission guidelines

Clicking on an assessment link will take you directly into Inspera, where you will see information about the relevant assessment and will be able to commence it when you are ready. You can enter and leave the assignment as many time as you like during the time it is available to you. Inspera will automatically save your work as you progress through the assignment.

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.

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.

Mid-semester exam

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
25%
Due date

5/09/2024

This will be carried out during lecture time.

Academic integrity is a core value of the UQ community and as such high academic integrity expectations apply to all examinations, whether undertaken face-to-face or online.

This means:

  • You are allowed to refer to the permitted materials for this open book exam, but you cannot cut-and-paste material other than your own work as answers.
  • You are not permitted to consult any other person – whether directly, online, or through any other means – about any aspect of this examination during the period that it is available.
  • If it is found that you have given or sought outside assistance with this examination, then that will be deemed to be cheating.

Undertaking this examination deems your commitment to UQ’s academic integrity pledge as summarised in the following declaration:

“I certify that I have completed this examination in an honest, fair and trustworthy manner, that my submitted answers are entirely my own work, and that I have neither given nor received any unauthorised assistance on this examination”.

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L03, L04

Task description

Mid-semester exam covering lectures from start of semester up to and including the lecture on 31st August 2023.

Exam will run for 50 minutes and will run during lecture time. No choice in exam questions.

This will be an online exam using Inspera. Details of the exam, and how to access it, will be covered in lectures and posted as announcements on blackboard.  

The assessment item will include written assessment 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 during 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.

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 50 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Materials

You are permitted to use your nominated device for the purpose of Multi-Factor Authentication only (see below). After this time, your phone must remain switched off for the duration of the exam.

This is an Open-book examination: Any additional written or printed material is permitted; material may also be annotated.

Any calculator permitted - unrestricted.

Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

The exam will only be available in Inspera Assessment for the duration of your exam. You will not be permitted to click START until directed to do so by your Exam Invigilator.

You will submit your exam by clicking ‘Submit Now’. Once you have clicked ‘Submit Now’ you will not be able to access the exam. So do not click submit until you are sure you do not want to make any further changes.

When the exam window has closed, you will be directed to the Summary page where you must click ‘Submit Now’. If you do not click ‘Submit Now’, you will not be able to exit Inspera Exam Portal. You will not be able to access the exam after the exam window has closed.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.

Practical Report Series

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20%
Due date

18/10/2024 4:00 pm

You can enter and leave these assignments as many time as you like during the time they are available to you. Inspera will automatically save your work as you progress through the assignments.


Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02

Task description

You will extend upon the data analysis and interpretation you do during the practicals and answer some questions. Details will be provided to you during the practicals.

Submission guidelines

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.

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.

Late submission is not possible. If you have a valid reason for being unable to complete these assignments by the deadlines then you must apply for an extension. If you will be applying for an extension, please still click on the relevant assessment link inside this folder so that you will be added into the assignment in Inspera; we will then easily be able to give you an individual submission deadline according to your extension details.

You will not be able to access the assignment after the closing time/submission deadline unless we have programmed an approved extension deadline for you in Inspera.

End of semester exam

  • Hurdle
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
45%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Academic integrity is a core value of the UQ community and as such high academic integrity expectations apply to all examinations, whether undertaken face-to-face or online.

This means:

  • You are allowed to refer to the permitted materials for this open book exam, but you cannot cut-and-paste material other than your own work as answers.
  • You are not permitted to consult any other person – whether directly, online, or through any other means – about any aspect of this examination during the period that it is available.
  • If it is found that you have given or sought outside assistance with this examination, then that will be deemed to be cheating.

Undertaking this examination deems your commitment to UQ’s academic integrity pledge as summarised in the following declaration:

“I certify that I have completed this examination in an honest, fair and trustworthy manner, that my submitted answers are entirely my own work, and that I have neither given nor received any unauthorised assistance on this examination”.

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L03, L04

Task description

The final examination will be worth 45% of your final mark. It will comprise a mixture of short answer and essay questions. There will be a no choice of questions. 

The assessment item(s) will include written assessment and students will complete these using their own device on campus. 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 during 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.

Hurdle requirements

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

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 90 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Materials

You are permitted to use your nominated device for the purpose of Multi-Factor Authentication only (see below). After this time, your phone must remain switched off for the duration of the exam.

This is an Open-book examination: Any additional written or printed material is permitted; material may also be annotated.

Any calculator permitted - unrestricted

Scratch paper will be provided.

Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

The exam will only be available in Inspera Assessment for the duration of your exam. You will not be permitted to click START until directed to do so by your Exam Invigilator.

You will submit your exam by clicking ‘Submit Now’. Once you have clicked ‘Submit Now’ you will not be able to access the exam. So do not click submit until you are sure you do not want to make any further changes.

When the exam window has closed, you will be directed to the Summary page where you must click ‘Submit Now’. If you do not click ‘Submit Now’, you will not be able to exit Safe Exam Browser. You will not be able to access the exam after the exam window has closed.

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: 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).

All practicals are compulsory and attendance will be recorded at the end of the practicals.ᅠ Failure to attend without appropriate documentation (medical certificate) will result in a fail for 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

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 BIOL3205. 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 2ᅠof 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.

COURSE HURDLES

  • 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 who achieve a mark of less than 35% on the hurdle mentioned above, will achieve a grade of 2 for the course (regardless of their total percentage for all assessments in the course).
  • All practicals are compulsory and attendance will be recorded at the end of the practicals.ᅠ Failure to attend without appropriate documentation (medical certificate) will result in a fail for the course.

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.


SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENT

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 the MyUQ websiteᅠon how to apply for a deferral of your exam.


SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENTS

Unlike 1st and 2nd year courses,you can only submit your assignment ONCE through Inspera.

Please make sure you submit only the final version through Inspera

All appropriate assignments must be submitted through Inspera. Submission of assessment items by email are not accepted.


Failure to submit both a electronic copy on time will result in the late penalty (10% of maximum marks per day) being applied.


GROUP ASSIGNMENTS

Students may be required to work in groups and submit an assessment item as a group.

In some cases, students are expected to work in a group to gather data or generate ideas, but are expected to submit individual assessment items based on the group work. This means that you can use the group-generated ideas or data but you cannot collaborate to produce the individual written submissions. If the divisions are unclear, ask for clarification.


PLAGIARISM will not be tolerated: 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.

Other course materials

If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.

Required

Item Description Further Requirement
Inspera self directed learning modules Online Inspera self directed learning modules provided in advance of the lecture material own item needed
Laboratory coat and PPE In lab PPE as required by practical own item needed

Additional learning resources information

You will be provided with a practical manual to be handed out in theᅠfirst tutorial in week 1 of semester.

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
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Lecture

Defining Animal Ecophysiology, Relevance and Applications

Overview of the course and lecture material. Defining Animal Ecophysiology, Relevance and Applications.
Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Abiotic drivers of physiological function and how to measure them

Abiotic drivers of physiological function: Physiological Principle: The role of the environment in ecophysiology

Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03

Not Timetabled

SDL module: Cardiorespiratory physiology 1

Background learning module in cardiovascular physiology.

Learning outcomes: L03

Practical

Environmental measurement in ecological physiology

Introduction to Ecophysiology: Measuring common environmental abiotic factors. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Not Timetabled

SDL module: Cardiorespiratory physiology 2

Background learning in cardiovascular physiology

Learning outcomes: L03

Lecture

Respiratory Physiology: Deep divers, highfliers & wee fishies

Respiratory Physiology: Deep divers, highfliers & wee fishies. Physiological Concepts: Mammalian, avian and fish respiration. Case Examples: Ecophysiology of deep diving whales, high flying birds and the mudskipper. Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Evolution and function of vertebrate circulation

Physiological Concept: Moving from single to double circulation systems
Case Examples: Turtles versus blue whales
Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Not Timetabled

SDL module: Overview of Endocrine Physiology

Background learningand introduction to the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the hormones.

Learning outcomes: L03

Not Timetabled

SDL module: Measurement of endocrine parameters

Background learning in the measurement of endocrine function in wild animals.

Learning outcomes: L03

Lecture

The stress response in animal populations

Physiological Concept: Stress-immune interactions. Case Examples: the plight of the koala and the super-immune system of bats. Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Practical

Respiratory physiology of diving humpback whales

Analysis of behavioural tag data from diving humpback whales to measure respiratory output and oxygen consumption in migrating whales. Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Lecture

The thyroid response in animals

Physiological Concepts: Thyroid control of life history strategies. Case Examples: the curious case of the platypus. Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

The time-telling pineal gland

Physiological Concept: Melatonin secretion from the pineal gland sets circadian rhythms. Case example: The influence of the Tasmanian devil on temporal niche partitioning of its community. Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Practical

Measuring testosterone in male humpback whales

Learning EIA techniques and analysing data on humpback whale testosterone.
Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Not Timetabled

SDL Module: Thermal Physiology

Background concepts and learning module in thermal physiology. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03

Not Timetabled

SDL Module: Energy and Metabolism

Background concepts and learning module in energy budgets and metabolism. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03

Lecture

Elucidating and predicting the effects of climate warming on animals 1

Physiological Concepts: thermal plasticity, acclimation, thermal dependence; cardiovascular performance. Case Examples: Thermal compensation of performance in Antarctic fish. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Elucidating and predicting the effects of climate warming on animals 2

Physiological Concepts: Thermoregulation, heat transfer, heart rate hysteresis. Case examples: Thermal ecophysiology of reptiles. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Elucidating and predicting the effects of climate warming on animals 3

Physiological Concept: Thermal dependence and plasticity. Case Examples: Effects of elevated temperatures on diving performance in crocodiles. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Elucidating and predicting the effects of climate warming on animals 4

Physiological Concept: Temperature dependent sex determination. Case Example: Temperature dependent sex determination in marine turtles: conservation and management implications.  Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Lecture

Q and A session for up and coming exam

Rebecca Dunlop and Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Practical

Heat transfer and thermal ecology of reptiles

Practical investigation into heat transfer and thermal ecology of reptiles. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Metabolism 1: Energy budgets in a changing world

Physiological concepts: Energy budgets, energy trade-offs. Case Examples: Use of energy budgets for conservation and management in penguins and invertebrates. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Metabolism 2: Metabolic survival strategies in a changing world

Physiological Concept: Hypometabolism, thermal physiology. Case Examples: aestivating frogs and hibernating mammals. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Threats to aquatic ecosystems 1 - hypoxia

Physiological Concept:  Bimodal respiration. Effects of aquatic hypoxia on oxygen uptake. Case Examples: Damming of rivers and effects on freshwater turtles. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Practical

Thermal sensitivity of metabolism in crayfish

Practical investigation into thermal activity and sensitivity in crayfish. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

<font color="red">3rd year teaching-free week

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

<font color="red">Mid-semester break

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

<font color="red">KING'S BIRTHDAY

Lecture

Threats to aquatic ecosystems 2 - Hypoxia

Physiological Concept: Hypoxia affects physiological function. Case Example: Drying waterholes in the Murray darling basin and the effects on native fish populations. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Threats to aquatic ecosystems 3 - pollution

Physiological Concept: Physiological performance, respiration, swimming performance, tolerance limits. Case Example: Effects of bush fires and nitrate on aquatic ecosystems Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Practical

Influence of hypoxia on the aerobic performance of fish

Practical investigation into the effects of hypoxia on fish. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Lecture

Threats to aquatic ecosystems 4 – Fish migration

Physiological Concept: Fish swimming physiology. Case Example: Using physiological tools to manage barriers to fish passage in freshwater ecosystems. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Not Timetabled

SDL Module – Osmo- and iono-regulatory physiology Background and theory

Background learning and theory of osmoregulation. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03

Lecture

Osmoregulation and ion regulation 1

Physiological Concept: Salt and water balance – fish. Case Examples: teleost fish and elasmobranchs. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Practical

Osmoregulatory physiology of fish in response to changing salinities

Practical investigation into osmoregulation in fish Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Lecture

Osmoregulation and ion regulation 2

Physiological Concept: Salt and water balance – crocodiles! Case Examples: Osmotic and ion-regulatory physiology of salty crocs. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Osmoregulation and ion regulation 3

Physiological Concept: Ion regulation in changing in response to aquatic pH. Case Examples: tadpoles and teleost fish. Rebecca Cramp.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Threats to amphibians 1

Physiological concepts: Ion regulation, immunology, sloughing. Case examples: Pathophysiology of Chytridiomycosis in amphibians. Rebecca Cramp.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Threats to amphibians 2

Physiological concepts: Photobiology, interactive stressors. Case examples: The role of UV radiation in global amphibian declines. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Threats to amphibians 3

Physiological concepts: Photobiology, interactive stressors, disease physiology, energy trade-offs. Case examples: UVR and disease. Rebecca Cramp

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Final Q and A session for up and coming exam

Final Q and A and course review for EOS exam. Rebecca Cramp, Rebecca Dunlop

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

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:

  • Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety