Biodiversity & Systematics (BIOL3209)

Course overview

This course examines the processes that drive the diversity and distributions of plants and animals. It will cover topics about the basic units of biodiversity - species -and how new species are discovered, recognised and described. We cover the phylogenetic basis of classification systems, and the different methods used to reconstruct evolutionary history and to test the origin of traits, including those relevant for ecology and adaption. We discuss processes that are thought to contribute to lineage diversity, and how biodiversity has changed through time and over large geographic scales. Case studies come primarily from plants and animals (both terrestrial and marine), but with some reference to other organisms. Examples will largely be drawn from, but not limited to, Australian examples.

This course examines the processes that drive the evolution, diversity and distributions of plants and animals, and how organisms are named, described and classified. It will cover topics about the basic units of biodiversity—species—and how new species are discovered, recognised, described and classified (Systematics). We cover the phylogenetic basis of classification systems, and the different methods used to reconstruct evolutionary history and to test the origin of traits, including those relevant for ecology and adaption. We also consider biodiversity below the species level, includingﾠgenetic and morphological variation among populations, and speciation with and without gene flow.ﾠ

We include phylogenetic and comparative approaches that test hypotheses about the generation and maintenance of biodiversity. The course takes an evolutionary approach to addressing these questions, primarily for plants and animals. Examples will largely be drawn from, but not limited to, Australian examples.ﾠ

Systematics and comparative and phylogenetic approaches form the basis of our understanding of ecology and evolution. "Species" are the primary units of biodiversity and ecological studies, and conservation legislation. This course will provide the knowledge of how species are defined and categorised by taxonomists, which is critical for fully understanding and interpreting ecological and biodiversity studies. The course places emphases on phylogenetic analysis and comparative analyses, which are critical in inferences of trait evolution and assumptions of ecological associations.

Course requirements

Assumed background

A general biology background with completion of second level subjects in zoology, plant science, evolution, genetics or ecology.

Recommended prerequisites

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

BIOL2201, BIOL2205 and/or BIOL2204

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

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

Additional timetable information

It is expected that students will attend all lectures and practicals in person. Lectures will not be routinely recorded, although small sections of the session might be. Practicals are not recorded.

Aims and outcomes

The major aims of this course are to:

• explain how biodiversity is discovered, named and classified, 

• assess patterns of bioversity at local and global scales,

• explore evolutionary processes that lead to diversification above and below the species level, and

• examine the role of modern biological collections in understanding biodiersity.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

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

Weekly in-class quizzes for each learning module

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Quiz, Reflection

Weight

50%

Due date

1) Quiz 1 Week 1, Fri 9:00 am

2) Quiz 2 Week 2, Tue 12:00 pm

3) Quiz 3 Week 3, Fri 9:00 am

4) Quiz 4 Week 4, Fri 9:00 am

5) Quiz 5 Week 5, Fri 9:00 am

6) Quiz 6 Week 6, Tue 12:00 pm

7) Quiz 7 Week 7, Fri 9:00 am

8) Quiz 8 Week 8, Fri 9:00 am

9) Quiz 9 Week 9, Fri 9:00 am

10) Quiz 10 Week 10, Fri 9:00 am

11) Quiz 11 Week 11, Fri 9:00 am

12) Quiz 12 Week 12, Fri 9:00 am

13) Quiz 13 Week 13, Fri 9:00 am

In-person during class.

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Submission is at the end of the quiz during class time.

Deferral or extension

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

Extensions are not available for this assessment as these quizzes are completed in class each week based on the topic of the week. The best 9 of 13 quiz scores count toward your final mark so you may miss some sessions if you are unable to attend, but if you miss more you should contact the course coordinator.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

As this assessment is to be completed and submitted during class, late penalties apply if not submitted by the end of the allocated time. If unable to complete, the best 9 of 13 quizzes count toward the final grade allowing a small number of non-submissions.

Project applying practical skills

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

50%

Due date

29/05/2026 1:00 pm

Task description

Submission guidelines

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. Refer to Blackboard for the submission link. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.

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 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 (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.

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 achieve a minimum of 50% for the combined quiz scores.

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 the link above 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

AI policy BIOL3209

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in learning. We encourage students to use AI as a tool in this course but the assessment items need to be their own work.

In-class non-assessed activities

·      Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing these activities.

Quizzes

·      This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Practicals

·      AI can be used for checking and modifying R code and for providing explanations of terms and concepts.

Project

·      This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of this assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

·      Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing some of this assessment task.

·      Acceptable use: generating ideas and R code, and checking spelling, grammar and flow.

·      Not acceptable: generating data, images or text.

·      Students must clearly reference all uses of AI or MT in the acknowledgments section of their report.

·      A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

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.

Additional learning resources information

Electronic notes and reading materials are provided for lectures and practicals.ﾠIt is preferrable that students bring a laptop or other smart device to activities.

Learning activities

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

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
• AI for Assessment Guide

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