Vertebrate Diversity & Evolution (BIOL3320)

Course overview

This course will cover of all aspects of vertebrate evolution and diversity through space and time, delivered with a focus on Australian species. It will explore the main living and extinct vertebrate groups (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) with Australian examples, based on lectures and matching hands-on pracs. Subsequently, lectures and hands-on pracs will examine the basic body plan, diversity/ taxonomy/ ID, evolution, phylobiogeography, biomechanics (feeding and locomotion), and current topics of interest (such as conservation or biomedical relevance).

Australia is the best place to study and observe vertebrate diversity! This course provides in-depth coverage of vertebrate diversity and evolution, with a particular focus on Australian vertebrates. There will be two modules: The first will present the dazzling diversity of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in the context of their evolution and biogeography, supported by matching pracs and a 3D virtual reference museum. The second module uses this knowledge to delve into the diverse adaptations of the vertebrate body, focusing on locomotion, circulation, sensory and reproductive adaptations, and feeding and digestive strategies. The lectures will be accompanied by hands-on pracs, including dissections, identification exercises and virtual 3D exercises. We will also examine some of the current debates surrounding Australian vertebrate life in the context of conservation.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students are expected to have completed BIOL2204 Zoology and BIOL2201 Evolution before attempting this course.

Recommended prerequisites

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

BIOL2204 or BIOL2201

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

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

Aims and outcomes

To gain a solid understanding of vertebrate diversity, evolution and form and function.

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

Evolution and diversity essay

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

20%

Due date

3/09/2025 2:00 pm

Task description

Submission guidelines

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. 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.

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). 

Evolution and diversity poster

Mode

Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written

Category

Poster

Weight

10%

Due date

17/09/2025 2:00 pm

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit the Poster via Turnitin by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.

A printed A2 copy of the poster is to be handed in to the Practical on the due date and time as well.

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.

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). 

End of Semester Practical Exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

30%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Practical Exam

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

End of Semester Examination

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

40%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

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 obtain 50% or more on the End of Semester Exam and 50% or more on the End of Semester Practical Exam.

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 UQ website 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 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

You will be provided with a Practical Manual.

For the pracs you will need to bring a lab coat and a science dissection kit. Both are available from the UQ stationery store.

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

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