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
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
Lecturer
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.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Discuss Australian vertebrate morphology and diversity in an evolutionary context
LO2.
Identify and taxonomically place a range of vertebrate animals
LO3.
Exhibit competency in dissection skills
LO4.
Present morphological and anatomical observations in written and drawn form
LO5.
Understand the unique features of the Australian vertebrate fauna
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Essay/ Critique | Evolution and diversity essay | 20% |
Essay is due on Wed 28 August at 14:00h. |
Poster | Evolution and diversity poster | 10% |
Poster is due on Wed 11 September at 14:00h. |
Examination |
Practical assessment - final practical exam
|
30% |
Students will be notified of Practical Exam date later in semester |
Examination |
Diversity, evolution, comparative anatomy/function - final exam
|
40% |
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
Essay is due on Wed 28 August at 14:00h.
Task description
This is an essay which the students will prepare throughout the first 5 weeks of the semester. Students will be able to choose a group of vertebrates on which they will present a written report in conjunction with a poster (see poster assessment item). Essay is due on Wed 28 August at 14:00h.
Submission guidelines
Submission will be through Turnitin
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.
Evolution and diversity poster
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Poster is due on Wed 11 September at 14:00h.
Task description
This poster will summarize the essay on evolution and diversity of the student's group of choice.
Submission guidelines
Submitted BOTH as a electronic copy through Turnitin and a hard copy: A2 size poster. For the hard copy, a coversheet will be sent to you 1 week before the submission date. Please print, sign and attach it to your poster before submitting it to the SENV Help Desk - Steele Building.
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.
Practical assessment - final practical exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Students will be notified of Practical Exam date later in semester
Task description
This exam covers all practical content of the course
Hurdle requirements
Must pass both exams to pass course- see belowExam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Diversity, evolution, comparative anatomy/function - final exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
Task description
This exam covers the entire lecture content of the course.
Hurdle requirements
Must pass both exams to pass course- see belowExam details
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
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.
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 combined final and practical exams, and a grade of at least 50% overall to pass the course.
Students whoᅠachieve a mark of less than 47%ᅠon the hurdle mentioned above,ᅠwill achieve a grade of 2ᅠfor the course (regardless of their total percentage for all assessments in 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
COURSE HURDLES
Students are required to get a grade of at least 50% in the combined final and practical exam, and a grade of at least 50% overall to pass the course.
achieve a mark of less than 47% 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).
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 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
Unlike 1st and 2nd year courses,you can only submit your assignment ONCE through Turnitin - multiple submissions cannot occur. The Turnitin site will be open on the due date. Please make sure you submit only the final version through Turnitin
All appropriate assignments must be submitted through Turnitin. The course coordinator may also require a hard copy of the assignments. If a hard copy is required then both versions (electronic and hard copy) MUST be submitted by the due date. Late submission of EITHER version will result in the late penalty being imposed.
Turnitin submission (if appropriate eg essay, reports, reviews, bibliography etc)
- Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site
- Upload an electronic version through the assessment Turnitin site
- You will be sent a receipt, retain the receipt as proof of submission.
- If you don't receive a receipt, your assessment wasn't submitted.
Failure to submit both a hard and electronic copy on time will result in the late penalty (10% per day) being applied – late submission of either version will result in the late penalty being imposed.
ᅠ
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.
Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.
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
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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Lecture |
Welcome and introduction to the course Course coordinator: Janet Lanyon |
Practical |
POSTER & ESSAY WORKSHOP Preparation for your poster and essay assessment items, Janet Lanyon & Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Rise of the earliest vertebrates Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Lecture |
Ancient fishes in ancient seas Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Lecture |
Modern Fish Diversity Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Practical |
<font color="blue">Fish Diversity Modern fish diversity (& fish dissection). Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Lecture |
The origin of tetrapods Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
The rise of the amphibians Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Australian Amphibian Diversity Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Practical |
<font color="blue">Amphibian diversity Amphibian diversity and assembling a vertebrate skeleton Lecturer: Coen Hird, Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Amniote origins Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Lecture |
Reptile origins and diversity Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Lecture |
Crocodile-line archosaurs Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Avian-line archosaurs (Pterosaurs/dinosaurs) Lecturers: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Avian archosaurs Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Practical |
Reptile Diversity Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Mammal origins Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Lecture |
Mammal diversity 1 Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Lecture |
Mammal diversity 2 Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Practical |
Bird diversity Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Vertebrate sensory systems 1 Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Lecture |
Vertebrate sensory systems 2 Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Lecture |
Beautiful brains Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Practical |
Mammal Diversity Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Lecture |
Locomotion 1 Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Locomotion 2 Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Locomotion 3 Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Practical |
Beautiful brains and dodgy senses Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Lecture |
Steve's hot topic lecture Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Diana's hot topic lecture Lecturer: Diana Fisher |
|
Lecture |
Cardiovascular systems Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Practical |
Vertebrate locomotion Lecturer: Steve Salisbury |
|
Lecture |
Reproduction 1 Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Lecture |
Reproduction 2 Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Lecture |
Feeding 1 Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Practical |
Cardiovascular and reproductive systems Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Lecture |
Feeding 2 Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Lecture |
Feeding 3 Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Lecture |
Feeding 4 Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Practical |
Feeding and Digestion Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Lecture |
Janet's hot topic lecture Lecturer: Janet Lanyon |
|
Lecture |
Coen's hot topic lecture Lecturer: Coen Hird |
|
Lecture |
No lecture |
|
Practical |
Grand Finale practical Lectures: all |
|
Lecture |
Course review Lecturers: ALL |
|
Lecture |
No lecture |
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.