• Offered by Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Classification Transitional
  • Course subject Biology
  • Areas of interest Zoology
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Dr David Rowell
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Offered in First Semester 2014
    See Future Offerings
Of the 20 major animal phyla, 19 are invertebrates. This course examines the systematics, evolution and diversity of 'the small things that matter' - and the large ones. It looks at the origin of life in the sea and the evolutionary patterns revealed by marine and terrestrial fossil material. The focus is on the diversity of invertebrates in a range of environments and the adaptations they have to vastly different conditions. Fieldwork will give students a solid grounding in the marine and terrestrial invertebrate fauna of south-eastern Australia.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, PG students will have the knowledge and skills to:   

1. Describe the variety of invertebrate organisms and explain their evolutionary origin and diversification.

2. Investigate invertebrates in laboratory and field conditions, and identify major taxonomic groups.

3. Understand the requirements for collection and short-term maintenance of invertebrate species for photographic and scientific observation.

4. Investigate the scientific, economic and/or medical significance of a specific invertebrate taxon.

5. Present their findings both through written scientific reports and in oral presentation to a scientific audience.

6. Understand and communicate the major evolutionary innovations in invertebrate groups, and describe the functional significance of associated morphologies and behaviours.



Indicative Assessment

PG assessment will be based on:   

• Specimen collection and preparation (20%) LO1, 2, 3  

• Written 10 page research report on taxon of choice (40%) LO1, 4, 5, 6  

• 15 minute oral presentation to class on research project (15%) LO1, 5, 6  

• Final exam (25%) LO 1, 5, 6



The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

60 contact hours,  50 non-contact hours and a weekend field trip to Kioloa early in the semester.



Prescribed Texts

None. However,  Campbell, Reece and Meyers: Biology 8th Edition Australian Version will be a valuable reference



Assumed Knowledge

An understanding of the differences between plant and animal forms and cell structure, at the first year biology level.



Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Student Contribution Band:
2
Unit value:
6 units

If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.  Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee Description
1994-2003 $1542
2014 $2946
2013 $2946
2012 $2946
2011 $2424
2010 $2358
2009 $2286
2008 $2286
2007 $2286
2006 $2286
2005 $2286
2004 $1926
International fee paying students
Year Fee
1994-2003 $3618
2014 $3762
2013 $3756
2012 $3756
2011 $3756
2010 $3750
2009 $3618
2008 $3618
2007 $3618
2006 $3618
2005 $3618
2004 $3618
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

First Semester

Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
5008 17 Feb 2014 07 Mar 2014 31 Mar 2014 30 May 2014 In Person N/A

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