Of the 20 major animal phyla, 19 deal with 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 suggested 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, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the variety of invertebrate organisms and explain their evolutionary origin and diversification.
- Investigate invertebrates in laboratory and field conditions, and identify major taxonomic groups.
- Understand the requirements for collection and short-term maintenance of invertebrate species for photographic and scientific observation.
- Understand and communicate the major evolutionary innovations in invertebrate groups, and describe the functional significance of associated morphologies and behaviours.
Other Information
Field Trip: As an indication, the cost to students for the 3 days field trip will be about $170.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Prac component (55%) (LO 1, 2, 3)
- Final exam (45%) (LO 1, 4)
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 during 8-10 March.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None. However the first year text, 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.
Majors
Minors
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. Tuition fees are indexed annually. 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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3096 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2582 | 16 Feb 2015 | 06 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2015 | 29 May 2015 | In Person | N/A |