• Offered by Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Classification Transitional
  • Course subject Biology
  • Areas of interest Zoology, Marine Biology, Biology, Environmental Science, Biodiversity Conservation
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Prof David Rowell
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Co-taught Course
  • Offered in First Semester 2016
    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.

Other Information

Field Trip: As an indication, the cost to students for the 3 days field trip will be about $170.

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.

Requisite and Incompatibility

You are not able to enrol in this course if you have completed BIOL2113.

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. 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
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2016 $3480
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2016 $4638
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
3721 15 Feb 2016 26 Feb 2016 31 Mar 2016 27 May 2016 In Person N/A

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