• Class Number 6135
  • Term Code 3260
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Daniel Noble
  • LECTURER
    • Daniel Noble
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 25/07/2022
  • Class End Date 28/10/2022
  • Census Date 31/08/2022
  • Last Date to Enrol 01/08/2022
SELT Survey Results

Mangroves protect our coasts and promote biodiversity, but how do they thrive in the hostile, salty water that is lethal to most plants? How does a goose fly over the Himalayas in the intense cold and low oxygen that would kill a human in minutes? Answers to these questions rely on a strong understanding of how plants and animals operate at all levels, from cells to organs. For an organism to function in the natural environment physiological processes must work together. If we understand these processes we can better predict how plants and animals will respond to environmental stress. For example, we can then work out how extreme temperatures and drought brought about by climate change will affect local rates of extinction. We can explore the tricks that allow some species to survive in seemingly inhospitable environments across our planet. This knowledge can offer novel engineering insights into the design of our own buildings, transport systems and even cities (biomimetics is a growing and exciting field).

 

Plant and animal systems are rich in their diversity and have evolved striking parallels in how hormones and other biomolecules interact in day-to-day life. These interactions govern all metabolic processes that affect growth and performance. In this course we will help you to see both the shared and unique features of plant and animal physiology that underpin the evolution of biodiversity.

 

Physiology is not just fascinating; it’s crucial to our survival and well-being. Students will learn concepts that can be applied to an array of real-world problems including: 1) predicting how species distributions will change in response to climate change; 2) improving conservation outcomes for endangered plants and animals; 3) how anthropogenic stressors, such as overfishing, pollution and the introduction of invasive species impact physiology and can increase the risk of population extinction; 4) designing crops to ensure future food security.


Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Compare and contrast the physiological processes that occur in plants and animals, governing day to day function;
  2. Predict and interpret the physiological responses of plants and animals to environmental stresses including temperature extremes and starvation;
  3. Use observation and laboratory experimentation to generate and test physiological hypotheses;
  4. Conduct physiological research and effectively communicate the findings;
  5. Apply experimental design skills to understanding population responses and interpreting quantitative data;
  6. Work within a research team and provide effective peer support and feedback.

Research-Led Teaching

Environmental constraints shape the types of organisms that are found along with the evolution of their characteristics and their capabilities. Physiology provides the means by which organisms deal with complex environmental variation providing explanations for why and how such constraints exist on organismal distribution, form and function. Practical classes will provide hands on experience in instrumentation and experimentation, measuring biological features, and the statistical analysis of real data. Information presented in lectures will be re-enforced and put in practice during practicals. This course provides an introduction to more specialised and diverse third year courses that will allow students to engage in the many research projects being undertaken within the Research School of Biology.

Examination Material or equipment

This is a formal exam held centrally, duration 90 minutes. You are permitted to bring: Calculator (non programmable), Course/lecture notes (with your annotations), One A4 page with notes on both sides, Unannotated paper-based dictionary (no approval required). No electronic aids are permitted e.g. laptops, phones.

There is no prescribed text for this course. However, there are a range of textbooks available in the library:

  • Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A. (2015) Plant Physiology and Development, 6th Edition, Sinauer Associates
  • Hill, R.W., Wyse, G., Anderson, M (2012) Animal Physiology 3rd Edition., Sinauer Associates
  • Nobel PS. 1999. Physicochemical and environmental plant physiology. San Diego: Academic Press.


Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

  • video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
  • two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
  • email and other messaging tools for communication
  • interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
  • print and photo/scan for handwritten work
  • home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

  • A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
  • Webcam
  • Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
  • Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
  • Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
  • Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

  • Practical reports will be marked and returned after one week with comments.
  • Tutorials in week 6 and 12 will be held to reinforce topic concepts and allow students to raise any questions.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Referencing requirements

You are encouraged to cite journal articles in your practical reports (or essay for Biol6115 stuents) using the following format:

In text citation: Reich et al. (2006)

Reference list: REICH, P. B., TJOELKER, M. G., MACHADO, J.-L. & OLEKSYN, J. 2006. Universal scaling of respiratory metabolism, size and nitrogen in plants. Nature, 439, 457-461.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 Gas Exchange: Animals Course overview: 3 lectures per week, 1 practical class per fortnight 3 tutorials (Weeks 1, 6 & 12) 4 practical reports, two open book exams, one short essay
2 Temperature and Heat Relations: Animals Practical 1: Allometric scaling of respiratory surfaces in aquatic organisms
3 Nutrition and Metabolism: Animals No Practical Practical 1 Report Due: 8%
4 Communication: Animals Practical 2: Causes and consequences of the biotic and abiotic environment on metabolic rate
5 Circulation: Animals Tutorial and Revision for Mid-term Exam Practical 2 Report Due: 8%
6 Water and Salt Balance: Animals Mid-Term Exam (Weeks 1-6): 30%
7 Mid-Semester Break
8 Communication: Plants
9 Temperature and Heat Relations: Plants Practical 3: Plant communication
10 Vascular systems: Plants Practical 4: Plant vascular systems in the transport of water and salts Practical 3 Report Due: 24%
11 Gas Exchange: Plants No Practical
12 Water and Salt Balance: Plants No Practical Practical 4 Report Due: 8%
13 Nutrition and Metabolism: Plants Tutorial and Revision for Final Exam Final Exam (Weeks 7-12): 32%

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Practical Report 1: Allometric scaling of respiratory surfaces in aquatic organisms 8 % 10/08/2022 17/08/2022 3,4,5,6
Practical Report 2: Causes and consequences of the biotic and abiotic environment on metabolic rate 8 % 24/08/2022 31/08/2022 3,4,5,6
Mid-Term Exam (Weeks 1-6) 24 % 23/09/2022 30/09/2022 1,2
Practical Report 3: Plant communication 8 % 06/10/2022 13/10/2022 3,4,5,6
Practical Report 4: Plant vascular systems in the transport of water and salts 8 % 19/10/2022 26/10/2022 3,4,5,6
Essay 20 % 20/10/2022 27/10/2022 1,2,4
Final Exam 24 % 04/11/2022 02/12/2022 1,2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

4 practical classes are compulsory. For those unable to attend in person, material will be provided on Wattle. An initial zoom tutorial in week one will explain what is expected in practical reports and how to present them.

On-line attendance at lectures is strongly encouraged

2 zoom tutorials will be run to revise and prepare for the two exams

Examination(s)

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Assessment Task 1

Value: 8 %
Due Date: 10/08/2022
Return of Assessment: 17/08/2022
Learning Outcomes: 3,4,5,6

Practical Report 1: Allometric scaling of respiratory surfaces in aquatic organisms

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 8 %
Due Date: 24/08/2022
Return of Assessment: 31/08/2022
Learning Outcomes: 3,4,5,6

Practical Report 2: Causes and consequences of the biotic and abiotic environment on metabolic rate

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 24 %
Due Date: 23/09/2022
Return of Assessment: 30/09/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2

Mid-Term Exam (Weeks 1-6)

This is an open book exam that is made available for 24 hours and is designed to take 90 minutes to complete. Concepts covered in the lecture material presented during weeks 1-6 will be assessed with a take home exam in week 7 composed of 6 questions.


Submission of Mid-Term Exam: The Mid-Term exam will be submitted online using Turnitin in the course Wattle site. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Assessment Task 4

Value: 8 %
Due Date: 06/10/2022
Return of Assessment: 13/10/2022
Learning Outcomes: 3,4,5,6

Practical Report 3: Plant communication

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 5

Value: 8 %
Due Date: 19/10/2022
Return of Assessment: 26/10/2022
Learning Outcomes: 3,4,5,6

Practical Report 4: Plant vascular systems in the transport of water and salts

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 6

Value: 20 %
Due Date: 20/10/2022
Return of Assessment: 27/10/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4

Essay

Length 2000 words, not including bibliography. Please refer to a range of primary literature. Two references will be provided as places to start. Marks will be awarded for synthesising different topics that have been taught in this course relevant to this question and considering both plant and animals.

grammar & spelling (10%) presentation (10%) references (10%) coverage of topic (20%) interpretation (30%)  creativity (20%)

Assessment Task 7

Value: 24 %
Due Date: 04/11/2022
Return of Assessment: 02/12/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2

Final Exam

A formal, open book 90 minute exam will assess concepts covered in the second half of the semester (Weeks 7-12). There will be 6 questions.


The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.


The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.


The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.


Practical reports: Hard copies to be placed in the Biol2115 box in the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre. Ensure your u-number is written on page 1.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

  • Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Marked practical reports will be returned to the students in the following practical class or tutorial.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not permitted

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

Daniel Noble
Daniel.Noble@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Evolutionary and Ecological Physiology; Ectotherms; Meta-analysis

Daniel Noble

Daniel Noble
X 50423
Daniel.Noble@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Daniel Noble

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions