BIOS 2041 Vertebrate Zoology

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 301257

Coordinator Christopher Turbill Opens in new window

Description This subject examines the functional ecology and diversity of vertebrate animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). It combines anatomy, physiology, ecology and behaviour, to explain how vertebrates survive and reproduce in relation to their environment. We will uncover the evolutionary relationships among vertebrate groups, and examine their adaptations to different environmental challenges. The subject also explores patterns in vertebrate diversity, with a focus on Australian ecosystems. Students further develop their knowledge of the scientific method to conduct their own project to investigate how environmental factors influence vertebrate animal abundance and diversity. Students may be required to travel to another campus to undertake this subject.

School Science

Discipline Zoology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) BIOS 1001

Incompatible Subjects BIOS 3023 Vertebrate Biodiversity

Restrictions

Successful completion of 60 credit points

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Intra-session Exam 45 minutes 15 N Individual
Intra-session Exam 45 minutes 15 N Individual
Intra-session Exam 45 minutes 15 N Individual
Report 4x during semester 20 N Individual
Essay 4,000 words 35 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Pough, FH, Janis, CM & Heiser, JB 2018, Vertebrate life, 10th edn, Pearson Education / Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco

Teaching Periods