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Unit outline_

BIOL2921: Zoology (Advanced)

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The content of BIOL2921 will be based on BIOL2021 but qualified students will participate in alternative components at a more advanced level. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
Annual average mark of at least 70 in previous year
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOL2021 or BIOL2011 or BIOL2911 or BIOL2012 or BIOL2912
Assumed knowledge
? 

BIOL1XXX or MBLG1XXX

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Mathew Crowther, mathew.crowther@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Ashley Ward, ashley.ward@sydney.edu.au
Murray Thomson, murray.thomson@sydney.edu.au
Camilla Whittington, camilla.whittington@sydney.edu.au
Mathew Crowther, mathew.crowther@sydney.edu.au
Ros Gloag, ros.gloag@sydney.edu.au
Frank Seebacher, frank.seebacher@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Theory exam
Multiple choice questions and short answers
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8 LO9
Small test Laboratory quizzes
8 Laboratory quizzes at end of each lab, with 3 best scores used
15% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO5 LO3 LO2
Small test Practical Exam
Multiple choice questions and short answers
20% Week 06 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Scientific Report
Research Report on specialised topic
20% Week 13
Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59
N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9

Assessment summary

  • Laboratory quizzes: Small online quizzes at the end of the laboratory sessions that test the knowledge gained throughout the laboratory. There will be 8 assessments, and the 3 best marks will be recorded.
  • Practical exam: The practical exam will consist of short answer questions on the material that had been examined in the practical class. Material that has been used in the practical classes will be
    presented to the student at stations within the laboratory, and the student supplies a short answer to the question. 
  • Scientific report: Students will write either a literature review or do a scientific study and submit a short report on the topic.
  • Theory exam: The theory exam will consist of multiple choice and short-answer questions that cover any aspect of the lecture and practical material. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to paleohistory; 2. Porifera and Cnidaria Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9
Week 02 1. Platyhelmintha and Annelida; 2. Mollusca Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9
Cnidaria and Porifera Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO9
Week 03 1. Nematoda, Tardigrada and Arthropoda 2. More Arthroproda Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9
Worms Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO9
Week 04 1. Echinodermata, Tunicata, Chordata and invertebrate conservation; 2. Fish Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9
Mollusca Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO9
Week 05 1. Amphibia; 2. Reptilia Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9
Arthroproda Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO9
Week 06 1. Birds; 2. Mammals Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO9
Week 07 1. Muscle function and movement 2. Homeostasis: salt and water balance Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO9
Diversity of vertebrates Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9
Week 08 Cricket locomotion Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO9
1. Thermoregulation 2. Cardiovascular dynamics Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO9
Week 09 1. Metabolism & temperature control Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO9
Chordata: evolution of vertebrates Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO9
Week 10 1. Simple behavioural responses reflexes and innate behaviour; 2. Learned behaviour Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO9
Decision making in cockroaches Practical (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO9
Week 11 1. Physiological basis of behaviour; 2. Ecology of animal behaviour Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO9
Week 12 1. Nervous systems; 2. Sensory systems Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO9
Week 13 1. Endocrine systems; 2. Endocrinology and stress Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO9

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. appreciate evidence for evolution and phylogenetic relationships
  • LO2. recall the names of the major phyla and their major subdivisions
  • LO3. comment on the important evolutionary, ecological, and morphological features of each phylum
  • LO4. understand the major physiological and behavioural concepts and how these relate to animal diversity and function
  • LO5. use field guides and dichotomous keys in the identification of animals
  • LO6. apply practical skills, such as dissection, in the study of animals
  • LO7. apply information and computing skills to access appropriate databases and other resources to gather and assess information about animal biology
  • LO8. develop written and oral communication skills to disseminate knowledge relating to animal biology
  • LO9. participate in more advanced units of study involving animal biology.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Can toad lab has been removed and replaced with diversity of vertebrates lab Canvas has been udated to be more use friendly

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.