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Unit of study_

BIOL3045: Animal Ecological Physiology

2025 unit information

Animal Ecological Physiology is a conceptually based unit of study that covers physiological interactions between organisms and their environments. The unit explores evolutionary processes that allow animals to persist in variable environments. These concepts are essential to understanding biodiversity and ecological function of animal populations, and how these are likely to change under future climate change. The unit will be suitable for those with an interest in zoology, as well as students with a particular interest in ecology and evolution. There is a strong focus on experimental biology and incorporating theory into practical classes, during which students design their own experiments. Good working knowledge of statistical analyses is assumed. The unit provides essential skills for conducting and presenting research, and for critical evaluation of published research.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Science

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
[12 credit points of BIOL2XXX] or [6 credit points of BIOL2XXX and (MBLG2X72 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2002)]
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
BIOL3945 or BIOL3011 or BIOL3911 or BIOL3012 or BIOL3912
Assumed knowledge:
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None

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

  • LO1. Understand the importance of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation
  • LO2. Understand the effect of changing abiotic environments on animal function
  • LO3. Understand the principles of physiological regulation
  • LO4. Understand the importance of nutrition for animal function
  • LO5. Understand the role of physiology in conservation
  • LO6. Design experiments and analyse data
  • LO7. Apply information and computing skills to access appropriate databases and other resources to gather and assess information about animal biology
  • LO8. Read and evaluate the scientific literature critically
  • LO9. Develop written communication skills to disseminate knowledge relating to animal biology
  • LO10. Work constructively and respectfully in a team environment.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.