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Unit outline_

BIOL3945: Animal Ecological Physiology (Advanced)

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The content will be based on the standard unit BIOL3045 but qualified students will participate in alternative components at a more advanced level. 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

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
An average mark of 75 or above in [12cp of BIOL2XXX] OR [6cp of BIOL2XXX and (MBLG2X72 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2002)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOL3045 or BIOL3011 or BIOL3911 or BIOL3012 or BIOL3912
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Frank Seebacher, frank.seebacher@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) David Raubenheimer, david.raubenheimer@sydney.edu.au
Camilla Whittington, camilla.whittington@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Take-home short release) Type D final exam Canvas online exam
Long answer questions
40% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10
Assignment Experiment 1 report
Scientific report
20% Week 04 2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Assignment Design experiment
See Canvas for more details
0% Week 05 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Assignment Submit proposal
See Canvas for more details
0% Week 06 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Assignment Experiment 2 report and research proposal
Scientific report
40% Week 11 2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO4 LO3 LO2
Type D final exam = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Experiment 1 report: Each student will attend one laboratory class to measure oxygen consumption and familiarise themselves with laboratory equipment. Class data will be collated and students will write a report based on class data.
  • Experiment 2 report and research proposal: There will be two dedicated laboratory sessions during which students design an experiment with help from staff. Students are expected to conduct background reading and write a short, formal research proposal for which they receive feedback before conducting their research. Experiments will be run over four laboratory classes.
  • Final exam: The final exam consists of long answer questions based on lecture material.
  • Design experiment: The research proposals for the laboratory projects include background literature research, as well as the design of appropriate and statistically sound experiments.
  • Submit proposal: In designing their experiment, students need to think about biological questions and devise hypotheses with the aim of answering these questions. To test the hypotheses, it is necessary to employ fundamental statistical approaches including appropriate replication, controls, and hypothesis tests.

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

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed
understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A
‘Credit’ reflectssolid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general
understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Weekly Ecological Physiology; plasticity and epigenetics, nutritional physiology, reproduction Lecture (26 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO9
Experimental design, process, and analysis Practical (39 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7 LO10 LO11
Reading primary literature, data analysis, writing Independent study (39 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

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.

Required readings

All reading for this unit consists of primary literature, which can be accessed electronically via the library

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. 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 principles of plant-animal interactions
  • LO6. apply field and laboratory techniques to conduct experiments on animal function
  • LO7. design experiments and analyse data
  • LO8. apply information and computing skills to access appropriate databases and other resources to gather and assess information about animal biology
  • LO9. read and evaluate the scientific literature critically
  • LO10. develop written communication skills to disseminate knowledge relating to animal biology
  • LO11. work constructively and respectfully in a team environment.

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.

More structured projects.

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

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.

Your staff, lecturers and supervisors must do what they can to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.
Students and visitors - are required to take reasonable care that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of themselves or others, and to comply with any reasonable instructions given to ensure health and safety.

With respect to working in the practical classes, “reasonable care” includes wearing a lab coat and closed in shoes (the top of the foot must be covered), and complying with safety instructions when handling hazardous materials and/or equipment. When students design their own experiements (e.g. Experiment 2 and Advanced projects), risk assessments need to be completed before starting work on the experiments.

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.