Vertebrate Structure and Function

Subject 654-202 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 lectures (two a week) and 27 hours practical work; 10 hours demonstrations/excursions
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Biology 650-141 and 650-142; or 650-131 and 650-132 (prior to 2004: biology 600-141 and 600-142; or 600-131 and 600-132).
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr D Young
Subject Overview:

Upon completion of this subject students should have:

  • an appreciation of the range and diversity of vertebrate animals;

  • an insight into the evolutionary history and relationships of the vertebrate groups; and

  • an understanding of the anatomy and functional organisation of the vertebrate body.

In the laboratory component students should:

  • gain a practical knowledge of the structural diversity and relationships of the vertebrates; and

  • acquire skills in the anatomical and microscopical methods relevant to the study of vertebrate animals.

The subject provides an introduction to basic vertebrate anatomy and functional organisation; the diversity and relationships of living vertebrates; aspects of vertebrate phylogeny; and principal organ systems of the vertebrate body. The practical component will cover the microscopic anatomy of vertebrates; comparative studies of the vertebrate skeleton; and the gross anatomy of selected vertebrates.

This subject builds upon generic skills developed in first-year subjects, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate the ideas. Students should also learn how to observe critically and to use the results of their observations to pose and answer theoretical questions and to solve practical problems. They should gain experience in mastering the terminology of a scientific field and then in using that mastery to access an established body of scientific literature and material and to develop the ability to critically evaluate questions and issues in that scientific field.

Assessment: Assessment of laboratory notebooks totalling up to 1200 words during the semester (30%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%); a 2-hour practical examination in the examination period (20%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

This subject is likely to be quota-restricted this year.

Formerly known as 654-202 Animal Structure and Function.

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Animal Science and Management

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