Experimental Wildlife Zoology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

All of

• 654-217 Animal Structure and Function
• 654-218 Comparative Animal Physiology
• 654-219 Ecology

Plus one of

• 652-214 Principles of Genetics
• 516-212 Fundamentals of Cell Biology
• 536-234 Integrative Human Physiology

OR

Both

• 654-202 Vertebrate Structure and Function (prior to 2009)
• 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations (prior to 2009)

Students who have received credit for 654-309 Field Biology of Australian Wildlife (prior to 2010) may not enrol in this subject for credit.

This subject explores the techniques and methods of undertaking research in zoology with an emphasis on the terrestrial environment, including experimental and sampling design, data collection, statistical analysis of data, presentation of the research results and peer review. Students will participate in a group project, in which they will design, execute, analyse and interpret observational and experimental studies of animals in either natural or captive populations.

To provide students with an opportunity to engage in an authentic experience of the entire process of scientific research: from translating a general question in animal behaviour to a specific hypothesis about the relationship between measurable variables; developing an experimental or sampling design; collecting and analysing data; preparing an oral presentation and a draft written report; formally reviewing reports prepared by other students and revising their reports in line with the reviews provided by their colleagues; and finally submitting an individual report for assessment.

Field reports totalling up to 3000 words due during the semester (60%); a 1-hour written examination on practical knowledge in the examination period (40%).

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature, and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results.

Students should develop their abilities to pose testable hypotheses, to devise appropriate sampling procedures and experimental designs, and to work in field situations.

Students should learn how to access information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources, and gain experience in writing scientific reports and essays.