BVB214 Vertebrate Life
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | BVB214 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | BVB101 or BVB102 or EVB102 or admission to ST20 |
| Equivalent(s): | NQB423 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BVB214 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | BVB101 or BVB102 or EVB102 or admission to ST20 |
| Equivalent: | NQB423 |
| Coordinator: | Andrew Baker | am.baker@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Vertebrates are often the focus of conservation campaigns and environmental impact assessments. Thus, any graduate wishing to pursue a career that involves the biological or environmental sciences must have a deep knowledge of this charismatic group of animals, which includes our most recent ancestors and us. The aim of this unit is for you to gain a deeper understanding of vertebrate evolution, morphology, taxonomy, physiology and ecology through a series of lectures, practicals and field work. The unit will cover evolution of the major groups of vertebrates, considering the fossil record and plausible explanations for major changes such as ‘mass extinctions’. Taxonomy and systematics of the group will be introduced. Physiological systems will be described and consideration given to how they work and operate in an integrated manner. This mid-level unit will give you skills relevant to the biology major, wildlife ecology minor and environmental science major.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe and discuss the evolutionary diversity of the major groups of both extant and extinct vertebrates, including their phylogeny, morphology, physiology and behaviour;
- Identify and describe the behavioural and evolutionary adaptations of a specified vertebrate group;
- Apply practical knowledge of vertebrate morphology, taxonomy and physiology, including an ability to identify Australian vertebrates using authoritative taxonomic keys;
- Communicate and critically evaluate scientific data and interpret it scientifically in the context of published literature from a variety of sources.
Content
This unit will cover the evolution of the major groups of vertebrates, considering the fossil record and plausible explanations for major changes such as 'mass extinctions'. Taxonomy and systematics of the group will be introduced. Physiological systems will be described and consideration given to how they work, and to how they operate in an integrated manner.
Learning Approaches
The mode of study will be two hours of face-to-face lectures per week and a series of three hour practicals during the semester. Field exercises will also form a component of the practical work. Study modules will encourage independent research, critical and analytical thinking, and reinforce written communication skills.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative feedback will be available periodically during the semester via results of practical reports.
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessment items: a research paper, practical reports and a final exam.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Exam
This will test your knowledge, understanding and application of material covered throughout the unit. The format will be short answer and/or short essay questions. (summative)
Assessment: Research Paper
Early in the semester, you will choose a local vertebrate species and conduct a series of experimental observations concerning some aspects of the animal's behaviour. An online alternative using existing behaviour data will be provided to use as an alternative if needed. These data will be collated, analysed and scientifically interpreted in detailed manner, with specific reference to pertinent scientific literature concerning ecological, physiological and / or behavioural adaptations, characteristic of the species and vertebrate group. (summative)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Report
A series of scientific reports, relating to practicals conducted through the semester. This will test your practical knowledge and ability to interpret and discuss key evolutionary attributes of various vertebrate groups. It will also test your ability to use taxonomic keys to identify a selection of Australian vertebrates. (formative and summative)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Prescribed Text:
1. Pough FH, Janis CM & Heiser JB (2019) Vertebrate Life, 10th edition, New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education Inc. ISBN 0-13-127836-3
Recommended Readings:
1. Benton MJ (2005) Vertebrate Palaeontology, 3rd edition, Victoria, Australia: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-632-05637-1
2. Briggs DEG & Crowther PR (eds) (2001) Palaeobiology II, Victoria, Australia: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-632-05149-3
3. Long J, Archer M, Flannery T & Hand S (2002) Prehistoric mammals of Australia and New Guinea: one hundred million years of evolution, Sydney, Australia: University of New South Wales Press Ltd. ISBN 0-86840-435-7
4. Pough FH, Andrews RM, Cadle JE, Crump ML, Savitzky AH & Wells KD (2004) Herpetology, 3rd edition, New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education Inc. ISBN 0-13-100849-8
Other resources: A laboratory coat is required for practical classes.
Risk Assessment Statement
The unit consists of classroom-based and online interactive lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are low risk activities. Risk assessments for field exercises identify several low impact risks, including: travel; slips and trips; animal bites, and animal and plant stings. Students are provided with a health and safety manual detailing health, safety and emergency procedures associated with field and laboratory activities. Students are required to read, understand and put into practice all safety guidelines.