Animal Structure and Function (ZOOL20005)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Animals show remarkable diversity in form and function. In this subject you will explore how form and function are related, starting with simple animals like corals and working up to apes and humans. We ask: How are these animals related by evolution? What do they do, and how do they do this? These are the different ‘technologies’ animals have evolved to solve the problem of how to move and feed. In the practicals, you will learn how to classify animals and interpret their features, and develop an understanding of how birds fly, fish feed, worms burrow and parasites infect us.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of the relationship between structure and function in animals, especially the mechanisms involved in locomotion and food capture; skills in dissection of animals and drawing to show structure; an insight into the evolutionary history, diversity and relationships of animal groups, and the unique adaptations of these groups that allow them to occupy diverse habitats and roles in ecosystems.
Generic skills
The subject builds upon generic skills developed in first year level subjects, including the ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate theories and communicate ideas. Students should also develop skills in the use of observations to pose and answer questions and to solve practical problems. Students should master the terminology of the field and gain experience in using that mastery to access a large body of scientific literature and material. Thus they should develop the ability to critically evaluate questions and issues within any scientific field.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
EITHER
Both
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10004 | Biology of Cells and Organisms | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10005 | Genetics & The Evolution of Life | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
Both
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10002 | Biomolecules and Cells | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10003 | Genes and Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
o Assessment of laboratory work via 10 x 5 minute online mini quizzes during each practical class throughout the semester (25%);
o assessment of essay work (up to 750 words; 20%);
o a 30-minute mid-semester progress test (15%); and
o a 2-hour written examination during the examination period, covering both lecture and practical material (40%)
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator John Morrongiello Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week; 10 x three hour practical classes Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
Lectures and laboratory based practical work.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 20 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Zoology - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 20 March 2025