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Field Biology of Australian Wildlife (ZOOL30009)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This field work subject provides an overall perspective on the biology of Australian terrestrial animals, including both vertebrates and invertebrates. A key aim is for students to gain experience in designing and conducting a research project on wild animal populations and then preparing a journal style manuscript reporting their findings. Thus they should develop skills in analysing, interpreting and evaluating data and integrating their findings with existing literature and knowledge. Students should also develop skills in detection, population survey, capture, handling, collection of standard morphometric data and identification of wildlife, and assessment of behaviour, reproductive status etc. They will apply these research methods to animals in the wild, and integrate this with knowledge of the biology of these taxa.
Intended learning outcomes
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 ecology, behaviour etc., 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.
Generic skills
This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature, an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results and working in collaborative teams. The practical and ethical constraints of working on wild animals under field conditions will be emphasized.
Last updated: 6 August 2024