Handbook home
Comparative Animal Physiology (ZOOL20006)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Email: zool-20006@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This lecture and laboratory based subject aims to give students a solid foundation in basic physiological processes in animals, with a focus on the different ways in which animals are adapted to their environments. Particular emphasis will be placed on marine and desert animals, and the integrative mechanisms involved in the regulation of important organ systems. Topics include endocrine feedback, neural integration, water, food and salt balance, cardiorespiratory systems, thermoregulation, metabolism and reproduction.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- compare, with supporting evidence, the function of key physiological systems within, and between, animal groups and environments;
- justify how diverse environments have shaped physiological adaptations, and how acute environmental challenges affect the activity of these systems;
- use, interpret or evaluate scientific data to support a hypothesis or argument;
- communicate scientific methodologies, data and conclusions, including synthesis and critique of current literature and experimental design; and
- develop first-hand experience in animal handling, recording of accurate biological observations and animal welfare data, including an appreciation of how animal ethics and welfare is incorporated in scientific experimental design.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- apply theories and principles to subject-specific content;
- develop scientific writing and research skills, including how to evaluate the quality of evidence and use this to construct written and verbal arguments;
- work constructively with colleagues to complete set tasks; and
- gain competency in standard laboratory procedures for working with animals.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL10002 | Biomolecules and Cells | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
BIOL10008 | Introductory Biology: Life's Machinery |
Summer Term (Online)
Semester 1 (Online)
|
12.5 |
BIOL10009 | Biology: Life's Machinery | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
BIOL10004 - Biology of Cells and Organisms (BSc pre-2021)
AND
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL10010 | Introductory Biology: Life's Complexity | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10011 | Biology: Life's Complexity | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOM10002 | Exploring Biomedicine | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10005 - Genetics & the Evoultion of Life (BSc pre-2020)
BIOL10003 - Genes and Environment (B-BMED pre-2021)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have received credit for 654-203 Animal Physiology (prior to 2009) may not enrol in this subject for credit.
Recommended background knowledge
First year level chemistry or statistics subjects are strongly recommended.
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.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
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
This subject involves the use of animals that form an essential part of the learning objectives for this subject. Exemption is not possible but there are alternatives for those who have strong philosophical objections. These can be discussed with the Subject Coordinator.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Three written tasks (2.5%, 7.5% & 10%) related to practical material
| From Week 1 to Week 7 | 20% |
Timed essay question in class approximately 250 words
| From Week 7 to Week 9 | 10% |
A scientific report
| Week 10 | 20% |
Weekly MCQ quizzes via online polling (drawn from best 10 tests)
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Lauren Salo Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 25 x lectures (each 1 hour equivalent), between 1-3 lectures held weekly; 5 x tutorial sessions (each 1 hour equivalent), focusing on communication and assessment skills within Weeks 1-8, with classes not more than 1 per week; and 6 x practicals (each 3 hour equivalent) with 5 classes held in Weeks 1-8 and final class in Weeks 11-12, and classes not more than 1 per week . Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 July 2021 to 24 October 2021 Last self-enrol date 6 July 2021 Census date 31 August 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 24 September 2021 Assessment period ends 19 November 2021 Semester 2 contact information
Email: zool-20006@unimelb.edu.au
Additional delivery details
An enrolment quota of 240 students applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, enrolment deadlines and selection preferences, refer to the the Faculty of Science website: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-bsc-continuing/quota-subjects
This subject involves the use of animals that form an essential part of the learning objectives for this subject. Exemption is not possible but there are alternatives for those who have strong philosophical objections. These can be discussed with the subject co-ordinator.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Hill, Wyse & Anderson, Animal Physiology, 4th Ed, Sinauer Associates Inc. 2016.
Recommended texts and other resources
Moyes and Schulte, Principles of Animal Physiology, 2nd Ed. Pearson Press 2007
Kinsey, A Student Handbook for Writing Biology, 4th Ed. Sinauer Associates Inc. 2013
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Elective subjects for B-BMED Major Zoology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024