Animal biology, Evolution and Ecology 2 will cover many of the core topics in animal biology. The emphasis will be on animal diversity, evolution, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and the impact of human activities on terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Normally, five lectures per week at 9am (Monday to Friday) plus one 3-hour lab per week for 6 weeks in the morning or afternoon (Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday). In addition, non-timetabled directed-learning tasks also have to be completed. 

None.

BIOL2039 Fundamental Topics in Biology 2

The course will be assessed by means of a 2-hour examination paper in the April/May diet (50%), one SAQ class test (1 x 10%), a lab report (20%) and a written investigative assignment (20%). The 2-hour examination paper will normally comprise MCQ and short-answer questions.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Re-assessment is not available for the lab report.

The aims on this course are:

■ To introduce the evolutionary and ecological processes that underpin past and present biological diversity; 

■ To provide an overview of the way in which species interact with one another, including with humans, and their environment;

■ To develop appropriate skills in data interpretation and analysis;

■ To develop laboratory and fieldwork skills in key research methods;

■ To develop key transferable skills and graduate attributes. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Describe multiple topics relevant to evolution, physiology, zoology, terrestrial and aquatic ecology and conservation; 

■ Evaluate patterns of biological diversity and the ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie them;

■ Interpret information from relevant literature;

■ Analyse scientific data, including data collected in the laboratory or field environment;

■ Communicate scientific ideas effectively.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.