Australia is famous the world over for its unique and biodiverse animals: from charismatic mammals to fascinating spiders. If you are interested in the ecology, evolution, conservation or management of animals then it is important to understand their biodiversity and natural history. In this course we will put Australian terrestrial animals in an evolutionary context and explore recent research advances through pre-recorded lectures, interactive in-person lab practicals, and optional workshops and day trips. One half of the course will cover the enigmatic Australian frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals, with a particular focus on their diversity and natural history. The other half of the course will cover the enormous diversity of invertebrates with a particular focus on insects. The course includes contributions from researchers at the CSIRO Australian National Insect Collection and the Australian National Wildlife Collection, both located in Canberra. Lab practicals throughout the course focus on hands-on learning about key features of structures and how they function, specimen preservation and the use of biological keys for species identification. We have designed this course to complement other third year courses in ecology, evolution, biodiversity and conservation. It is fun, interesting and interactive. It will give you the practical skills and information you need to continue with animal biology in the future, including advice on future jobs that require these skills.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe and evaluate the major patterns of biodiversity and evolutionary innovations of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, with a particular focus on Australian species.
- Understand and apply the principles of phylogenetic systematics and taxonomy to invertebrate and vertebrate groups.
- Analyse insects in the field and understand the requirements for collection for photographic and scientific observation.
- Analyse vertebrates in the laboratory and evaluate morphological diversity in the context of the natural history of Australian vertebrates.
- Analyse invertebrates and vertebrates in the laboratory and use taxonomic keys for identification.
Other Information
This course requires students to independently collect insect specimens, mount or otherwise prepare them to museum standards, and describe and identify them in accordance with the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. This can be done through various mechanisms - details will be included in the class summary and discussed in the first week of the course.
Indicative Assessment
- Test on lecture and practical material for the vertebrate half of the course. (30) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Written vertebrate species account and presentation (20) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Test on lecture and practical material for the invertebrate half of the course. (30) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Insect collection (20) [LO 2,3,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- There will be equivalent of two one-hour lectures per week (pre-recorded mini-lectures) and up to 10 x 3 hour practicals (30 hours) plus workshops (5 hours).
- Approximately 71 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards practicals and workshops.
Inherent Requirements
In this course, students learn how to identify and analyse vertebrates and invertebrates, which requires students to:
- Make and interpret visual observations.
Students who cannot meet this requirement will not be able to complete compulsory assessment tasks and will not be able to complete the course.
Students also learn how to collect, euthanise and mount invertebrate specimens, which also typically requires students to:
- Chase after insects with a net
- Make precise laboratory manipulations
- Safely participate in the biology laboratories
Students who can provide evidence they are unable to meet these requirements may be able to negotiate alternative participation and assessment requirements with the course convenor.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Nil
Assumed Knowledge
An understanding of the basic principles of evolution and ecology from first and second year courses.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8103 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |