Courses & Units
Fauna of Tasmania KPZ314
Hobart
Introduction
Tasmania has a distinctive fauna, even in Australian contexts, but it illustrates a range of principles that are globally relevant. This unit will provide students with an understanding of the factors that influence the diversity and distribution of biota, with an emphasis on insular systems (island biogeography) and the roles of abiotic and biotic factors. Some fauna will be approached from the perspective of their ecosystems (e.g., freshwater animals), while others will be dealt with on a taxon-by-taxon basis, but emphasising aspects of their ecology and evolutionary history that can explain their present diversity and distribution. The unit also challenges students to critically assess questions of relevance to fauna conservation, drawing support from published sources. The practical component develops proficiency in field survey design and techniques, and downstream critique of results. The combination of this unit with the field-based the summer school KPZ301 Tasmanian Field Ecology, and KPZ3YY Plants of Tasmania provides some of the best undergraduate training in practical field ecology in Australia.
Summary
Unit name | Fauna of Tasmania |
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Unit code | KPZ314 |
Credit points | 12.5 |
College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
Discipline | Zoology |
Coordinator | Associate Professor Christopher Burridge |
Teaching staff | Professor Christopher Johnson|Professor Menna Jones |
Available as an elective? | |
Delivered By | Delivered wholly by the provider |
Availability
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Key Dates
Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
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Semester 2 | 12/7/2021 | 10/8/2021 | 30/8/2021 | 17/10/2021 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2021 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2021 will be available from the 1st October 2020. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate factors that influence the diversity and distribution of biota, particularly in regard to insular systems such as Tasmania.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of data from animal-based surveys
- Defend or refute a position by employing peer-reviewed scientific literature.
- Explain globally significant threats to fauna conservation and potential management solutions, supported by Tasmanian examples.
Fee Information
Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
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010915 | $993.00 | $993.00 | not applicable | $2,354.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
Admission into a Masters course OR KZA212 Functional Biology of AnimalsMutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
KZA215Teaching
Teaching Pattern | 1 x 2-hr lecture weekly and 8 x 3-hr practical weekly |
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Assessment | Examination (40%)|Cryptozoa report (30%)|Avifauna observations. (15%)|Critical Appraisal Assignment. (15%) |
Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
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Recommended | McNab A. (2018) The Guide to Tasmanian Wildlife. Fullers Bookshop, Launceston. | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.