Courses & Units
Fauna of Tasmania KPZ314
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 KPZ313 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 | Biological Sciences |
Coordinator | Associate Professor Christopher Burridge |
Teaching staff | Professor Christopher Johnson|Professor Menna Jones |
Available as an elective? | Yes |
Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
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 | 11/7/2022 | 9/8/2022 | 29/8/2022 | 16/10/2022 |
* 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 2022 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2022 will be available from the 1st October 2021. 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.
- Conduct and interpret results of animal-based surveys, considering the limitations of the approaches used.
- Defend or refute a position using peer-reviewed scientific literature in appropriately referenced written documents
- 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 | $1,002.00 | $1,002.00 | not applicable | $2,354.00 |
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 hour lecture per week, 13 weeks Practical sessions held in 11 weeks, of 1-4 hours per practical Individual study: self-directed contribution to practical activities (scoring of camera trap images) |
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Assessment | Examination (40%)|Fieldwork report (40%)|Critical Appraisal Assignment (20%) |
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.