Aquatic Animal Physiology and Behaviour unit (JFA304)

Hobart

Introduction

In this unit you will gain a comprehensive understanding of animal physiology and behaviour with a focus on ectothermic vertebrates that live in wet places. We will learn about the different strategies that aquatic animals employ to breathe, move, regulate, grow, reproduce and survive in changing and/or extreme environments. We will discuss the implications of anthropogenic change and use modern and emerging approaches in animal ecophysiology to showcase fundamental principles that inform production strategies and animal conservation.

 

Summary

Unit name	Aquatic Animal Physiology and Behaviour
Unit code	JFA304
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Fisheries and Aquaculture
Coordinator	Doctor Harriet Goodrich
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe fundamental physiological processes and their interactions
• Describe how biotic and abiotic factors shape the behaviour and physiology of aquatic organisms
• Critically evaluate and interpret scientific literature related to aquatic animal physiology and behaviour
• Demonstrate proficiency in collecting, analysing, interpreting and communicating physiological and behavioural data

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
050799	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$3,435.00

• 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 UniConnect 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.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly for 13 weeks: 1. Readings (1-2) 2. Seminars (2h) 3. Practicals (3h)
Assessment	Round table discussions (10%)|Practical report (20%)|Research proposal seminar (30%)|Final exam (40%)
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.
Recommended	Recommended readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.