Conservation Physiology and Disease Ecology unit (KPZ306)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit will provide you with, first, a strong grounding in the physiology of reproduction, stress and disease ecology in higher vertebrates. You will develop your understanding of how knowledge of a species' physiology and behaviour, particularly in relation to reproduction, is critical to the implementation of sound conservation strategies and captive management. Retaining the theme of conservation management, you will gain an appreciation of the importance of understanding disease ecology and epidemiology for conservation. Fundamental topics covered will include: sexual differentiation; physiology of gestation and lactation in eutherian and marsupial mammals; comparative endocrinology of reproduction in birds and reptiles; adrenal physiology; the stress response; the transmission of infectious disease; causes of disease emergence in wildlife; and disease control. You will consider special topics including: ethical considerations in animal research: reproductive technologies; stress effects on reproduction; non-invasive hormone monitoring; endocrine disruptors; disease surveillance; exposure versus infection; and understanding disease dynamics. In practical classes you will gain hands-on experience in relevant laboratory and theoretical research techniques. Assignments will develop your ability to access primary literature and to critique and apply such information in relevant conservation scenarios, and will improve your understanding of experimental design and analysis, and your scientific communication skills. This unit is a requirement in the Zoology major.

Summary

Unit name	Conservation Physiology and Disease Ecology
Unit code	KPZ306
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Biological Sciences
Coordinator	Associate Professor Ashley Edwards
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• explain the physiology, reproduction, stress and disease ecology of terrestrial vertebrates;
• identify appropriate field and laboratory techniques for gathering information relevant to a range of conservation scenarios;
• make and explain decisions regarding the conservation and captive breeding of terrestrial vertebrates by applying fundamental knowledge;
• communicate effectively using a range of formats relevant to professional scientists;
• justify the use of animals in research from an ethical perspective.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KZA212 Functional Biology of Animals

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	equivalent of 2 hours of lecture material (prerecorded and available in MyLO) plus 1 x 3 hr face to face practical session each week
Assessment	Ethics lay summary (10%)|Discussion Paper (12.5%)|Poster Presentation (12.5%)|Critical Review (25%)|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.

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