Biology of Animals unit (KZA161)

Hobart

Introduction

KZA161 Biology of Animals introduces you to the scientific study of animals. In this unit you will investigate animal diversity by exploring the evolutionary paths through increasing body complexity, with an emphasis on Australian examples. You will consider the structural and functional characteristics of each group from an evolutionary perspective, with a focus on understanding the implications for adaptation and survival. Theoretical content will introduce you to the fundamental principles underlying animal life, and provide a functional basis for understanding animals' adaptations to diverse and challenging environments. Face-to-face practical sessions will help you develop real-world skills in investigation, interpretation and laboratory techniques and the use of specific scientific equipment. The final assessment is held in the Study vacation (prior to the formal exam period) and students are required to attend in person. There is no final exam for this unit but you must attend an in-person final assessment in week 13. This is a core unit in the Zoology and Ecology majors in the Bachelor of Science, and in the Marine Biology major in the Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science.

 

Summary

Unit name	Biology of Animals
Unit code	KZA161
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	Introductory

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 principles that underpin diversification and classification in the animal kingdom.
• Explain how relationships between morphological structures and their associated functions influence animal survival.
• Interpret biological specimens to describe evolutionary and environmental adaptations.
• Adhere to safety protocols and procedures when undertaking laboratory activities

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
010915	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• 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.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KZA151 AND KZA150 AND JFA101 AND JFA102

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	weekly prerecorded content (as several short videos each week) and a combined  3-hr face to face practorial + laboratory session per week.
Assessment	In class Scientific Writing Task (10%)|In class written and practical activity (10%)|End of semester test semester practical and theory assessment (40%)|Mid semester practical and theory assessment (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Campbell Biology by Urry et al (old editions and second hand copies are a good option).

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