Functional Biology of Animals unit (KZA212)

Introduction

KZA212 Functional Biology of Animals is required in the Zoology major and provides a broad training in fundamental aspects of Zoology. With KPZ211, the unit forms an essential basis for specialist studies in Zoology at level 3 the advanced level. This unit focuses on developing students' understanding of functional anatomy and comparative animal physiology from an evolutionary perspective. Lectures include: physiological integration and control, comparative physiology of circulation, respiration, excretion and osmoregulation, and energy flow through systems. Practical classes aim to develop skills in observation, data collection and analysis, oral and written communication, and an appreciation of the comparative approach to the study of physiological adaptations in animals. The practical format will be varied, involving some independent learning activities, and students will be required have the opportunity to participate in group work.

Summary

Unit name	Functional Biology of Animals
Unit code	KZA212
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	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• explain the functioning of the major physiological systems and their adaptive significance in animals
• communicate using a range of formats relevant to scientists and non-scientists
• collect scientific data/evidence and use it to describe aspects of animal physiology or solve problems
• use equipment and work with biological material, peers and staff in a safe and ethical manner

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KZA161 Biology of Animals

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 hours of lectures per week and a 3-hour practical each week (12 weeks)
Assessment	Discussion paper (15%)|Narrated slides (15%)|Popular science magazine article (15%)|Open book theory and practical test 1 (25%)|Open book theory and practical test 2 (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	“Animal Physiology’ by Hill, Wyse and Anderson, second had or older copies are acceptable, library and electronic copies also an option.

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