Functional Biology of Animals unit (KZA212)

Hobart

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

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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

• 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

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

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.