Units / BIO3132
BIO3132 · Biology of Australian vertebrates
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3School of Biological Sciences
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit examines the biology of Australian vertebrates as examples of the physiological, behavioural and nutritional adaptations that animals develop in response to environmental variation. The diversity and biology of Australian vertebrates will be investigated in relation to their evolutionary history, climate, biogeography and ecology of the region. Specific topics will include; diversity of vertebrates across all major ecoregions; current challenges faced by native vertebrates; life history strategies of birds and mammals with particular emphasis on marsupials; clutch size in birds and the relationship to latitude; cooperative breeding in birds; adaptations to unpredictable, temperate and arid conditions; adaptations in relation to the evolution of dietary resources; invasive species; endangered species, conservation issues and captive breeding.
Areas of study: Zoology
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ethical wildlife monitoring | Demonstration | 37.5% | — |
| 2 | Oral presentation | Presentation | 17.5% | — |
| 3 | Environmental consultant report | Written | 15% | — |
| 4 | Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes - Theory | Examination | 30% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how Australian vertebrate fauna have adapted to the challenges of the Australian environment.
- Explain the significance of physiological, behavioural, reproductive and nutritional adaptations in vertebrates in relation to their ecology.
- Describe the diversity and distribution of major vertebrate taxa in Australia.
- Demonstrate competence in techniques for investigating the diversity and function of vertebrate wildlife.
- Communicate scientific findings in oral and written forms.
Workload
Total 12 hours per week; in most weeks this will consist of: • Three and a half hours of laboratory and/or field work and • Eight and a half hours of independent study per week, including approximately one hour of asynchronous learning content.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Laboratories | 42 hours |
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