Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL203
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
Vertebrates account for only a fraction of Earth’s animal species, however they have long fascinated life scientists. This unit introduces you to vertebrate zoology and ecology on a global scale.
With an emphasis on Australian vertebrate fauna, you will trace the origins, evolution, classification, conservation, behaviour, reproductive biology, ecology and adaptive radiation of extinct and extant vertebrates.
Comparing the structure and function of each of the major organ systems, you will explore living vertebrate classes, learning about the relationships of the vertebrate groups to each other and their distinguishing features.
Whether you wish to pursue further specialisation in marine and terrestrial vertebrate biology and ecology, or you simply wish to learn more about the fish, amphibians, mammals, birds and reptiles that inhabit our world, you will gain essential knowledge of the key principles and concepts in the discipline.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Zenon Czenze](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0006/499866/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a good understanding of the evolution and diversity of the main vertebrate groups and their relationship to one another;
- compare and contrast the morphological and physiological features that distinguish the main vertebrate groups;
- demonstrate an understanding of the link between structure and function in vertebrates; and
- summarise the evolutionary lineage of the major vertebrate groups and the main evolutionary events that occurred along the way.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Wildlife Species Account: excluding illustrations, tables or references. No. Words: 1200 maximum |
Mid-Trimester Quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
Practical | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Practical Report and Practical Work: figures, tables and references. No. Words: 1000 |
Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
Final Examination | Yes | 40% | All offerings |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Vertebrate Life
ISBN: 9781605356075
Pough, F. H. and Janis, C.M., Oxford University Press 10th ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.