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ANS102_Unit_guide_2025___myMurdoch_Learning

WEEK LECTURES

  • Schedule:

    • Monday 9.30am - 10.20am

    • Wednesday 11.30am - 12.20pm

    • Friday 1.30pm - 2.15pm

    • Venue: Kim E Beazley Lecture Theatre (351.1.001)

TEACHING STAFF

  • Laboratory Classes:

    • Tuesday 9.30am or 12pm

    • Rooms: Labs 250.1.022 & 250.1.106 (Unless specified)

ASSESSMENTS

  • Key Dates and Topics:

    • 1 Feb 24: Introduction to the unit

    • 2 Mar: Online Task 1 Due

    • 5 Mar: Animal skeletons and joints

    • 3 Mar: Locomotion, Change through time - Evolution

    • 4 Mar: Circulatory, Respiratory, and Urinary Systems

    • 21 Mar: Online Task 3 Due

    • 31 Mar: Intra Semester Exam - Concepts from First 4 Weeks

    • 7 Apr: Sexual Reproduction

    • 14 Apr: Haematology and Immunity (No class on Good Friday)

    • 28 Apr: Endocrine system & homeostasis

    • 19 May: Taxonomy

    • 26 May: Overall Revision

    • 10 Jun: Exams 10 - 22 June (Refer to Murdoch online exam timetable)

UNIT GUIDE

  • Welcome Message:

    • Introduction to the unit with essential information for 2025.

  • Acknowledge Country:

    • Recognition of the Whadjuk and Binjareb Noongar people, emphasizing their heritage in education.

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT

  • Murdoch University promotes an inclusive environment supporting diversity and condemning discrimination.

UNIT OVERVIEW

  • Focus on animal biology theory and practice through study of body systems and evolution.

  • Importance of practical experience, detailed observation, and dissection in understanding animal anatomy.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Basics of cellular and tissue organization; sexual reproduction and genetic inheritance.

  2. Structure and function of major organ systems of vertebrates.

  3. Evolutionary transitions of major animal groups and their taxonomic characteristics.

  4. Impact of natural selection and evolution on biodiversity.

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

  • Develop skills in communication, information technology, problem solving, independent learning, and ethical considerations.

TEACHING TEAM

  • Unit Coordinator: Dr. Lea Labeur (Contact: ANS102@murdoch.edu.au)

  • Additional staff include:

    • Dr. Natasha Tay (Musculoskeletal & Locomotion Module)

    • Dr. Emma Dunston Clarke (Nervous System, Endocrinology)

    • Prof. Andrew Currie (Immunology)

    • Prof. Amanda Ash (Invertebrate Modules)

STUDYING THIS UNIT

  • Learning Approach:

    • Blended to facilitate transition into tertiary study with practical applications mirroring theoretical studies.

  • Expectations:

    • Engage in lectures and practicals and attend to announcements for updates.

  • Recommended Time Commitment:

    • Approx. 10 hours per week for the course over the semester, including lectures and self-study.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  • Lectures:

    • Three 1-hour lectures weekly covering unit content (recommended attendance).

  • Laboratory Classes:

    • 2-hour sessions emphasizing hands-on experience; important for concept comprehension.

  • Online Learning:

    • Includes various resources and study group opportunities.

ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

  • Assessment Breakdown:

    • Weekly Online Tasks (36%)

    • Intra Semester Exam (20%)

    • Final Exam (44%)

ASSESSMENT 1 - WEEKLY ONLINE TASKS

  • Due: Weekly, total of 10 tasks

  • Weight: 36%

  • Open book assessments focusing on lecture and lab content.

  • Check unit timetable for specific dates.

ASSESSMENT 2 - INTRA SEMESTER EXAM

  • Duration: 50 minutes, Week 6 (Closed book)

  • Covers first four weeks of semester concepts, providing feedback for performance improvement.

ASSESSMENT 3 - FINAL EXAM

  • Duration: 2 hours in the end of Semester 1 (Closed book)

  • Covers all unit material, includes short and extended answer questions.

  • General success strategies and sample questions available on the unit site.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

  • Adherence to ethical standards in academic activities is crucial; policies against misconduct are enforced strictly.

EXTENSIONS AND LATE SUBMISSIONS

  • Requests for extensions must be made prior to deadlines; solely supported by legitimate reasons (not due to confusion over schedules).

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

  • For further support, consult critically needed services via myMurdoch for academic integrity and health issues, including counseling and accessibility services.