Zoology
Dr Dennis O'Dowd
12 points * 10 hours per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: ZOO2011 and ZOO2022 or permission of the head of department
This subject consists of any two of three units. `Research methods in biology' deals with the philosophy of science, writing and assessing scientific papers and reports, and the analysis and interpretation of biological data with particular emphasis on the design and analysis of experiments. Students wishing to take BIO4000 (Honours) are expected to do this unit. `Aquatic ecology' deals with marine and freshwater ecosystems; particular emphasis is placed on the structure and dynamics of communities of coastal marine habitats, estuaries, lakes, wetlands and streams, including the impact of humans. The practical component can be done either as a six-day field course to Queenscliff Marine Station in February or as equivalent time in the laboratory and on excursions during semester. `Palaeobiology' deals with the major evolutionary patterns of vertebrate animals, emphasising Australia, for the past 500 million years. It is aimed at providing a current and detailed introduction to this topic by making use of staff from several institutions in Australia, who are recognised experts in their fields.
Assessment
Examinations (5 hours): 60% * Practical work/Projects: 40%
Prescribed texts
Rich P V and others (eds) Vertebrate palaeontology of Australasia Pioneer, 1991 (Palaeobiology only)