Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Katherine McClellan
Contact via katherine.mcclellan@mq.edu.au
E8B224
Monday and Tuesday (am) - by appointment only
Lara Ainley
E8B205
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
39cp including BIOL208(P)
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit explores the fascinating world of invertebrate animals. The unit starts by briefly outlining the features of the major groups of invertebrate animals (excluding unicellular organisms). Once this is established, we move away from a taxonomic focus to discuss major topics including: mating systems, communication, host-parasite relationships, predator-prey interactions, biological control, climate change, and conservation. These major topics draw on examples from research papers on various groups of invertebrates. This unit is suitable for students who are interested in whole animal biology or biological education, or for students who are interested in further research.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Assignment submission
All assignments will be digitally submitted through the appropriate Turnitin submission link on iLearn. No hardcopy / paper submissions are needed.
Extensions and penalties
10% of the mark allocated for the assignment will be deducted per day that any work is submitted late.
The deadlines for assignments are not negotiable. Only a medical certificate or a letter with appropriate supporting documents outlining other serious, extenuating circumstances can be used to submit an assignment after the due date without penalty. All applications for an extension must be sought before the due date unless this is absolutely impossible. All applications for extensions of deadlines must be submitted to the subject convenor.
The penalties imposed by the University for plagiarism are serious and may include expulsion from the University. ANY evidence of plagiarism WILL be dealt with following University policy. Penalties for plagiarism range from a loss of marks to awarding of a zero depending on the level of plagiarism and reporting to Faculty disciplinary committee.
Name | Weighting | Due |
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Taxonomic Key | 15% | 2/4/2015 |
Mid Semester Test | 10% | 2/5/2015 |
Scientific Journal Article | 20% | 21/5/2015 |
Poster | 15% | 25/5/2015 |
Final exam | 40% | TBA |
Due: 2/4/2015
Weighting: 15%
Students will develop their own dichotomous / taxonomic key based on lab specimens. Accurate scientific drawings of four of the organisms along with short (100 words max) descriptions of each organisms natural history will be provided as references for the taxonomic key.
Due: 2/5/2015
Weighting: 10%
A test on knowledge of course content up to and including wk 6.
Due: 21/5/2015
Weighting: 20%
Students will complete a written scientific report (1300-1500 words, excluding references and short abstract) based on a field-based survey of invertebrates in benthic habitats. Benthic invertebrates will be collected from different habitats. Students will identify the invertebrates collected and report on the diversity and richness found between the sites. The report will follow the standard format for a scientific report article, i.e., it will have a short abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results and discussion sections and it will be appropriately referenced. Further details of the assignment requirements will be given in class or online.
Due: 25/5/2015
Weighting: 15%
Students will work in pairs to prepare and submit educational outreach posters. Posters will communicate the diversity, life history tactics and adaptations of a given group of invertebrate taxa to an audience of non-biologists. Effective posters will consider life history tactics, predator-prey interactions, habitat, adaptions to specific environments as well as shared and distinguishing features of the group. Details and expectations of the report will be provided in class and online.
Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%
A test on knowledge of course content up to and including wk 13.
Required unit materials
The work carried out during practical classes is an important and integral part of the course. You must read, download and either print the prac notes to bring to each class, or bring them on a laptop or tablet.
You will also need a practical notebook that you will use to record data and observations from field and laboratory classes. We recommend you use an A4 bound notebook with alternate unlined pages for drawing (i.e. a botany notebook). Loose pages are not suitable. You may also bring your own dissecting kits to class, although some equipment will also be provided.
You will need enclosed shoes for every practical class in accordance with standard laboratory safety procedures. Without which you will not be allowed entry to the laboratory.
Recommended readings
There are a number of books (also available in the library) that cover various aspects of BIOL316:
Website
Lecture graphics (slides as PDFs) and iLectures will be available on iLearn http://ilearn@mq.edu.au iLearn is a web-based computer mediated communication package and can be accessed by most web browsers from inside or outside the University. iLearn and email will be the principle method of communication in this subject. You will need stable access to the internet to access iLearn.
We expect you to use iLearn to:
How do you log in? The URL for the iLearn log in page is: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/. You will need to log in to iLearn each time you use it. Your user name is your student number. If you are having trouble accessing your online unit due to a disability or health condition, please go to the Student Services Website at http://sss.mq.edu.au/equity/about for information on how to get assistance. If you cannot log in after ensuring you have entered your username and password correctly, you should contact Student IT Help, Phone: (02) 9850 4357 (in Sydney) or 1 800 063 191 (outside Sydney).
Assignment submission
All assignments will be digitally submitted through Turnitin in iLearn.
Timetable
Lecture 1 Monday 1-2pm E7B 100
Lecture 2 Thursday 12-1pm E6A 102
On campus session 1 March 21-22nd 9-5pm E8A 160 & 120
On campus session 2 May 2-3rd 9-5pm E8A 160 & 120
(Internal prac classes Thursday 2-5pm E8A 160 & 120)
Lecture topics*
Week |
Date |
Lecture |
Topic |
Lecturer |
1 |
23/2/2015 |
1 |
Introduction |
Kath McClellan |
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26/2/2015 |
2 |
Taxonomy and phylogenetics |
Kath McClellan |
2 |
2/3/2015 |
3 |
Invertebrate diversity I |
Kath McClellan |
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5/3/2015 |
4 |
Invertebrate diversity II |
Kath McClellan |
3 |
9/3/2015 |
5 |
Invertebrate diversity III |
Kath McClellan |
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12/3/2015 |
6 |
Invertebrate diversity IV |
Kath McClellan |
4 |
16/3/2015 |
7 |
Invertebrate interactions I - Herbivory |
Sabine Nooten |
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19/3/2015 |
8 |
Invertebrate interactions II - Parasitism |
Matthew Lott |
5 |
23/3/2015 |
9 |
Invertebrate interactions III - Predation |
Lesley Hughes |
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26/3/2015 |
10 |
Reproduction and mating I |
Mariella Herberstein |
6 |
30/3/2015 |
11 |
Reproduction and mating II |
Mariella Herberstein |
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1/4/2015 |
12 |
Sociality ** |
Marianne Peso |
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3/4/2015-19/4/2015 |
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Mid-semester break |
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7 |
20/4/2015 |
13 |
Invertebrate immune responses ** |
David Raftos |
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23/4/2015 |
14 |
Responses to environmental stress ** |
David Raftos |
8 |
27/4/2015 |
15 |
No lecture - Public holiday |
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30/4/2015 |
16 |
Freshwater invertebrates |
Kathryn Korbel |
9 |
4/5/2015 |
17 |
Invertebrates as environmental indicators |
Kathryn Korbel |
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7/5/2015 |
18 |
Invertebrates & climate change ** |
Lesley Hughes |
10 |
11/5/2015 |
19 |
Foraging |
Patrick Schultheiss |
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14/5/2015 |
20 |
Communication I ** |
Kath McClellan |
11 |
18/5/2015 |
21 |
Communication II ** |
Kath McClellan |
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21/5/2015 |
22 |
Biological control |
Phil Taylor |
12 |
25/5/2015 |
23 |
Conservation issues** |
Lesley Hughes |
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28/5/2015 |
24 |
Exam outline and revision |
Kath McClellan |
13 |
1/6/2015 |
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No lecture – Exam revision |
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4/6/2015 |
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No lecture – Exam revision |
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** Lecture topics may change to accommodate guest lectures schedules
On-Campus practical sessions
Sessions held in E8A 120 and 160. * The timing of the above schedule may be subject to change, depending on the weather. ++ Please bring a packed lunch so that we can keep as much to the schedule as possible – not much if anything is open on campus on weekends.
Session |
Class date |
Activity |
Time* |
1 (week 4) |
21/3/15 |
Welcome & Phylogenetics |
9 – 11 am |
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Invertebrate diversity I - garden collection |
11 – 2 pm (lunch 12.30-1) ++ |
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Invertebrate diversity II – Taxonomic key |
2 – 5 pm |
1 |
22/3/15 |
Invertebrate diversity III – Pitfall trapping |
9 – 1 pm (lunch 12.30-1)++ |
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Invertebrate interactions – Herbivory diversity |
1 – 5 pm |
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2 (week 8) |
2/5/15 |
Mid Semester Test |
9 – 10 am |
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Spider behaviour |
10 – 12 pm (lunch 12 – 12:30) ++ |
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Ant foraging |
12:30 – 2:30 pm |
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Grasshopper dissection – eggs and altitude |
3:30 – 4:30 pm |
2 |
3/5/15 |
Poster session |
9 – 10 am |
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Diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates I & II |
10 – 5 pm (lunch 12.30 – 1) ++ |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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Two new pracs (ant foraging & grasshopper dissection) have been developed and assessments have been altered (Taxonomic key and poster).
Date | Description |
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22/02/2015 | Lecture 2 and internal Prac times have changed |
12/02/2015 | Internal prac class info added |