Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Katherine McClellan
Contact via katherine.mcclellan@mq.edu.au
E8B224
Tuesday 2-4pm & Friday 9-12
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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:
Assessment details
Details of assessments will be provided on iLearn and in class.
Unit completion
To pass this unit students need to achieve a minimum grade of 50%, attempt and submit all assessments, and gain at least 45% in the final examination.
Assignment submission
All assignments will be digitally submitted through the appropriate Turnitin submission link on iLearn. No hardcopy / paper submissions are needed. All assessments need to be written in the students own words.
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. If you have a serious and unavoidable disruption to your studies and require an extension please submit a Disruptions to Studies notification via Ask.mq.edu.au with supporting documentation, and a Professional Authority Form completed by your health care professional. All applications for an extension must be sought before the due date unless this is absolutely impossible. If you anticipate any potential problems speak to the unit convenor early.
Academic dishonesty
All assessments need to be written in the students own words. 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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Early assessment quiz | 5% | Week 3 |
Taxonomic Key | 20% | Int:Week 6, Ext:OCS2 |
Mid Semester Test | 10% | Int: Week 7, Ext: OCS2 |
Scientific Journal Article | 25% | Week 10 |
Final exam | 40% | TBA |
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 5%
This is an early assessment quiz to help you know how you are doing early on in the unit. It will cover lectures 1-6 and will consist of 20 multiple choice answer questions.
Due: Int:Week 6, Ext:OCS2
Weighting: 20%
Students will develop their own dichotomous / taxonomic key based on lab specimens. Students will also draw accurate scientific drawings of four of the lab specimen and provide a short (100 words max) descriptions of each organisms natural history, in their own words, with appropriate referencing.
Due: Int: Week 7, Ext: OCS2
Weighting: 10%
A multiple choice answer test on knowledge of course content up to and including wk 6. This one hour test will take place in the prac, under closed-book exam conditions during the first prac after the mid-semester break.
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 25%
Students will complete a scientific research report (~2000 words, excluding references and short abstract), written in their own words and based on a data collected in class. The report will follow the standard format of scientific article (i.e., it will have a short abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results and discussion sections and it will be appropriately referenced), and be formatted according to the Austral Ecology guidelines for authors. Further details of the assignment and requirements will be given in class and online in iLearn.
Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%
A test on knowledge of course content (lectures, pracs and readings) 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 with unlined pages that you will use to draw organisms, 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 a Turnitin submission available in iLearn.
Timetable
Lecture 1 | Monday | 3-4pm | E7B 100 |
Lecture 2 | Tuesday | 12-1pm | E7B 100 |
Practical sessions | Thursday |
9-12pm OR 1-4 |
E8A 120 & 160 |
OCS 1 (external Students) | Saturday 2nd April | 9-5pm | E8A 120 & 160 |
OCS 2,3&4 (external Students) | Wed 20, Thurs 21 & Fri 22 April | 9-5pm | E8A 120 & 160 |
OCS 3 (external Students) | Saturday 14th May | 9-5pm | E8A 120 & 160 |
Lecture topics*
Week | Lecture # | Topic | Lecturer |
1 | 1 | Introduction to BIOL316 | Katherine McClellan |
2 | Taxonomy and phylogenetics | Katherine McClellan | |
2 | 3 | Invertebrate diversity I | Katherine McClellan |
4 | Invertebrate diversity II | Katherine McClellan | |
3 | 5 | Invertebrate diversity III | Katherine McClellan |
6 | Invertebrate diversity IV | Katherine McClellan | |
4 | 7 | Invertebrate immune responses | David Raftos |
8 | Invertebrate interactions I - Parasitism | Fleur Ponton | |
5 | - | No lecture - Public Holiday | |
9 | Invertebrate responses to environmental stress | David Raftos | |
6 | 10 | Reproduction and mating I | Mariella Herberstein |
11 | Reproduction and mating I | Mariella Herberstein | |
Mid-semester lecture break | |||
7 | - | No lecture - Public Holiday | - |
12 | Invertebrate interactions II - Predation & Foraging | Katherine McClellan | |
8 | 13 | Invertebrate interactions III - Herbivory | Katherine McClellan |
14 | Sociality in invertebrates | Marianne Peso | |
9 | 15 | Freshwater invertebrates | Grant Hose / Kath Korbel |
16 | Invertebrates as environmental indicators | Grant Hose / Kath Korbel | |
10 | 17 | Invertebrates and climate change | Lesley Hughes |
18 | Invertebrate communication I | Katherine McClellan | |
11 | 19 | Invertebrate communication II | Katherine McClellan |
20 | Invertebrate navigation | Ajay Narendra | |
12 | 21 | Invertebrates pests and control | Phil Taylor |
22 | Conservation issues | Lesley Hughes | |
13 | 23 | Exam outline and revision | Katherine McClellan |
24 | No lecture - private study for exam |
** Lecture topics may change to accommodate guest lecturer's schedules
Practical schedule
Week |
Prac Topic |
1 | No prac |
2 | Phylogenetics |
3 | Invertebrate diversity 1 - Garden invertebrates |
4 | Invertebrate diversity 2 - Taxonomic key |
5 | Food choice in infected fruit flies |
6 | Spider behaviour - Intruder vs resident |
Mid-semester lecture break | |
7 | Mid semester test & Biodiversity assessment |
8 | Biodiversity assessment |
9 | Butterfly dissection / Ant Morphology (TBC) |
10 | Herbivory |
11 | No Prac - private study for assessment |
12 | No Prac - private study for exam |
13 | No Prac - private study for exam |
On-Campus Session Schedule
OCS | Date | Prac | Time |
1 | Saturday 2nd April |
Taxonomic Key Parasites (TBC) |
9-12 1-4 |
2 |
Wed 20
Thurs 21 &
Fri 22 April |
Mid-semester test Phylogenetics Garden Inverts Spider Behaviour Biodiversity Assessment |
9-10 11:30-1:30 9-12 1-4 9-12 & 1-4 |
3 | Saturday 14th May |
Butterfly Dissection / Ant Morphology(TBC) Herbivory |
9-12 1-4 |
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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/
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Special consideration / Disruptions to studies
If you have a serious and unavoidable disruption during your studies you can make an application for special consideration Ask.mq.edu.au using the "Disruptions to Studies form." Disruptions need to be filed within 5 days of the disruption and have the correct supporting documentation. For more information on Disruptions to Studies notifications please refer to the university policy (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html) and procedure (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/procedure.html).
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.
If you feel that you are not coping and could use some extra help or guidance, the Faculty of Science and Engineering has dedicated academic support officers to help you settle into studies and reach your full potential. If you are struggling and don’t know where to turn for help, contact Helene or Michele (available for appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-3pm). Please contact them on 9850-8348, or email sci.studentsupport@mq.edu.au or drop in to the FSE Student Centre and make an appointment to be called back.
Some pearls of wisdom:
For Counselling, Disability and Student Advocacy Services please contact Campus Wellbeing 9850 7497, Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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Two new pracs are being developed (effects of parasites on behaviour, butterfly dissection / ant morphology). Poster assessment has been removed and replaced by an early assessment quiz in week 3, this is so that unit assessments align with Department guidelines for number and timing of assessments in a unit.
Date | Description |
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24/04/2016 | Fixed typo in mid-semester test date - 28th April is in week 7, not week 8. Correct dates and weeks have been advertised on iLearn since the beginning of semester. |
16/02/2016 | Poster assessment has been removed and replaced by an early assessment quiz in week 3, this is so that unit assessments align with Department guidelines for number and timing of assessments in a unit, |
01/02/2016 | Changes to lecture schedule |