Students
BIOL3310 – Invertebrate Biology
2020 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Ajay Narendra
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including (BIOL2510 or BIOL262) or BIOL208 or (BIOL2310 or BIOL228) or (BIOL2210 or BIOL229)
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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 diversity and key features of the major groups of invertebrate animals (excluding unicellular organisms), and using phylogenetic analysis to explore evolutionary relationships. Once this is established, we move away from a development and taxonomic focus to discuss major topics including: mating systems, communication, host-parasite relationships, predator-prey interactions, sociality, 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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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Competently use microscopy and imaging techniques to classify invertebrates into major taxonomic groups on the basis of morphological traits
- ULO2: Identify morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations that allow invertebrates to survive in distinct habitats
- ULO3: Assess how adaptations of invertebrates influence species and community interactions, and ecosystem function
- ULO4: Create hypotheses and design experiments to test those hypothesis by analysing appropriate data
- ULO5: Critically evaluate scientific hypotheses by statistically analysing data, and accurately interpreting results of those analyses
- ULO6: Effectively communicate biological research findings and concepts to diverse audiences including scientists and the general public
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture Participation | 5% | No | weekly |
| Microscopy and Imaging | 20% | No | 11/10/2020 |
| Scientific Journal Article | 20% | No | 25/10/2020 |
| Final exam | 40% | No | TBA |
| Early assessment quiz | 5% | No | 16/08/2020 |
| Mid-Session Test | 10% | No | 23/09/2020 |
Lecture Participation
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: weekly
Weighting: 5%
After each lecture an associated short quiz will be available on iLearn. Students must respond to all questions on their device (laptop, tablet or phone). Each quiz will remain open only for one week following each lecture. Participation for all students requires lectures to be listened to and quizzes answered within one week after the lecture.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations that allow invertebrates to survive in distinct habitats
- Assess how adaptations of invertebrates influence species and community interactions, and ecosystem function
Microscopy and Imaging
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 16 hours
Due: 11/10/2020
Weighting: 20%
Students will develop skills in imaging and measuring features in specimens from images acquired using light and scanning electron microscopes; build an image portfolio with appropriate descriptions of the features they image. Further details will be provided on iLearn and in the practical classes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Competently use microscopy and imaging techniques to classify invertebrates into major taxonomic groups on the basis of morphological traits
- Identify morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations that allow invertebrates to survive in distinct habitats
- Effectively communicate biological research findings and concepts to diverse audiences including scientists and the general public
Scientific Journal Article
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 16 hours
Due: 25/10/2020
Weighting: 20%
Students will complete a scientific research report, written in their own words. You will develop a hypothesis, design an experiment, analyse data, prepare figures and write a manuscript. The report will follow the format of a Current Biology paper - details of which will be provided in class and online in iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Create hypotheses and design experiments to test those hypothesis by analysing appropriate data
- Critically evaluate scientific hypotheses by statistically analysing data, and accurately interpreting results of those analyses
- Effectively communicate biological research findings and concepts to diverse audiences including scientists and the general public
Final exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%
A test on knowledge of course content (lectures, pracs and readings) up to and including week 13.
If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Competently use microscopy and imaging techniques to classify invertebrates into major taxonomic groups on the basis of morphological traits
- Identify morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations that allow invertebrates to survive in distinct habitats
- Assess how adaptations of invertebrates influence species and community interactions, and ecosystem function
- Create hypotheses and design experiments to test those hypothesis by analysing appropriate data
Early assessment quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: 16/08/2020
Weighting: 5%
This is an early assessment quiz to help you know how you are doing early on in the unit. It will cover material in the first 3 weeks of semester.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations that allow invertebrates to survive in distinct habitats
- Assess how adaptations of invertebrates influence species and community interactions, and ecosystem function
Mid-Session Test
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: 23/09/2020
Weighting: 10%
A multiple choice answer test on knowledge of course content (both lectures and pracs) for the first half of semester.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Competently use microscopy and imaging techniques to classify invertebrates into major taxonomic groups on the basis of morphological traits
- Identify morphological, behavioural, and physiological adaptations that allow invertebrates to survive in distinct habitats
- Assess how adaptations of invertebrates influence species and community interactions, and ecosystem function
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Required unit materials
The unit will be delivered as a semi-block unit. Pre-recorded lectures will be available on Echo360. Practicals will be available to both internals and external students for 4 days (September 21, 22, 23 and 24). In addition, one pre-recorded pracs will be made available.
Lectures:
All lectures will be pre-recorded and will be available on Echo360. You will be required to view the complete lecture and then complete an online quiz question/s. Each lecture will have one to three quizzes that can be accessed on iLearn. The quizzes will be kept active for 1 week ONLY after each lecture. You will get a participation mark for a correct answer in the quiz. If there are a multiple quizzes in a lecture, only the correct answers will get a participation mark.
Practicals:
Attendance of practicals is compulsory and there is a participation mark for this unit. 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. We recommend you use an A4 sketch pad for drawing and a lined note pad for note taking and recording data during classes.
You will need enclosed shoes, bring your lab coast 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 this unit:
- Richard C. Brusca; Wendy Moore; Stephen M. Shuster (2016) Invertebrates. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, Massachusetts U.S.A.
- Ruppert EE, Fox RS & RD Barnes (2004) Invertebrate zoology: a functional evolutionary approach. 7th ed. Sunders College Publishing (3 copies available in Special Reserve)
- Ponder W & D. Lunney (1999) The Other 99%: The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Transactions of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW. Surrey beattie & Sons, Chipping Norton
- Pechenik, J.A. Biology of the invertebrates. 6th ed. Boston, Mass.: McGraw-Hill, 2010.
- Anderson, D.T. (Ed). Invertebrate zoology. 2nd ed. South Melbourne, Vic.: Oxford University Press, 2001
- Moore, J. Introduction to the invertebrates. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001.
- Romoser, W.S. & Stoffolano, J.G. The science of entomology. 4th ed. Boston, Mass.: WCB McGraw-Hill, 1998.
- Choe, J.C. & Crespi, B.J. (Eds). The evolution of mating systems in insects and arachnids. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997.
- Herrera, C.M. & Pellmyr, O. Plant-animal interactions: an evolutionary approach. Oxford: Blackwell Science, 2002.
UNIT WEBPAGE, TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
Website
iLearn and email will be the principle method of communication in this subject. You will need stable access to the internet to access iLearn: 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.
We expect you to use iLearn to:
- Check subject announcements at least weekly
- Access weekly reading and videos
- Download or view lecture materials for revision
- Download laboratory materials
- Download reference materials
- Check your grades
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://students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/disability_service/ 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).
Unit Schedule
See iLearn for detailed Schedule of Lectures and Practicals
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
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.