Outline

Overview

Australia is home to a broad diversity of vertebrate wildlife species, many of which are unique to the Australian environment, having evolved in isolation from other large land-masses for millions of years. This unit examines the diversity of Australian reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals (including all three mammalian lineages: monotremes, marsupials and eutherian mammals). We focus on the unique anatomical, physiological, and behavioural adaptations that have enabled our wildlife to survive and thrive within varied Australian ecosystems. At the end of this unit, you will have an appreciation of the diversity and uniqueness of Australian wildlife; be able to determine the links between form and function in wildlife and understand the significance of these functional adaptations in relation to ecological challenges. You will also have an understanding of the interactions between humans and wildlife, and how the unique characteristics of our wildlife also make them vulnerable to threats within the rapidly changing Australian environment. Students will also develop enhanced scientific literacy and communication skills through tutorial activities and assessment tasks. Australian Wildlife Biology is co-taught by Taronga Conservation Society Australia with some classes taught at Taronga Zoo Sydney utilising the zoo as a "living laboratory". Students are responsible for making their own way to and from the Zoo.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ANSC2005 or BIOL2032
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catherine Herbert, catherine.herbert@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam Final Examination	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task: What makes Australia's wildlife unique? Online multiple choice quiz and early feedback task assessing your understanding of the material covered in Module 1. #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Aug 2025	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Reptile and amphibian anatomy and diversity On-line multiple choice quiz covering practical, field trip and lecture content from Module 2.	5%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Sep 2025	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	"Secret Species" On-line, timed response, timed release, written assignment	15%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Sep 2025	60 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Mammal diversity and specialisations Oral presentation	10%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Individual extended writing task Written assignment	25%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2025 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

The final exam, individual extended writing and the Secret Species assessment tasks are compulsory and must be attempted in order to pass the unit.

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

On-line assessment tasks (i.e. Quizzes and the Secret Species task) must be completed within the stipulated timed release period, as outlined on Canvas. After this time they will only be re-opened with an approved special consideration application. Penalty for late submission of other assessments = 5% per calendar day up to a maximum of 10 days. >10 days will receive a score of zero.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	1. Introduction to the unit of study and overview of the key concepts	Lecture and tutorial (7 hr)
	2. Amphibian and Reptile: Diversity, adaptations and case studies	Lecture (9 hr)
	3. Avian: Diversity, adaptations and case studies	Lecture and tutorial (8 hr)
	4. Mammals: Diversity, adaptations and case studies	Lecture (11 hr)
	5. Applied Wildlife Biology	Lecture (8 hr)
Week 02	1. What makes Australia's wildlife unique?	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 04	2. Practical class on reptiles and amphibians	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	2. Field trip on reptiles and amphibians	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 06	3. Practical class on birds	Practical (2 hr)
Week 07	3. Field trip on birds	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 09	4. Practical class on mammals	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	4. Field trip on mammals	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 11	4. Student mammal presentations	Presentation (2 hr)
Week 12	5. Applied wildlife biology field trip	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 13	Content Consolidation, Revision, and Unit wrap-up	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: It is expected that you will attend all tutorials, field trips and practicals in your allocated session. We understand that unavoidable commitments may prevent you from attending every session. Where you are unable to attend a tutorial/practical/field trip please notify your tutor in advance and provide supporting documentation to the Unit Coordinator.

All lectures will be recorded and available online.

Compulsory assessments: The Secret Species Task, Individual written assignment and final exam are all compulsory assessment tasks and must be completed to pass the unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas page.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe the diversity of Australia’s terrestrial vertebrate fauna and which taxonomic groups have flourished and explain why this has occurred
LO2. Describe the anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations observed in Australian wildlife and relate these to environmental challenges, understanding the links between form and function and building on and expanding your knowledge form junior units of study
LO3. Examine museum specimens and study live animals to determine the most significant functional adaptations in a variety of species of key taxonomic groups
LO4. Describe the main characteristics of invasive species and explain why they pose such a threat to Australian wildlife
LO5. Describe the relationship between indigenous Australians and wildlife and the potential role of indigenous knowledge systems in wildlife conservation
LO6. Solve problems to evaluate the functional adaptations of “foreign” wildlife specimens
LO7. Communicate scientific findings in oral and written form
LO8. Review scientific literature and communicate the relevant information to specialist and lay audiences
LO9. Apply knowledge about the biology of a species to their applied conservation and management

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new unit in 2025.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit, but students do need to make their own way to Taronga Zoo for the field trips.

Work, health and safety

Personal protective equipment must be worn in the wet labs as directed by staff. Detailed work, health and safety requirements are available on the Unit of Study Canvas page.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

WILD2002: Australian Wildlife Biology

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links