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Course Outline

ANM104 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales

Course Coordinator:Kathy Townsend (ktownse1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

UniSC Fraser Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

The marine vertebrates include all bony fish, sharks, reptiles (turtles, sea snakes and crocodiles), birds (seabirds, shorebirds, raptors, penguins) and mammals (seals, dolphins, whales and dugong) that live in, or on, the ocean. These charismatic animals are of immense public interest and provide focal points for conservation, fisheries and scientific research. This exciting course will introduce you to the identification, evolution, biology and ecology of marine vertebrates, with emphasis on the species of eastern Australia. Your studies will include two days of hands-on field research.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Recorded learning materials, quizzes and recorded interview with experts in the field "Chats with Champions" 1.5hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Face to face workshop which includes weekly Kahoot quiz and additional learning support 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Fieldwork – Overnight fieldtrip 20hrs Week 2 Once Only
Laboratory 1 – Computer lab 2hrs Week 7 Once Only

Course Topics

  1. Learn to identify the major groups of marine vertebrates (fish, reptiles, birds and mammals); 

  1. Discover the origins and evolutionary history of the major groups of marine vertebrates;  

  1. Appreciate the unique adaptations (i.e., body morphology, behaviour, physiology) of marine vertebrates to their environments; 

  1. Understand global and local threats to marine vertebrates and key issues for their conservation and management;  

  1. Apply modern techniques for studying marine vertebrates in the wild in a hands-on fashion; and 

  1. Learn field skills that will help you to answer fundamental questions about marine vertebrate ecology.  

  2. Be exposed to global experts in the field through on-line, pre-recorded interviews

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Communicate effectively and professionally Empowered
2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge about the evolution, diversity and ecology of marine vertebrates and key issues for their conservation and management. Knowledgeable
3 Critically analyse and evaluate the local and global threats to marine fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, and field data to investigate basic ecology of marine vertebrates. Sustainability-focussed

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in Program SC012, SC107, SC316, SC319, SC320, SB303, ED112, ED312, ED315 or UC103

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Task 1 quizzes will offer ongoing formative feedback on progress. Task 2 feedback regarding field trip work and data collection. Computer workshops in week 10 are designed for focused formative feedback and development of Task 3, Field Course Report.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 0% 
20 multiple choice questions
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Written Piece Individual 25% 
Max 500 words +/- 10%
 Week 6 Online Submission
All 3 Report Individual 50% 
Max 2000 +/- 10% words
 Week 11 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 4 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 25% 
2 hr ( 1000 words)
 Exam Period Online Test (Quiz)
All - Assessment Task 1:Kahoot quiz
Goal: 
Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the ecology, biology and diversity of marine vertebrates.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
You will individually participate in a game show-like online quiz consisting of 20 multiple choice questions that reviews the key points from the previous week's learning material.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate and communicate knowledge of the diversity and ecology of marine vertebrates;
 1 2
2 
Apply knowledge from learning material and readings to solve unseen problems.
 1 2
All - Assessment Task 2:Field notebook and data sheets
Goal: 
Demonstrate knowledge and basic data collecting skills in the investigation of marine vertebrates and of key issues for their conservation and management.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
You will complete two data sheets and corresponding worksheets which collates the data and experiences undertaken during the field trip to show understanding of field work techniques and to help support the writing of the field course report.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Apply correct field work techniques
 3
2 
Accurate data collection
 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Field Course Report
Goal: 
Demonstrate knowledge and basic analytical skills in the scientific investigation of marine vertebrates and of key issues for their conservation and management.
Product: Report
Format: 
You will compile a short (max. 2000 ± 10% words) report using the template provided (which follows the format of a standard scientific paper) to test ecological hypotheses by analyzing data collected during the field course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Collect and analyse data to answer a scientific question pertaining to the ecology and conservation of marine vertebrates
 1 2 3
2 
Interpret and contextualise findings in the light of available scientific literature regarding the biology of the selected animal, the threats it faces, and the tools available for its conservation
 1 2 3
3 
Communicate your understanding in a professional and scientific manner.
 1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 4:End-of-semester Examination, 50%
Goal: 
Demonstrate your understanding of and ability to communicate knowledge regarding marine
vertebrates.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format: 
A two (2) hour written examination, comprising of multi-choice questions. The questions will
be based mainly on the material covered in the theory component of the course (i.e.,
learning material), supplemented with material presented during the field exercises, and expert
interviews.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrate and communicate knowledge of the diversity and ecology of marine vertebrates
 1 2
2 
Apply knowledge from learning material and readings to solve unseen problems.​
 1 2

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

You will be required to undertake field studies during this course. When conducting fieldwork you will need to wear covered footwear, hat, long-sleeved shirt and long trousers for field safety. Accommodation and travel costs will be covered. Details of management and costs for food will be set out at the beginning of the semester. Discuss any financial hardship that might be associated with the field studies with the Course Coordinator.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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