654-309 Field Biology of Marsupials & Monotremes

• Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.

654-204 and 654-203.

654-319.

This subject provides a field course to give an overall perspective on the biology of marsupials and monotremes. Students should learn to identify the major marsupial and monotreme families, and some of the techniques for studying these animals in captivity and in the wild. This subject also covers the basic taxonomic features of modern marsupials and monotremes, the separate radiations of marsupials in Australia and South America, and the relationships between the three groups of extant mammals.

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature, and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results. Students should gain practical experience in observation, trapping and handling of wild animals and an ability to integrate their observations with existing literature and knowledge. Students should also develop skills in analysing, interpreting and evaluating data, and gain experience in writing a scientific report.

A 1-hour end-of-semester written examination (40%). Up to 3000 words of practical and excursion/field reports (60%).