Program Overview

Introduction to Conservation Physiology and Disease Ecology Unit

The Conservation Physiology and Disease Ecology unit, coded as KPZ306, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physiology of reproduction, stress, and disease ecology in higher vertebrates. This unit is a requirement for the Zoology major and is available as an elective.

Unit Details

• Unit name: Conservation Physiology and Disease Ecology
• Unit code: KPZ306
• Credit points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• School of Natural Sciences
• Discipline: Biological Sciences
• Coordinator: Associate Professor Ashley Edwards
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Advanced

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Explain the physiology, reproduction, stress, and disease ecology of terrestrial vertebrates
• Identify appropriate field and laboratory techniques for gathering information relevant to a range of conservation scenarios
• Make and explain decisions regarding the conservation and captive breeding of terrestrial vertebrates by applying fundamental knowledge
• Communicate effectively using a range of formats relevant to professional scientists
• Justify the use of animals in research from an ethical perspective

Availability and Study Period

• Location: Hobart
• Study period: Semester 1
• Attendance options: On-campus
• Available to: Domestic students, international students

Key Dates

• Start date: 23/2/2026
• Census date: 17/3/2026
• WW date: 20/4/2026
• End date: 14/6/2026

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $3,575.00

Requisites

Prerequisites

• KZA212 Functional Biology of Animals

Teaching Pattern

• Equivalent of 2 hours of lecture material (prerecorded and available in MyLO) plus 1 x 3 hr face-to-face practical session each week

Assessment

• Ethics lay summary (10%)
• Discussion Paper (12.5%)
• Poster Presentation (12.5%)
• Critical Review (25%)
• Final exam (40%)

Textbooks

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals.