Zoology & Ecology

semester 1

Zoology and Ecology is the ideal subject for students who are curious about animals and their origins on Earth. This course offers a deep exploration of the diversity of animal life, their evolutionary history, and the fascinating adaptations that enable them to survive and thrive in a wide range of environments.

Students will examine the relationships between animals, how they have evolved over time, and the ways in which they interact with their ecosystems. The subject also focuses on the importance of abiotic factors and symbiotic relationships, highlighting how both natural processes and human activities impact ecosystems.

Students will gain an understanding of the role they can play in protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

The course features a strong hands-on component, supported by access to local environments such as the TC Working with Animals program and Ruffey Creek. Students will engage in activities such as chemical water analysis, live collection and auditing of macroinvertebrates, sampling using quadrats, and observation of organism structures through microscopy and dissection.

Practical skills will be developed through studying animal anatomy via dissections of specimens such as rat and bull eyes and investigating food chains and predator-prey relationships through the dissection of owl pellets. Students will also enhance their observational skills through scientific illustration techniques.

Key concepts covered in this subject include:

• Origins of life on Earth and evolution

• Taxonomy and classification of animals

• Ecological niche and animal adaptations

• Animal behaviour

• Zoogeography and patterns of animal distribution

• Population dynamics

• Symbiotic relationships

• Modes of reproduction

• Community ecology

• Threats to biodiversity and extinction

• Principles of conservation

To enrich their learning experience, students will have the opportunity to participate in excursions to leading scientific and environmental sites such as Phillip Island Nature Park, Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre, and local zoos.

Zoology and Ecology is a rewarding subject for animal lovers and environmentally conscious students, offering both academic knowledge and real-world skills in environmental science and animal studies.

Student Testimonials

"I did this class and found it very interesting and never boring; it was full of interesting activities and friendly people that shared a common interest. There were quite a few hands-on activities and observations, for example bringing dogs into the room to observe, and going into the animal rooms just to get a real-world example of what we were learning. I would definitely recommend this subject for animal lovers or for people who would like a gentle introduction into the biology field." 

- Madeline

"Zoology and Ecology is an exciting class focused on exploring animal behavior and ecosystem dynamics. Throughout the elective you have the opportunity to investigate a variety of creatures, from tiny invertebrates to large mammals. The class emphasizes anatomy, species interactions with their environment, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life. A highlight was the snorkeling and boat cruise excursion. Snorkeling provided firsthand experience of the vibrant aquatic world, observing colorful fish and the balance of marine life, while the boat cruise allowed us to see seals and the vast open ocean".

- Mietta