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An understanding of Australia鈥檚 unique flora, fauna and fungi is essential for suitable management and conservation of our biodiversity. The accurate identification of Australia鈥檚 biota and an understanding of how it is distributed are important components of ecological survey and the study of natural and disturbed ecosystems. This course provides knowledge and practical skills in the identification of biodiversity for students interested in professional careers as environmental scientists, field biologists, ecologists, wildlife managers, conservation biologists, and teachers.

This course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge in the diversity of plants, animals and fungi and their habitats, with a specific focus on Australian biodiversity, and to provide them with skills of identification of biota. The evolution of the Australian flora and fauna from pre-Gondwana to the present-day and the current distribution of major vegetation types in relation to climate, soils, and fire are also explored. Practical work in the residential school laboratory sessions is an important component of this course. The assignments are designed to encourage students to extend their practical experience in their own time and to increase their awareness of the local flora, fungi, and fauna.

This course contains a Highly Recommended residential school for both external and on-campus at USQ's Toowoomba campus.

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. describe the diversity and main distinguishing characteristics of organisms classified in the Kingdoms Plantae, Animalia and Fungi;
2. explain the history of the Australian continent and the evolution of Australia's unique flora, funga and fauna;
3. discuss the biogeography of the Australian flora and fauna in relation to historical and present day factors;
4. critically review the adaptations of many organisms to their habitats;
5. Identify flowering and non-flowering plants, major invertebrate and vertebrate groups and terrestrial fungi;
6. appropriately collect and preserve specimens of plants, certain fungi and insects.