Zoological research is vital to protect vulnerable wildlife and those nearing extinction. If you want to pursue a career in zoology, animal research or animal care, this course is ideal professional development for you.
Certificate of Vertebrate Zoology is an online course exploring the fundamental principles of vertebrate zoology.
In this professional development course, you will learn about taxonomic classification and diversity. You will also learn about anatomical and biological characteristics, diet, habitat, distribution, and environmental and genetic influences on vertebrates.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong foundation in vertebrate zoology for further studies in farming, wildlife, veterinary or pet care industries.
Course Structure
Unit - Vertebrate Zoology
Unit 1 – Vertebrate Taxonomy and Diversity
- Taxonomy: grouping biological organisms
- The main levels of division
- The classification of animals
- Phylum Chordata
- Vertebrates (subphylum vertebrata)
- Morphology and evolution
- Evolutionary processes
- Environmental impacts on morphology
- Temperature
- Food types and distribution
- Terminology
Unit 2 – Fishes
- What is a fish?
- Diversity
- Infraphylum agnatha
- Class cephalaspidomorphi (lampreys)
- Class myxini (hagfishes)
- Infraphylum gnathostomata
- Class elasmobranchii
- Superorder selachii – sharks
- Superorder batoidea – rays and skates
- Class holocephali – chimaeras
- Superclass Sarcopterygii – (lobe-finned fishes)
- Superclass actinopterygii – ray-finned fish
- Class chondrostei
- Class holostei
- Class cladistei
- Class chondrostei
- Class holostei
- Class teleostei
- Examples of families of bony fish
- Biological characteristics of bony fish
- Body shape
- Colouration
- Locomotion
- Feeding
- Digestion
- Nervous system
- Behaviour
- Terminology
Unit 3 – Ectotherms – Amphibians and Reptiles
- Ectotherms
- Infraphylum Tetrapoda
- Class amphibia – Amphibians
- Order Urodela (caudata) – salamanders and newts
- Order Anura (salientia) – frogs and toads
- Order Gymnophiona (apoda) – caecilians
- Class Reptilia – reptiles
- Subclass Squamata – the scaled reptiles (lizards and snakes)
- Morphology of a venomous snake
- Terminology
Unit 4 – Birds
- What is a bird?
- The anatomy and physiology of birds
- Feathers
- Wings
- Legs
- Internal structure
- Senses
- Flight and diving
- The formation of eggs and hatching
- Bird taxonomy
- Evolutionary history
- Infraclass Palaeognathae (Ratitae) – flightless birds
- Infraclass Neognathae (Carinatea) – flying birds
- Taxonomy
- Orders
- Birds’ place in nature
- Distinguishing characteristics of the major bird groups:
- Terminology
Unit 5 – Overview of Mammals
- Class Mammalia- mammals
- Diverse Mammalia
- Natural selection and evolution of mammalian subclasses
- Three groups of mammals derived from the major taxonomic class mammalia
- Subclasses of mammals: Prototheria and Theria
- Subclass Prototheria
- Example – duckbilled platypus (ornithorhynchus anatinus
- Subclass Theria
- Infraclass Metatheria
- Infraclass Eutherian
- Grandorders of mammals
- Grandorder Edentata
- Key terminology from this lesson
Unit 6 – Marsupial Taxonomy
- Subclass Theria
- Marsupials orders
- North and south American orders
- Australasian orders
- Family Dasyuridae
- Family Myrmecobiid
- Family Thylacinidae
- Order notoryctemorphia
- Family Notoryctidae
- Order Peramelemorphia
- Family Peramelidae
- Family Vombatidae
- Order diprotodontia
- Family Phascolarctidae
- Marsupials’ locomotion
- Marsupial reproduction
- Terminology
Unit 7 – Mammalian Glires and Insectivora
- Order Lagomorpha
- Family Ochotonidae
- Family Leporidae
- Order Rodentia
- Family Aplodontidae
- Family Sciuridae
- Family Castoridae
- Family Geomyidae
- Family Heteromyidae
- Family Dipodidae
- Family Erethizontidae.
- Family Hydrochaeridae.
- Family Agoutidae
- Insectivores
- Family Erinaceidae
- Family Chrysochloridae
- Family Tenrecidae
- Order Macroscelidea
- Family Macroscelididae
- Terminology
Unit 8 – Carnivores
- Classification of carnivores
- Order carnivora
- Family Canidae (dogs, wolves, foxes)
- Family Ursidae (bears)
- Family Procyonidae (raccoons and allies)
- Family Ailuridae (red/lesser panda)
- Family Mustelidae (weasels, badgers, skunks, otters)
- Family Mephitidae (skunks)
- Family Viverridae(civets, genets, linsangs)
- Family Herpestidae (mongooses)
- Family Hyaenidae(hyenas and aardwolf)
- Family Felidae (cats)
- Suborder pinnipedia
- Family Otariidae (eared seals, fur seals, and sea lions)
- Family Odobenidae (walrus)
- Family Phocidae (true seals)
Unit 9 – Hoofed Mammals: Ungulata
- Grandorder ungulata
- Order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates)
- Habitat and locomotion
- Physical characteristics
- Order Cetacea (superorder cetartiodactyla)
- Suborder Mysticetes (baleen whales)
- Suborder Odondocetes (toothed whales)
- Habitat and locomotion
- Physical characteristics
- Order sirenia
- Order Proboscidea
- Order Perissodactyla
- Order Hyracoidea
- Order Tubulidentata
- Rumen and non rumen stomach
Unit 10 – Primates and Other Archonta
- Grandorder archonta
- Order scandentia
- Physical characteristics
- Diet and behaviour
- Order dermoptera
- Physical characteristics
- Diet and behaviour
- Order chiroptera
- Megachiropera bats
- Physical characteristics
- Diet and behaviour
- Microchiropera bats
- Physical characteristics
- Diet and behaviour
- Bat behaviour
- Order primates
- Distinguishing characteristics of primates
- Suborder Strepsirhini
- Family Daubentoniidae
- Family Laridae (or lorisdae)
- Family Galagidae
- Family Lemuridae
- Family Megaladapidae
- Family Cheirogaleidae
- Family Indridae (or indriidae)
- Suborder Haplorhini
- Family Tarsidae
- Family Cebidae
- Family Callitrichidae
- Family Atelidae.
- Family Cercopithecidae
- Family Hylobatidae
- Families Hominidae and Pongidae
- Terminology
Unit 11 – PBL Project
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
This year I have completed two courses through Australian Online Courses and have thoroughly enjoyed both of them. I found the elearning system as well as the word document easy to navigate and always felt able to contact my tutor if I needed help. I can see enrolling in more courses in the future.
Evelyn | Milswood, SA | Certificate of Vertebrate Zoology
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
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Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Farming
- Veterinary professionals
- Pet Care
- Animal Research
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