Diversity of Life II - Vertebrates
Study of advanced invertebrates and vertebrates, adopts a comparative approach to the study of these groups of animals and the structure and function of their organ systems.
The course reviews and describes the main vertebrate groups; fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, emphasising their form and function, ecology, evolution, adaptations and diversity.
The course also includes the evolution and comparative physiology of respiratory, circulatory and osmoregulatory systems; thermoregulation and sense organs; co-evolution of hosts and parasites/pathogens.
The lectures are supplemented by suitable practical exercises designed to teach a variety of skills which include microscopy, analysis and interpretation of data, dissection (of a fish), and group project work which includes report-writing and presentation skills.
On successful completion of the course:
Knowledge: The student:
- has broad knowledge and understanding of the ecology, evolution, and current status of the diversity of advanced invertebrates and vertebrates
- has knowledge of the phylogeny, taxonomy and general characteristics of the major organism groups
- is familiar with different theories and methods within the study of systematics and phylogeny
- can update his/her knowledge in the field of advanced invertebrate and vertebrate biology
Skills: The student:
- can apply scientific knowledge and results in the field of organismal research and biodiversity
- can evaluate and refer to academic resources and present scientific findings using scholarly forms of communication
- can approach problems and make decisions regarding vertebrate biology based on scientific knowledge
- will develop skills of observation, interpretation and recording of biological material
- can dissect a vertebrate and identify the internal organs and define how these change with evolutionary complexity
General competence: The student:
- can plan and carry out assignments alone over the semester and present the subject orally and in writing
- can discuss and exchange knowledge and opinions with others within the community of the field
Aggregate score, grading scale Letter grades
- Assignment, comprises 10/100 of the grade, grading scale Letter grades.
- Assignment 2, comprises 10/100 of the grade, grading scale Letter grades.
- School exam, 4 hours, comprises 80/100 of the grade, grading scale Letter grades.
Pencil, pen, ruler, simple calculator and bilingual dictionaries.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating.
