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. A-F
- Assignment 2, comprises 10/100 of the grade, grading scale Letter grades.A-F
- School exam, 4 hours, comprises 80/100 of the grade, grading scale Letter grades.A-F
Pencil, pen, ruler 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.
