- Course Code
- BI 20Z1
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr M L Gorman
Pre-requisites
Overview
Vertebrate Zoology adopts a comparative approach to the study of vertebrate animals and the structure and function of their organ systems. The course reviews and describes the main vertebrate groups; fish, amphibians, reptiles (including dinosaurs), birds and mammals, emphasising their evolution, adaptations and diversity. The course also includes the evolution of the immune system, including applications of immunology; physiology of the respiratory, circulatory and osmoregulatory systems; thermoregulation; and sense organs (especially those concerned with hearing). 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 the trout), word-processing and report-writing, presentation, and group project work.
Structure
12 weeks - 3 lectures and 1 three-hour laboratory session per week.
To pass this course a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (55%), and in-course assessment of laboratory work (45%).
Resit: A resit exam, in the same format as the main exam. This may contain material from both the practical and lecture components of the course.