VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY

VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Course Code
BI 20Z1
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
TBC

Pre-requisites

BI1004 and BI1507

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 every other week.

To pass this course a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: A two-hour examination paper based mainly on the lecture course and comprising 60 multiple choice questions and 6 short note questions (70%) and continuous assessment of practical work (30%).

Resit: A one-hour resit examination based on the laboratory work of the course for those candidates who have failed the continuous assessment.