BI2EI4-Invertebrate Zoology
Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4
Module Convenor: Dr Alejandra Perotti
Email: M.A.Perotti@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
Aims:
The main aim of this module is to introduce you to the world of aquatic and terrestrial animals without backbones as the most successful and diverse grouping of eukaryotic organisms.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
- Differentiate the animals at the level of phyla
- Recognise main exponents within the most abundant phyla (e.g. at the level of Class)
- Identify and explain major anatomical and physiological characteristics
- Understand the disparity of models underpinning phylogeny of invertebrates
- Describe particular aspects of a unique groupof animals
- Know the multiplicity of interactions between invertebrates and other organisms.
- Be up to date with day to day discoveries on evolution, physiology, genetics and behaviour of invertebrates.
Additional outcomes:
Outline content:
The taxa reviewed in this module highlight the incredible disparity, the fundamental differences in body organisation of invertebrates.
The diversity of animals is determined by two sets of factors. The first set are the restrictions imposed by the genetic make-up of the group from which it has evolved; they determine development, ontology and Bauplan and are reflected in the phylogeny of the taxon. The second set represents the selective pressures of the environment which mould it effectively to its functional role in the survival of the species; they are expressed in the functional morphology, behaviour, and ecology.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The unique aspects of the biology of invertebrates and their interaction with humans will be highlighted in 14 lectures. Two practicals will include activities exploring unique aspects of physiology and behaviour of living animals. Dissections will be performed to make you familiar with the morphology and anatomy of selected phyla.
Literature
Recommended text books:
Invertebrates, 2016, Brusca, Moore and Shuster, Sinauer and Associates.
Invertebrate Zoology, 2003, Ruppert Fox and Barnes, Brooks Cole
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 14 | ||
| Seminars | 3 | ||
| Practicals classes and workshops | 4 | ||
| Guided independent study: | 79 | ||
| Total hours by term | 100 | 0 | 0 |
| Total hours for module | 100 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Written exam | 60 |
| Practical skills assessment | 40 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Two practical tests in the form of MCQs.
Formative assessment methods:
The students actively participate and receive direct feedback from the lecturer and instructors during the practical activities (up to 4 contact hours), and during the seminars (3 hours). Course work marks are also provided with feedback.
Penalties for late submission:
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40%
Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books: None
2) Specialist equipment or materials: None
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None
4) Printing and binding: None
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None
Last updated: 30 March 2023
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.