BI2CV1: Comparative Vertebrate Biology

Module code: BI2CV1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Manabu Sakamoto, email: m.sakamoto@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Brian Pickles, email: b.j.pickles@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Have you ever wondered how the amazing diversity of animal form and function evolved from small relatively simple organisms into our familiar modern vertebrates? In this module, you will take an intensive journey exploring vertebrate life through a wide range of engaging theoretical and practical activities. A distinctive feature of this module is its emphasis on the functional anatomy, physiology, and phylogenetic diversity of vertebrates. You will gain advanced hands-on practical knowledge using our Cole Museum of Zoology teaching collection and training in dissection skills. By the end of this course you will be able to evaluate how comparative vertebrate biology relates to and informs other life sciences, and understand how it can be applied to real-world problems. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe, and account for the evolution of, the key morphological, functional and physiological adaptations of vertebrates to life in water, on land and in the air.  
2. Summarise the function, biological role, and evolution of the major vertebrate organ systems. 
3. Explain how energetics and embryological processes explain the evolution of the phylogenetic and anatomical diversity of the Vertebrata.  
4. Explain how comparative vertebrate zoology relates to other life sciences and real-world situational challenges/paradigms 

Module content

Lecture material will include the following topics:  

• Comparative biology – exploring the comparative approach with phylogenetics and tree thinking and defining morphological concepts (e.g. homology, analogy, etc.) 
• Biologic design – adaptation, constrain, biomechanics, allometry, & scaling in vertebrates 
• Development and life history - vertebrate development and life history strategies in vertebrates, heterochrony 
• Skeleton – Contrast axial and appendicular skeleton of various vertebrate species, contrast crania of various vertebrate species  
• Examine integument, respiratory and circulatory systems, major muscle groups, major nerves, digestive and urogenital systems and reproductive system of Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Lissamphibia, Mammalia, Reptilia (Aves) 
• Examine the vertebrate brain and related behavioural innovations 
• Metabolism and energetics – Contrast metabolic innovations in various vertebrates 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical classes (laboratory work and dissections), use of the Cole Museum of Zoology teaching collection, digital resources, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.  

Students will be encouraged to consider how what they learn in this class informs the wider life sciences and real-world problems.  

Study hours

At least 65 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Synopsis (150 words max) on three most important things the student learned in the course 

Reassessment

Additional costs