BI2IZ2: Invertebrate Zoology

Module code: BI2IZ2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Chris Foster, email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Alejandra Perotti, email: M.A.Perotti@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

This module will introduce you to the world of invertebrates, the spineless wonders, that inhabit every corner of our planet. Without them, the entire planetary ecosystem would collapse, and yet they are often considered to be pests or disgusting, totally separated from humanity. The most successful and diverse invertebrates are in the Phylum Arthropoda and of those, most are insects.  The module emphasises the diversity and importance of invertebrate life, throwing light on the weird and wonderful animals we often ignore. Invertebrates have a significant impact on economic, social and scientific discoveries of human society and we will discuss a number of appropriate case studies. You will be taught identification methods, particularly of the most common insect orders, as well as developing a deeper understanding of their life cycle and ecology, and appreciate their special adaptations to carry out physiological processes.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Differentiate invertebrates at the level of phyla and recognise the more important invertebrate classes. 
2. Understand how life cycles are linked to their success. 
3. Identify the main insect orders, without the need for keys, by recognising key features. 
4. Identify and explain major anatomical and physiological characteristics. 
5. Appreciate how invertebrates impact human lives, both positively and negatively. 

Module content

Lecture material includes the following topics: 

• Comparative study of invertebrate clades (based on morphology and/or molecular phylogeny). 
• Invertebrate life cycles and evolution. 
• Major anatomical and physiological characteristics of the larger invertebrate phyla. 
• Importance of invertebrates - particularly how they impact human lives, both positively and negatively through case studies.  

Practical classes include the following training / activities: 

• Differentiate between invertebrates at the level of phyla  
• Recognise the more important invertebrate classes. 
• Insect identification to the level of order.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, use of the Cole Museum of Zoology teaching collection, self-directed learning and directed independent study, which includes completion of an online course designed specifically for this module. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.  

Study hours

At least 45 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.

• Students fill in questionnaire at beginning of the module for formative feedback.  
• Weeks 1-4 and 7-9 are formative practicals to feed into the spots tests. 
• Meetings with staff are to provide formative feedback on designs and ideas. 

Reassessment

Additional costs