ZOOL30040 Diversity of Vertebrates

Academic Year 2023/2024

The fundamental features of vertebrate organisation are studied. The origins of the major living vertebrate groups (cartilaginous and bony fishes, amphibians, "reptiles," birds and mammals) will be explored. The diversity in form of living vertebrates is considered in the light of developmental biology, the fossil record and current inferences of vertebrate phylogeny.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

- Identify the fundamental features and possibilities of the various vertebrate life forms.
- Appreciate the extent of the diversity within each of the vertebrate classes.
- Understand the fluctuations in diversity of vertebrate classes over time.
- Have an overview of the origins of the main vertebrate classes.
- Apply a rigorous approach to establishing phylogenetic relationships.
- Examine critically current problems in the phylogeny of vertebrates.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Practical

20
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

51
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and lab-based dissections. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

2nd Year Modules


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End of semester examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60
Practical Examination: Dissection practical examination Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given to students, post-assessment, for lab practical exam.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Tues 15:00 - 16:50
Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Tues 15:00 - 16:50
Spring