Undergraduate Course: Animal Biology 2 (BILG08011)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The course starts with a look at the evolution of animal body plans and physiological systems through the radiations of animal life and leads on to a series of lectures on animal adaptations in marine environments. The course then looks at the evolution and diversification of vertebrate body plans, leading into a detailed study of the mammals. The course ends with a section on animal associations, including symbiosis and parasitism, and considers the adaptations associated with living in or on other animals. |
| Course description |
Section 1 (Invertebrate Groups) focuses on invertebrates and traces the evolution of body plans from sea anemones through to echinoderms. We examine theories for the evolution of multi-cellular life, and for the diversification of body plans and life histories among the major groups.
Section 2 (Marine Biology) considers the ecology and behaviour of invertebrates in marine environments. We focus on life cycles, feeding and locomotion, with special reference to adaptations for life in the open ocean, on the seabed, and in the intertidal zone.
Section 3 (Origin of Vertebrates) explores the evolution and diversification of vertebrates from fishes through to amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds.
Section 4 (Biology of Mammals) focuses on mammals as an example of a single group showing great variation in form and function within a single general body plan.
Section 5 (Animal Associations) examines the ecology and adaptation of symbiotic and parasitic animals, and the evolutionary interactions between them and their hosts.
Throughout, the lectures incorporate behaviour and ecology as well as morphology and phylogeny. Practical work and films are used to illustrate the lectures and to introduce students to hands-on study of animal diversity and adaptive radiation. Assessed components consist of five course quizzes (one for each course section) worth 10% each (50% total) and an in-person, open book Practical test held in week 11.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed
Origin and Diversity of Life 1 (BILG08001)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Equivalent of the courses listed above |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 33,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 33,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1,
Summative Assessment Hours 3,
Revision Session Hours 1,
Other Study Hours 11,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
114 )
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| Additional Information (Learning and Teaching) |
Videos shown in Lecture Theatre 3 (Ashworth Labs)
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
50 %,
Practical Exam
50 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
5 x Course Quizzes - 10% each (50% total), Practical Exam (50%).
Extension requests are not permissible for the Practical Exam as this assessment is a specimen based, in person test. |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- A body of factual information, given in on-line and in-person lectures, practicals and required reading. Factual knowledge will be tested in five in-class theory quizzes (one for each course section) and in the Practical exam.
- To perform accurate observation and measurement of animals and their activities during the Practical sessions. You are expected to keep a record of the practicals in a notebook, which you are allowed to use in an open-book Practical exam.
- Working effectively in groups & learning from others. Students will have to divide tasks between them in Practical classes, and ensure that each member of the group has the chance to see and understand all the material. Group co-operation will be essential for building up an accurate Practical notebook and will therefore also be tested indirectly in the Practical exam.
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Reading List
Course section 1: Invertebrate groups and marine biology.
"The Invertebrates, a synthesis", Third Edition (2001) by Barnes, Calow, Olive, Golding and Spice (Blackwell Science).
Course section 2: Origin and diversification of vertebrates.
1. "Vertebrate Life", Eighth edition (2009) by Pough, Janis and Heiser (Pearson)
2. "Analysis of Vertebrate Structure", Fifth edition (2001), by Hildebrand and Goslow (John Wiley & Sons).
Course Section 3: Animal Associations
"An Introduction to Parasitology" (1998), BE Matthews (Cambridge University Press) |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
To explore the evolution of complex animal bodies and the evolutionary relationships among groups.
To learn a basic taxonomy and phylogeny of animal life.
To reveal the functional and behavioural adaptations which underlie the diversity of animal life.
To encourage and practice accurate observation of animals in the laboratory and on film. |
| Special Arrangements |
Student must be available for the in-person Practical Exam on Friday, week 11. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
Laboratory - Tuesday or Friday afternoons. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Graham Stone
Tel: (0131 6)50 7194
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Tim MacDonald
Tel: (0131 6)51 7296
Email: |
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