BL2304 – Invertebrate Zoology
BL2304 – Invertebrate Zoology
The vast majority of animals are invertebrates – they do not have backbones. This module surveys the major invertebrate groups, emphasizing the diversity of body plans while demonstrating how the common functional requirements such as feeding, reproduction, respiration and excretion are achieved. The module starts with the simplest animals such as sponges and jellyfish, and considers how these primitive animals may have arisen from non-animal ancestors. It continues with a description of the several groups of worms, and the molluscs and arthropods. The last major group discussed are the echinoderms, which are close invertebrate relatives to vertebrate animals such as ourselves. The economic, social, and scientific impact that invertebrates have on human society is identified. The evolutionary relations between the various groups is the common thread that binds this diversity into a coherent story. A series of practical exercises reinforces and complements the lecture component of this module.
Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):
Module Code:
BL2304
Semester:
1
Credits:
15
Module Organiser:
Pre-requisite modules: BL1101 - Biology 1 and BL1102 - Biology 2
MMS
Timetable:
[events_list category="BL2304"]
Assessment:
2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%MMS assessment details
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook
Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)
Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable
Expected attendance:
School handbook
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook
University Student Handbook:
University student handbook
School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.
School handbook
University student handbook
Staff:
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing module BL2304 successfully should be able to:
- Achieve an overview of animal phylogeny, including the origins of animals themselves, and the major divisions within the animal kingdom
- Appreciate the main methodologies and controversies associated with determining phylogenetic relationships
- Identify the defining features of the key invertebrate groups
- Appreciate how representatives from the key invertebrate groups carry out basic animal functions in similar or different ways
- Appreciate the economic, social, and scientific impact that invertebrates have on human society
Policies:
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/