Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY
Code LIFE112
Coordinator Dr SU Voelkel
School of Life Sciences
Svoelkel@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE101; LIFE103; LIFE105 none 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30
This refers to timetables lectures
          30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  1.5  2  60  Yes    Exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  appr. 3 hours  2  30  Yes    Online tests 
Coursework  2-3 PowerPoint slide  2  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  PowerPoint slides Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be a written examination using MCQ and short answer questions. Assessment 2 will be 6 online tests (objective assessments), each worth 5% of the module mark. Assessment 3 will consist of preparing 2-3 PowerPoint slides which summarize information about a specific taxon. 

Aims

  • To foster in students an understanding of structure and function of the basic body plan of the major groups of animals

  • To encourage the appreciation of the evolutionary origins of the basic body plan of animals;

  • To develop an understanding of how the basic body plan of animals has been modified to adapt to different modes of existence and habitats

  • To develop knowledge and understanding in animal biodiversity, and the ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in zoology.

    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    To identify the structure and function of the basic body plan of the major invertebrate and chordate groups, and the diversity within the groups that has arisen through evolution

    To recognize how the basic body plan of animals has been modified to adapt to different modes of existence and habitats

    To read and interpret phylogenetic trees

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture - This refers to timetables lectures

    Syllabus
    1 

     This module addresses the major animal taxa, their characteristics, origins, fossil records (where available) and phylogenetic relationships. The relationship between form and function and the factors that shape them will be explored. Specifically, for each of the taxa, the basic life functions (nutrition, respiration, circulation, sensory functions, locomotion, egestion, excretion, reproduction and growth) will be described to link the phylogenetic relationships with animal structure.

    The tree of life

    Protists and sponges

    Cnidaria

    Flatworms

    Roundworms

    Real worms

    Arthropods

    Echinoderms

    Minor phyla

    Early chordates

    Fish

    Reptiles

    Birds

    Amphibians

    Mammals

    Primates

    Humans

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: