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 Evolutionary and Comparative Anatomy
Code LIFE351
Coordinator Dr NS Jeffery
Musculoskeletal Biology II
Njeffery@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE215; LIFE220 None (Please note the pre-requistes outlined above are LIFE215 OR LIFE220, not both) 

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 12
This refers to timetabled lectures
    8
This refers to timetabled sessions in the HARC
  8
This refers to timetabled feedback and revision sessions
28
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 122
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2 hours  1  64  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  3000 words   1  36  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written reports There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 will be a written examination. Assessment 2 will be three written reports. No reassessment opportunity for assessments 2 (exemption granted, predicated on group activity). 

Aims

  • To provide an overview of the evolutionary and comparative anatomy of the major vertebrate groups

  • To develop in students a critical understanding of morphological and functional adaptations of major organ systems of the vertebrate body

  • To provide insights into the latest advances and areas of active research in the field of comparative and evolutionary anatomy

    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    To examine how comparative and evolutionary anatomy can contextualize understanding of developmental biology, functional anatomy as well as clinical science and palaeontology
    To assess the range, diversity and general phylogenetic relationships of the major extant vertebrate groups
    To critically appraise major changes to key anatomical systems during vertebrate evolution and the possible explanations for these adaptations
    To evaluate recent conceptual and technical advances in the field of comparative and evolutionary anatomy

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures

    Laboratory Work - This refers to timetabled sessions in the HARC

    Other - This refers to timetabled feedback and revision sessions


    Syllabus
    1 

    Practical sessions:

    The three broad themes for the practical sessions are the heart, brain, and skull. Students decide as a team on the exact nature of the aims and objectives for each practical with reference to the module learning outcomes and aims. There is a final team excercise revising all three scenerios prior to a formative team quiz and the final exam.

    Lectures cover the following themes:

    Key theories, ideas and concepts: 

    - History of comparative & evolutionary anatomy from Linnaeus,  Le Curvier, Huxley, & Owen through to current research. 

    - Its relevance, and significance, to clinical sciences as well as environmental philosophy, social sciences & palaeontology. 

    - Basic phylogeny and taxonomy of the extant vertebrates; major anatomical attributes of the classes; insights into some fossils that highlight key speciation events.

    - Comparative genetics (molecular phylogeny); HOX genes & body plans; molecular clocks; population genetics and adaptation; somatic versus germline mutations.

    Adaptations to key systems: 

    - A look at different types of bone, joints and sutures in the skull and how these have evolved in vertebrates.

    - Morphological adaptations of the vestibular apparatus, cochlea and eye, reflecting varied functional demands.

    - Evolutionary changes in the spinal cord, cranial nerves and brain; phylogenetic emergence and modification of the major sense organs. 

    - Comparative anatomy of the musculature and postcranial skeleton; modifications to this in relation to support and locomotion.

    - Evolution of feeding mechanisms, the digestive tract and the influence of feeding behaviour on whole body morphology. 

    - Examine gills, lungs, accessory respiratory organs and swim bladde rs; pulmonary, venous and lymphatic systems.

    Current Research: introduction to research methods such as biomechanics, form analysis and imaging.



    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: