Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to provide a broad introduction to the diversity of forms and functions in animals that will stimulate students’ interest in all forms of life. The module will include the basic body plans of major animal phyla and the evolutionary relationships between those phyla.

To provide an introduction to the conventions of taxonomic nomenclature and systematics. To enable students to gain knowledge of the functional diversity of the both the larval and adult stages of major invertebrate and vertebrate taxonomic groupings. To relate knowledge of organismal characteristics to the internal anatomy of key organisms. To provide an understanding of the adaptation of animals to their environment and their special importance in relation to human activities. To provide an appreciation and understanding of the key physiological processes that influence the distribution and success of different animal phyla.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to classification, biodiversity and taxonomy. Outline the factors which control biodiversity, and the ways in which organisms are grouped taxonomically.

Animal Structure and Function: explore the evolution of fundamental characteristics such as body cavities, tissue layers, bilateral symmetry and type of cell cleavage during embryogenesis

Animal groups – and key phyla – covered are as follows:

Basal Metazoans: Cnidaria and Porifera

Spiralian Protostomes: Annelida and Mollusca

Ecdysozoan Protostomes: Arthropoda

Deuterostomes: Echinodermata and Vertebrata

Revision Session. Dedicated revision session aimed at preparing students for the exam.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application: Develop fundamental biological knowledge and an awareness of how this fits into the wider context. Recognise the broad biological concepts that underpin the discipline and how these impact the world around them. Specifically, students will be introduced to basic concepts in embryology, physiology, and ecology of animals. Following that, each phylum of the Animal Kingdom will be considered either through in person or online material. (Developed, Assessed)

Intended Skill Outcomes

PC3 Practical Skills: Implement the scientific method and fundamental disciplinary practical techniques through appropriate experiential designs. Specifically, students will study comparative anatomy of the animal kingdom through inspection of preserved specimens, followed by a more detailed look at the internal anatomy of Nephrops (Introduced)

PC5 Communication: Comprehend and adopt appropriate language and conventions in order to communicate fundamental scientific concepts clearly, concisely & correctly. Students will report back their findings during the two practical classes (Developed, Assessed)

PC7 Ethics Literacy: Show awareness of and compliance with relevant ethical concepts that apply to a broad range of scientific knowledge (e.g. academic conduct, risk assessment, inclusivity and research ethics), within a structured environment. Specifically, students will discuss experimental protocols regarding data gathering from animal specimens (Developed)

PC8 Collaboration: Begin to develop effective collaboration skills and reflect on your professional and digital interactions. Recognise the importance of success in shared endeavours and the role of group work and collaboration in enhancing scientific outcomes. Specifically, the practical on comparative anatomy requires group work to identify features of phyletic interest. (Introduced)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are designed to give students a broad factual knowledge of key marine invertebrate phyla and vertebrate groups. The lectures will focus on the classification, key characteristics, anatomy, biology and ecology and how organisms are adapted to surviving in a particular habitat. They will also cover the evolution of development of different physiological processes in response to genetic and environmental influences and how marine animals adapt their physiology to maximise their survival in marine environments. Practicals will give students the opportunity for direct observation of organisms, for developing skills in observation and experimental manipulation of organisms, and in collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting experimental data.

Directed research, through the use of supplementary online material and activities, and wider reading of the scientific literature will support the information received through lectures. Independent study will be guided through the use of these materials and online access to key texts/eBooks. Students will be encouraged to become more independent in their learning at this stage in their programmes to develop key skills such as Active Learning, Goal Setting and Action Planning, Decision Making, and Initiative, which they will require at Levels 5 and 6.

Assessment preparation and completion will allow students to fully prepare for both their formative and summative coursework assessments. They will have the opportunity to consolidate and build upon knowledge gained in the lecture sessions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The two 1000-word (or equivalent) pieces of formative and summative coursework will assess students' knowledge of the diversity of form and function in specific taxa and how marine organisms utilise may different behaviours and physiological adaptations to maximise survival in the marine environment. In addition, students' use of the relevant literature to support their ideas and their ability to present information in an appropriate scientific format will be examined.

The Inspera digital exam will assess the level of breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module, including incorporation of additional online resources and student wider reading. The exam is set in the assessment period.

Study Abroad students should contact the school to discuss alternative assessment arrangements for the Inspera exam.

General Notes

N/A