Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To outline the evolution of the vertebrates by reference to the diversity of form and function shown by
both fossil and present-day species, including their morphology, physiology, ecology and behaviour;
use the vertebrates as an example group through which to illustrate the principles of phylogenetic
reconstruction using cladistics; develop skills in dissection and illustration; to build on related Stage 1
modules.

Outline Of Syllabus

Our knowledge of the vertebrate fossil record and all aspects of the biology of living vertebrates give
them an importance in biology quite apart from human membership of this group. The wealth of
information available enables us to investigate evolution, function and mechanism across a diverse
group of familiar organisms. We also give instruction in dissection technique and anatomical drawing,
two skills not much practiced elsewhere in the curriculum.

LECTURES
The origin of vertebrates; evolution of jawless and jawed fish; fish function (locomotion, respiration,
reproduction, feeding); present day diversity of fishes; evolution of amphibian and reptiles; origins of
birds and mammals.

Avian diversity and classification; Bird function (flight, feeding, respiration and reproduction); Bird
migration and navigation; Bird communication (vocalisations, plumage and displays).

Key characteristics of mammals; Monotremes and marsupials; Placental mammal diversity &
systematics; Mammalian adaptations (feeding, locomotion, and reproduction).

FIELD WEEK
In June preceding Semester 1 there will be a week-long field week (run twice), covering aspects of field ecology of vertebrates including bird identification, small mammal trapping, owl pellet analysis, and the use of technology in field research (including camera traps, radio collars, etc.)

PRACTICALS (3 of the following:)
External and internal anatomy of a fish
Anatomy of amphibian (dissection)
Thoracic and abdominal anatomy of birds (dissection)
Mammalian circulatory system and general internal anatomy (dissection)

CAUTION: THIS MODULE INVOLVES CARRYING OUT DISSECTIONS. STUDENTS WHO FEEL UNABLE TO CARRY OUT SUCH WORK SHOULD TALK WITH THE MODULE LEADER BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE. STUDENTS SHOULD BE UP TO DATE WITH TETANUS PROTECTION.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application: Interpret detailed biological evidence and concepts and apply this knowledge to critically evaluate key issues in the discipline including its applied contexts (Developed, Assessed). Specifically, the lectures will cover the biology, ecology, and behaviour of body and cartilaginous fish, lissamphibians, lepidosaurs, archosaurs, and mammals.

Intended Skill Outcomes

PC3 Practical Skills: Assume some level of responsibility for experimental design in a moderately structured setting using appropriate scientific methods to collect data (Developed). Specifically, students must determine the best way to perform dissections to examine the organ systems of interest. Furthermore, in the field week they must plan their own tactics for setting Longworth traps and camera traps for the optimum capture of vertebrate records.

PC5 Communication: Comprehend and adopt appropriate academic language and conventions in order to communicate more complex scientific concepts clearly, concisely & correctly (Developed, Assessed). Specifically, the assessment for this module will test the student’s ability to write a cogent response to a question about vertebrate biology as a result of a scientific query into that subject.

PC7 Ethics Literacy: Assume some level of responsibility for compliance with relevant ethical concepts that apply to more detailed scientific knowledge and your own work with guidance as relevant to the discipline of study, in a moderately structured environment (Introduced). Specifically, students will consider the ethics of fieldwork techniques aimed at vertebrate identification, monitoring, and/or capture.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The in-person lectures provide a framework of principles, factual background and example material. The strongly factual basis of this module requires an above average amount of private study time; which is assisted with extensive pre-recorded material.
The field week provides students with hands-on experience of aspects of field ecology of vertebrates including bird identification, small mammal trapping, owl pellet analysis, and the use of technology in field research (including camera traps, radio collars, etc.)
The dissection practicals provide sufficient exposure for students to become proficient in this practical skill (with the help of demonstrators), and to become practised in the production of anatomical drawings and images. Directed self-study of text books, papers and websites provide additional insights.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

For the professional skills assessment, students will prepare a field note book of the vertebrates they have observed and the techniques they have used in the field week. This will be assessed along with an individual 5 minute presentation on a UK vertebrate. These exercises during the field week test the student's capacity to build a library of knowledge and practice, and also assesses visual and communication skills.

The formative assessment - Canvas quiz following the rat dissection practical - encourages active learning and students to pay due diligence to the dissections that they are undertaking. This provides students with experience of undertaking dissections, taking notes and familiarity with the procedures.

The written exercise gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their breadth of knowledge and their deeper understanding of the lecture material. Students have 1 week to complete this exercise.

General Notes

N/A