• Offered for Year: 2026/27

• Module Leader(s): Dr Mark Shirley
• Lecturer: Dr Simon Maddock

• Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

• Capacity limit: 150 student places

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

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.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

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 Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

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.

Reading Lists

• NES2314's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• NES2314's Timetable