BI2EI4-Invertebrate Zoology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Alejandra Perotti
Email: M.A.Perotti@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:

The main aim of this module is to introduce you to the world of aquatic and terrestrial animals without backbones as the most successful and diverse grouping of eukaryotic organisms.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Differentiate the animals at the level of phyla


• Recognise main exponents within the most abundant phyla (e.g. at the level of Class)


• Identify and explain major anatomical and physiological characteristics


• Understand the disparity of models underpinning phylogeny of invertebrates


• Describe particular aspects of a unique groupof animals


• Know the multiplicity of interactions between invertebrates and other organisms.


• Be up to date with day to day discoveries on evolution, physiology, genetics and behaviour of invertebrates.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The taxa reviewed in this module highlight the incredible disparity, the fundamental differences in body organisation of invertebrates.

The diversity of animals is determined by two sets of factors. The first set are the restrictions imposed by the genetic make-up of the group from which it has evolved; they determine development, ontology and Bauplan and are reflected in the phylogeny of the taxon. The second set represents the selective pressures of the environment which mould it effectively to its functional role in the survival of the species; they are expressed in the functional morphology, behaviour, and ecology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The unique aspects of the biology of invertebrates and their interaction with humans will be highlighted in 14 lectures. Two practicals will include activities exploring unique aspects of physiology and behaviour of living animals. Dissections will be performed to make you familiar with the morphology and anatomy of selected phyla.



Literature

Recommended text books:

Invertebrates, 2016, Brusca, Moore and Shuster, Sinauer and Associates.
Invertebrate Zoology, 2003, Ruppert Fox and Barnes, Brooks Cole