Program Overview

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Module Overview

The ANIMAL DIVERSITY module builds on knowledge gained in the first year, relating to the evolutionary mechanism of adaptation, and in the second year, about animal anatomy and physiology and their role in ecosystems. Using an evolutionary approach, this module provides an in-depth overview of different taxa from sponges to mammals within the animal kingdom, focusing on their classification, morphological diversity, and adaptation to specific habitats.

Module Details

• Module Code: BMS3095
• Module Provider: School of Biosciences
• Module Leader: SANTORELLI Lorenzo (Biosciences)
• Number of Credits: 15
• ECTS Credits: 7.5
• Framework: FHEQ Level 6
• Module Cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Student Workload

• Independent Learning Hours: 100
• Lecture Hours: 25
• Seminar Hours: 5
• Tutorial Hours: 5
• Laboratory Hours: 9
• Guided Learning: 4
• Captured Content: 2

Module Availability

• Semester: 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

• N/A

Module Content

• Classification and organisation: principle of taxonomy and phylogeny
• Traits to define an animal. The origin of metazoan.
• Animal body plans; definition of Phylum
• The Cambrian explosion.
• The big 9 phyla of animals: porifera, cnidaria, platyhelminthes, mollusca, annelida, nematoda, arthropoda, echinoderma, chordata.
• Main chordata clades and classes: Fish, amphibians, reptiles (and dinosaurs), mammals.
• Practicals include: phylogeny, squid dissection, dichotomous keys
• Field trip to Grant zoological museum London

Assessment Pattern

Assessment Type	Unit of Assessment	Weighting
Coursework	PORTFOLIO BASED ON EXERCISES LINKED TO THE PRACTICALS	50
Examination	INVIGILATED EXAM SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (90 MINS)	50

Alternative Assessment

In case a student could not perform one or more practicals for justified absence or ethical reasons (i.e., dissections), alternative materials and appropriate instructions are provided to complete the required exercises for the final portfolio.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have achieved the module's learning outcomes and, by association, developed employability skills, digital capabilities, and resourcefulness and resilience among other module attributes.

Module Aims

• Apply the principles of evolution to understand how animal diversity has arisen and organisms have adapted to different environments
• Understand the relation between animal phyla and their main morphological differences
• Gain an insight into animal taxonomy and anatomy through practical tools as dissection and the use of dichotomous keys.
• Understand and apply the principles of taxonomy and phylogeny

Learning Outcomes

	Attributes Developed
001	Explain taxonomical hierarchy	K
002	Explain different tissue types and body organisation	K
003	Compare and contrast the morphology and anatomy of the major groups and be able to identify representatives of the groups	K
004	Understand the basis and produce phylogenetic trees	KCP
005	Describe morphological characteristics and evolutionary relationships of members of different phyla	K
006	Understand how adaptations to the environment reflect on the anatomy and behaviour of organisms	KC
007	Describe, compare and discuss the locomotion, reproduction, feeding and digestion of a range of animals	KP
008	Gain key skills in manipulating and dissecting specimens	KPT

Attributes Developed

• C - Cognitive/analytical
• K - Subject knowledge
• T - Transferable skills
• P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to give students a broad understanding of animal diversity and the evolutionary relationship in the kingdom animalia. The delivery of the content will be both in class and practical, including lectures, interactive tutorials, practical sessions, quizzes, documentaries, and a field trip.

Programmes this Module Appears In

• Biological Sciences (Animal Biology and Ecology) BSc (Hons): 1st Semester, Compulsory
• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons): 1st Semester, Optional
• Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons): 1st Semester, Optional

Passing Requirements

A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.