BL2304 Invertebrate Zoology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 11.00 am Mon, Tue, Wed (odd weeks) 11.00 am Mon, Tue (even weeks) Practicals: 2.00 - 5.00 pm Thu or Fri (weeks 2, 4, 7, 9 & 11)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C McDougall

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The vast majority of animals are invertebrates - they do not have backbones. This module surveys the major invertebrate groups, emphasizing the diversity of body plans while demonstrating how the common functional requirements such as feeding, reproduction, respiration and excretion are achieved. The module starts with the simplest animals such as sponges and jellyfish, and considers how these primitive animals may have arisen from non-animal ancestors. It continues with a description of the several groups of worms, and the molluscs and arthropods. The last major group discussed are the echinoderms, which are close invertebrate relatives to vertebrate animals such as ourselves. The economic, social, and scientific impact that invertebrates have on human society is identified. The evolutionary relations between the various groups is the common thread that binds this diversity into a coherent story. A series of practical exercises reinforces and complements the lecture component of this module.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL1101 AND PASS BL1102

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

2-Hour Written Examination = 50%, Existing Coursework = 50% (if Exam failed) Existing Examination = 50%, New Coursework = 50% (if Coursework failed) 2-hour Written Examination = 100% (if coursework and exam failed) 2-hour Written Examination = 100% (for Qualified Honours Entry)

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Across the semester: 23 x 1h lectures, 3 x 1h tutorials, 4 x 3h practicals

Scheduled learning hours

39

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

111

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.