BL2304 Invertebrate Zoology

(BL2304 online module handbook version 109)

image: A trap jaw ant of the genus Odontomachus. Photograph courtesy Melvyn Yeo.†

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.*

Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk      Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566

BL2304: Timetable †

BL2304: Reading List

BL2304: Assessment

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

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

Who to ask †

(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)

Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.

Biology Teaching Office:

We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.

Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk

Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566

BL2304: Contributing Staff †

BL2304: Learning Outcomes †

Students completing module BL2304 successfully should be able to:

• Achieve an overview of animal phylogeny, including the origins of animals themselves, and the major divisions within the animal kingdom
• Appreciate the main methodologies and controversies associated with determining phylogenetic relationships
• Identify the defining features of the key invertebrate groups
• Appreciate how representatives from the key invertebrate groups carry out basic animal functions in similar or different ways
• Appreciate the economic, social, and scientific impact that invertebrates have on human society

BL2304: Acquired Skills †

Practical Skills

• Field sampling methods (Invertebrates)
• Biological drawing and photography
• Compound Microscopy
• Fixing and preserving specimens
• Pipetting
• Species identification (Invertebrates)
• Stereomicroscopy

Transferable Skills

• Preparing group poster on given topic
• Q+A poster session
• "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
• Handout (for presentation or poster)
• Summary
• Critically evaluating sources/information
• Finding information from museums
• Finding information on the web
• Finding literature
• Referencing
• Data analysis
• Data presentation
• Descriptive statistics
• Dilutions
• Produce graphs/figures
• Significant figures
• Lab or field notebook
• Generate class dataset
• Organising group work
• Working in pairs/small groups