ANIMAL DIVERSITY - 2020/1
Module code: BMS3095
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2020/21.
These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2020/21. Detailed information on all changes is available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/coronavirus/course-changes. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional specific information relating to your chosen programme.
Prior to registering online, you must read this general information and all relevant additional programme specific information. By completing online registration, you acknowledge that you have read such content, and accept all such changes.
Module Overview
Using an evolutionary approach, this module provides an in-depth overview of the different taxa from sponges to mammals within the animal kingdom, focusing on their classification, morphological diversity and adaptation to their specific habitats. It is designed for the needs and interests of Biological Sciences students but is open as an option to all students who are interested in gaining a greater understanding of animal taxonomy, morphology and evolution
Module provider
School of Biosciences and Medicine
Module Leader
SANTORELLI Lorenzo (Biosc & Med)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
JACs code: C380
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
Biological Sciences & VBS students can take either BMS3079 or BMS3095, not both
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Classification and organisation
- Diversity of animal life
- Comparative anatomy
- Taxonomy and phylogeny
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | PORTFOLIO BASED ON EXERCISES LINKED TO THE PRACTICALS | 70 |
| Examination | WRITTEN EXAM 1.5 HOURS | 30 |
Alternative Assessment
In case the student could not perform one or more practicals for justified absence or ethical reasons (i.e. dissections), alternative materials and appropriate instructions are provided in order to complete the required exercises for the final portfolio
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to critically analyse the information given during lectures and to apply the skills and the knowledge acquired to given specific problem in animal biology, as well as their ability to gain an integrated knowledge and understanding of functional morphology across the animal kingdom
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- A portfolio of up to 2,000 words focused on the various activities performed during the module, due on the week 11.
- An exam, consisting of and a set of five short essay questions, out of which the student will be required to answer three in 1 h time.
Formative assessment and feedback
Verbal feedback during lectures and tutorials
Written and open office feedback on portfolio
Module aims
- Apply the principles of evolution to the understanding of how animal diversity has arisen and organisms have adapted to different environments
- Compare different morphologies, also with the use of tools like dissection, in the major animal phyletic groups
- Provide a good understanding of the principles of taxonomy and phylogeny and the concepts of homologies and analogies
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explain taxonomical hierarchy | K |
| 2 | Explain different tissue types and body organisation | K |
| 3 | Compare and contrast the morphology and anatomy of the major groups and be able to identify representatives of the groups | K |
| 4 | Understand the basis and produce phylogenetic trees | KC |
| 5 | Describe morphological characteristics and evolutionary relationships of members of different phyla | K |
| 6 | Understand how adaptations to the environment reflect on the anatomy and behaviour of organisms | KC |
| 7 | Describe, compare and discuss the locomotion, reproduction, feeding and digestion of a range of animals | K |
| 8 | Gain key skills in manipulating and dissecting specimens | KT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Overall student workload
Independent Study Hours: 113
Lecture Hours: 20
Tutorial Hours: 17
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Give the students a broad understanding of the body plans and functions of different animal groups, focusing on specific mechanisms of homeostatic control and to place this knowledge in the evolutionary context of animal phylogeny and adaptation.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures (approximately 20 h, 2/week)
- Activitites including: Phylogeny tree of preserved specimens; dissection of echinoderm and mollusc; observation and classification of insects; nature documentaries view, visit to the Natural History museum in London (approximately 10 h, 1/week, 7 h for museum visit )
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.