BI2S121 - Vertebrate Zoology 16 Jul 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI2S121
Module Title: Vertebrate Zoology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Josephine Bradley
Module Team: David Lee, Natalie Lubbock, Anthony Caravaggi, Tracie McKinney
First Intended Intake: SEP 2016 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100346 - biology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 16 Jul 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

To introduce students to the phylum Chordata, and the morphological characteristics of the major groups both extant and extinct.

Content Summary

Vertebrate origins and the possible morphologies of early vertebrates and their ancestors.

The diversity of early and modern fishes and the development of jaws.

Early tetrapod evolution and the vertebrate land transition.

Early and modern amphibians, the origin of amniotes, and the evolution of reptiles and their archosaur ancestors.

The biology of non-avian dinosaurs and their extinction.

The evolution of birds, their morphology and flight.

Mammal origins and body plan, modern distribution, morphological and functional diversity of mammal groups.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 30
Practical classes and workshops 19
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 68
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 3
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Appreciate the morphological similarities and differences between members of the Vertebrata, understand the consequences of these for vertebrate diversity, and apply this knowledge through practical dissection.
LO2 Discuss these morphologies and their evolution using scientific language and evidence from peer-reviewed sources.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Set Exercise - Time Constrained (EX) Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1 One in-class timed essay 40 N/A 25 No 40
Written Examination Written Examination - Closed Book (Unseen) 1 cgk 120 N/A 50 No 40
Practical _Practical Assessment 1 Workbooks associated with anatomical dissection experiences 60 N/A 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1
Written Examination - Closed Book (Unseen) 1
_Practical Assessment 1

Reading List

Pough, F.H., Janis, C.M. and Heiser, J.B. (2012). Vertebrate Life. (Pearson International Ed, 9th Edition).

A range of current relevant peer-reviewed publications