654-201 Invertebrate Structure and Function

• Formerly known as 654-201 Animal Diversity.

• Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.

Biology 650-141 and 650-142; or 650-131 and 650-132 (prior to 2004: biology 600-141 and 600-142; or 600-131 and 600-132).

Upon completion of this subject students should have:

• an appreciation of the range and diversity of the main groups of invertebrate animals; and

• an understanding of current views about the phylogenetic relationships between the groups.

In the practical component students should develop the ability to recognise and classify the main groups of invertebrate organisms and an understanding of their morphological, physiological and behavioural characteristics.

The subject provides an introduction to the characteristics of the major invertebrate groups. Structural, physiological, behavioural and evolutionary aspects of their biology are covered. The practical component will cover the taxonomy and morphology of the major invertebrate groups.

This subject builds upon generic skills developed in first-year subjects, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate the ideas. Students should also learn how to observe critically and to use the results of their observations to pose and answer theoretical questions and to solve practical problems. They should gain experience in mastering the terminology of a scientific field and then in using that mastery to access an established body of scientific literature and material and to develop the ability to critically evaluate questions and issues in that scientific field.

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination and a 2-hour end-of-semester practical examination (60% exams); essay work, progress tests and excursion reports of up to 1000 words in total. Practical notebooks may be assessed (40% other).