654-202 Vertebrate Structure and Function

Formerly known as 654-202 Animal Structure and Function.

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 vertebrate animals;

• an insight into the evolutionary history and relationships of the vertebrate groups; and

• an understanding of the anatomy and functional organisation of the vertebrate body.

In the laboratory component students should:

• gain a practical knowledge of the structural diversity and relationships of the vertebrates; and

• acquire skills in the anatomical and microscopical methods relevant to the study of vertebrate animals.

The subject provides an introduction to basic vertebrate anatomy and functional organisation; the diversity and relationships of living vertebrates; aspects of vertebrate phylogeny; and principal organ systems of the vertebrate body. The practical component will cover the microscopic anatomy of vertebrates; comparative studies of the vertebrate skeleton; and the gross anatomy of selected vertebrates.

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.

Assessment of laboratory notebooks totalling up to 1200 words during the semester (30%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%); a 2-hour practical examination in the examination period (20%).