This document provides information on the Vertebrate Zoology module taught between 2012-2018. The module aimed to introduce students to chordates and the major vertebrate groups. It covered characteristics of early chordates and theories on vertebrate ancestors. Major topics included the evolution of fish, tetrapods, reptiles, birds and mammals. Assessment included lab practicals, tests, essays and an exam. The module aimed to familiarize students with vertebrate morphology and evolution in relation to adaptations for land/air and climate change.

1. Saved on: Thursday 06 November 2014 08:58PM
BI2S12 - VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY 09 MAY 2012 - 30 SEP 2018 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
Module Code: BI2S12
Module Title: VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Faculty: Faculty of Health, Sport and Science
Faculty Group: Department of Biology
Faculty Sub Group: N/A
Module Leader: Tim P Johnson
Module Team: Clare McVeigh , David Lee
First Intended Intake: NOV 2012 Final Year of Intake: NOV 2012
Date Validated: 31 JUL 2007 Date Closed: N/A
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5 (Intermediate (I))
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module: N/A
JACS Code:
ASC Code:
Document Version Information
Version: 1
Valid From: 09 MAY 2012
Valid To: 30 SEP 2018
Module Aims
To introduce students to the phylum Chordata, and the morphological characteristics of the major groups both
extant and extinct.
ICIS Module Spec - BI2S12 VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
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2. Content Summary
The major characteristics of the sub-phyla Cephalochordata and Urochordata and current theories on the
possible design of the ancestors of modern vertebrates. Neoteny and paedogenesis.
The diversity and design of early fishes and the subsequent evolution of jaws. The design of extant groups of
Osteichthyan and Chondrichthyan fishes.
Early tetrapod evolution. The first designs for land life. The early amphibians. The design of modern amphibians
– the frog and the morphological features associated with a saltatorial mode of locomotion. The Permian
extinction.
The design and evolution of the reptiles during the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. The Pelycosaurs and
turtles. Reptilian design for aquatic life. The
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therapsids and the early mammal-like reptiles. The archosaurs – the biology of the dinosaurs. The K-T
extinction. The extant groups of reptiles.
Early designs in flight – the pterosaurs. Current theories of bird evolution. The design and evolution of birds.
The design and diversity of mammals. Hominid evolution and design.
Learning and Teaching Methods
Activity Type Hours
Lecture 48
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 128
Total Hours Selected 200
Learning Outcomes
# Learning Outcome
1 Be familiar with the major morphological characteristics of extant and extinct groups of vertebrates.
2 Appreciate the major evolutionary steps in the vertebrates in relation to exploitation of land and air and in
relation to major climatic changes.
3 Be able to evaluate the relationship between morphological features and function in a comparative and
phylogenetic context.
4 Be able to effectively communicate controversial theories and ideas relating to this academic discipline to a
non-specialist audience.
ICIS Module Spec - BI2S12 VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
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3. Module Requisites
Pre / Co Requisites
Not Yet Completed
Other Requisites
Other Prerequisite(s):
N/A
Other Corequisite(s):
N/A
Assessment Criteria
Assessment
Category
Assessment Description Duration Word
Count
Weight
(%)
Best
of?
Practical Lab practical 1 Workbooks and in-
class powerpoint tests
associated with 6-8
two hour laboratory
sessions
720 N/A 25 No
Set Exercise -
Time
Constrained
Classroom
test - Time
constrained 1
Two in class
powerpoint tests at
the end of each term
45 N/A 10 No
Written
Assignment
Essay 1 1 or two timed, in-
class open book
essays
N/A 500 15 No
Written Exam Written exam -
closed book
(unseen) 1
N/A 120 N/A 50 No
Assessment Matrix
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria 1 2 3 4
Lab practical 1 - - - Yes
Classroom test - Time constrained 1 Yes Yes Yes -
Essay 1 Yes Yes Yes -
Written exam - closed book (unseen) 1 Yes Yes Yes -
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4. Reading List
# Reading List Entry
1 Kardong K. (2001). Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution. (McGraw Hill). 3rd Ed.
2 King GM, & Custance DRN, (1982). Color Atlas of Vertebrate Anatomy. (Blackwell Scientific Publications)
3 Kent GC & Miller L (2000). Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates. (McGraw Hill). 9th Ed
4 Liem KF, Walker WF, Bemis WE & Grande L (2001) Functional Anatomy of the Vertebrates. (Brooks Cole)
3rd Ed.
5 Pough, F.H., Janis, C.M. and Heiser, J.B. (2009). Vertebrate Life. (Pearson International Ed). 8th Ed.
6 Radinsky LB, (1987). The Evolution of Vertebrate Design. (University of Chicago Press).
Key Skills
# Key Skill
1 1. Intellectual skills
2 2. Communication skills
3 3. Organisational skills
4 4. Interpersonal/teamwork skill
5 5. Research Skills
6 6. Computing and IT skills
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