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BL2313 Zoology

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 12.00-1.00pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Practical classes: 2.00-5.00pm Thursday or Friday (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 11)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr V C J Dietrich-Bischoff

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module surveys the major animal groups, emphasising the diversity of body plans while demonstrating how the common functional requirements such as feeding, reproduction, respiration and excretion are achieved. The module starts with the earliest diverging animals such as sponges and jellyfish and considers how they may have arisen from non-animal ancestors. It continues with a description of some key invertebrate groups, including annelids, nematodes, molluscs and arthropods. The closest invertebrate relatives to vertebrate animals are discussed, leading into an exploration of vertebrate diversity. The evolutionary relationships between the various groups form the common thread that binds this diversity into a coherent story. A series of practical exercises reinforces and complements the lecture component of this module.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL1101 AND PASS BL1102

Assessment pattern

Examination = 50% Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

Examination = 50% Coursework = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 x 1 hour lectures (11 weeks), 1 x 3-hour practicals (4 weeks) and 1 x 3-hour poster sessions (1 week)

Scheduled learning hours

48

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

156

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Achieve an overview of animal phylogeny, including the origins of animals themselves, and the major divisions within the animal kingdom
  • Appreciate the main methodologies and controversies associated with determining phylogenetic relationships
  • Identify the defining features of the key invertebrate and vertebrate groups
  • Appreciate how representatives from the key invertebrate and vertebrate groups carry out basic animal functions in similar or different ways
  • Analyse, present and interpret data