EZO-21903 Basic Principles of Vertebrate Zoology, dissection free

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Continuation courses:

HAP-20306 Human and Animal Biology part 2; EZO-31306 Vertebrate structure and function; EZO-30806 Functional Zoology; EZO-20306; Biology of Invertebrates and Lower Plants; EZO-30306 Developmental Biology of Animals; HAP-21806 Behavioural Endocrinology; EZO-51306 Marine Life.

Contents:

The first part of the lectures focuses on the basic principles of zoology such as classification, and evolutionary aspects of the vertebrates. The other lectures provide an introduction to the form and function of the main organ systems of the vertebrates. This approach highlights how different vertebrates have solved similar general problems or evolved specializations for species specific behavior and habitats.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- describe the role of evolution in the continuity and diversity of vertebrate life;
- demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the major vertebrate groups and their biodiversity, and the adaptation of their many biological functions;
- relate the differences in foraging behavior and diet to the differences in skull morphology of two specialists (cat and sheep);
- analyse natural mammal organ systems related to digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory systems and to interpret and explain their structure and dynamics;
- paraphrase the basic of homeostatic requirements such as osmoregulation and excretion in different habitats, thermoregulation and biorhythms or patterns;
- distinguish among different types of learning behavior and its function in relation to nervous system complexity.

Activities:

- follow lectures and study the explained material;
- reading chapter parts of the textbook;
- this course differs from EZO-21803 in that the practicals involving dissection are replaced by practicals involving anatomy display mounts, fluid preparations, more histology and ICT, leading to similar learning outcomes, except for the scientific analysis by preparing and observing dissections.

Examination:

Computer exam with multiple choice questions.

Literature:

Textbook:
Hickman C.P. [et al]. Integrated Principles of Zoology. 15th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2011.
Handouts of the lectures.