Module Directory

This module will comprise an Introduction to Zoology and Animal Physiology and will show students the Animal Kingdom and its variety, and introduce the basics of Animal Physiology,

This module will then explore Plants, introducing a range of topics in plant biology with an emphasis on the unique features of plants. The importance of plants in our everyday life and in terms of the biosphere will be discussed. This will be followed by a review of the life cycles of different plant groups set in an evolutionary context.

The aims of this module are:

• To discover the diversity of animal forms and functions and the role of natural selection in determining individual behaviour such as foraging, breeding and predator escape.


• To explore how variation in the behaviour of interacting individuals leads to population level ecological dynamics.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Describe the diversity of animals, explain how animals are classified and demonstrate familiarity with different groups in the Animal Kingdom.


2. Describe themes and variations in animal skeletons, locomotory systems, movement and feeding strategies.


3. Discuss possible evolutionary links between animal groups.


4. Discuss comparative animal physiology based on an understanding of homeostatic principles.


5. Describe the unique features of plant biochemistry and metabolism.


6. Demonstrate an understanding of plant diversity, plant classification and outline evolutionary links between plant groups.


7. Demonstrate a knowledge of the anatomy and morphology of angiosperms and to introduce factors regulating development of this plant group.


8. Demonstrate a knowledge of the structure and mechanisms operating in the transport systems of plants.


9. Demonstrate competence in observation, experimentation and recording through laboratory classes.

Animals and Plants comprise two of the major Kingdoms of living organisms: they share many features in common, but also have intriguing differences. After a general Introduction the first part of the module introduces you to the Animals. These 12 lectures will comprise an Introduction to Zoology and Animal Physiology and will show you the Animal Kingdom and its variety, with particular reference to body plans, skeletons, locomotion and feeding.

We shall then introduce the basics of Animal Physiology, concentrating on homeostasis, integration and control. In the second part of the course, we will explore Plants, introducing a range of topics in plant biology with an emphasis on the unique features of plants. The importance of plants in our everyday life and in terms of the biosphere will be discussed. This will be followed by a review of the life cycles of different plant groups set in an evolutionary context.

Next we will take a brief look at the anatomy and morphology of angiosperms, aspects of plant biochemistry and physiology including photosynthesis and water relationships, and concluding with an examination of the control of developmental processes by the environment and hormones.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 1-hour lecture per week.
• One revision class before the MCQ exam.
• One revision class before the summer exam.
• Four 3 -hour practical sessions.
• Directed Learning (i.e. self study directions).