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The comparative anatomy, general biology, ecology, physiology and evolutionary history of the vertebrates.
This is a 15 point course dealing with the biology and evolution of the phylum Chordata and in particular the subphylum Vertebrata, animals with backbones. The course gives an overview of the phylum highlighting form and function and gives information on evolutionary relationships.Lectures include:• Origins of the phylum Chordata• Life in the sea – origins and radiations of the fishes• Movement onto land – the emergence of the tetrapods• Locomotion – swimming, walking, flying• Dinosaurs and other reptiles• Birds and mammals – successful homeotherms
Students will:Have knowledge about the different classes within the phylumKnow how the different classes are relatedHave knowledge of the chronology of the emergence of different groups of vertebratesHave information about the role of extinction events Have detailed knowledge of the anatomy of vertebratesHave detailed knowledge of the identifying features of vertebratesBe able to use the library to find research material and be able to use that information to write essaysTransferable Skills An ability to dissect a range of vertebrate animals, and thus have the technical knowledge and skills to examine the internal anatomy of any animal.Synthesising information from primary literature. Writing a report on findings. Communication of science is fundamental to its use and advancement
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
BIOL113
It is compulsory to wear a lab coat in the laboratory and can be purchased at the beginning of the year.Where to purchase your lab coats and safety glassesPLEASE NOTE YOU NOW COLLECT FROM THE NEW ERNEST RUTHERFORD BUILDING.To purchase: buy a receipt from the Copy Centre, 2nd floor, Puaka-James Hight building, (payment by eftpos and credit card only – lab coats $32, glasses $10), 9.00 am - 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.Receipts may then be exchanged in the atrium inside the southern entry to the Ernest Rutherford Building, 8.30 – 10 am and 1.30 – 2.30 pm, Monday to Friday for the first two weeks of the semester.After the first two weeks they can be collected from Ernest Rutherford Room 130 (Chemical Store).
Bill Davison
Jim Briskie
Claire Galilee
Pough, F. Harvey. , Janis, Christine M., Heiser, John B; Vertebrate life ; 9th ed; Pearson, 2013.
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Domestic fee $865.00
International fee $3,788.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Biological Sciences .