Overview

All major groups of living organisms will be reviewed, from viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi and higher plants to invertebrate and vertebrate animals. General taxonomy, body form, physiology and life history will be studied to give an appreciation of the multiple aspects of biodiversity.

Assessment Strategy

-excellent -A- to A+: Comprehensive factual knowledge about diversity of plants and animals with highly accurate knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and classification criteria. Excellent ability to compare taxa and show some reasoning when considering similarities and differences between these.

-good -B- to B+: Good factual knowledge about diversity of plants and animals with demonstrable accurate knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and classification criteria. A student acheiving 2:1 grades in the module overall will have a good ability to compare taxa and show some reasoning when considering similarities and differences between these.

-adequate-C- to C+: Reasonable factual knowledge about diversity of plants and animals with some knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and awareness of classification criteria. A student acheiving 2:2 grades in the module overall will have a reasonable ability to compare taxa.

-threshold -D- to D+: Adequate factual knowledge about diversity of plants and animals with some basic knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups. Some basic comprehension of reasons for comparative differences seen between taxa.

Learning Outcomes

• Know the basic taxonomy of living organisms, from viruses, microbes, fungi, plants, to invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

• Understand basic physiological principles applicable to selected groups of organisms.

• Understand the functional morphology of the above organisms.