MB5380 - Marine and Terrestrial Invertebrate Biology
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 4 |
| Administered by: | School of Marine & Tropical Biology |
Available to GDipResMeth, GDipSc, GCertSci, and MAppSc students.
This subject provides an advanced treatment of the major phyla of invertebrate animals, with a focus on marine groups. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution and physical diversity of the phyla and their main biological and life-history features. Topics include phylogenetic relationships among the metazoans; biodiversity represented by invertebtrates and especially those living in the oceans; patterns of evolution within the major phyla; reasons for the success of the major phyla. Students will be required to attend lectures and practicals in MB2080.
Learning Outcomes
- To acquire knowledge of the names and distinguishing features of all major invertebrate phyla. For some phyla, more detailed knowledge is expected of classification, anatomy and life histories;
- To acquire knowledge of the ways these phyla might be grouped in a larger phylogenetic scheme;
- To appreciate invertebrate biodiversity, past and present;
- To appreciate the diversity of life histories, habitats and biology among the phyla;
- To learn methods for handling, examining and preparing typical invertebrates.
| Assumed Knowledge: | Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (eg biology or environmental science) or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. A good background in biology is essential, particularly invertebrate zoology. A basic understanding of chemistry is recommended. |
| Inadmissible Subject Combinations: | MB2080 AND ZL2005 AND ZL5005 |
Availabilities | |
| Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2 | |
| Census Date 28-Aug-2009 | |
| Coordinator: | Professor David Blair |
| Lecturers: | Dr Lindsay Harrington, Professor David Blair, Dr Richard Rowe. |
| Contact hours: |
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| Assessment: | end of semester exam (50%); quizzes or tests (20%); essays (10%); literature review on a topic to be set by subject coordinator (20%). |
Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.