Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of chordates and marine vertebrates.
- Identify the main marine vertebrate taxa.
- Determine the ecology including migration patterns and behaviour of marine vertebrates.
Syllabus
Topics will include:
- Introduction and the characteristics and faunal affinities of marine vertebrates
- Fish: taxonomy, ecology, reproduction and behaviour of agnathans, elasmobranchs and teleosts
- Reptiles: taxonomy and characteristics, ecology reproduction of turtles, crocodiles and aligators, iguanas and sea snakes
- Birds: origin and structure, ecological adaptations of wading, oceanic and flightless birds.
- Mammals: characteristics and ecology including behaviour of carnivores including pinnipeds, mustelids and polar bear, dolphins and whales and sirenians.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Formal lectures and supporting online resurces: will provide an introduction to the theory underlying the characteristics and faunal affinities of marine vertebrates. Topics covered will include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
All lesson content is additionally supplied as a stand-alone e-course via Blackboard
A wide range of support is available for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 102 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 2 |
| Lecture | 46 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Video | 50% |
| Multimedia presentation | 50% |