Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | New Scientist-style essay on a current research topic 2000 Words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | 2 Hours Computer test | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | New Scientist-style essay on a current research topic 2000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours Computer test | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Display detailed knowledge of the structure and function of invertebrates in the groups covered.
Discuss recent research in the fields of invertebrate zoology relevant to the groups studied.
Demonstrate an understanding of invertebrate anatomy developed through dissection.
Demonstrate science communication skills for a wider audience through writing of a magazine article suitable for the interested lay-person.
Brief description
This module builds on the basic coverage of invertebrates in year one. The module will provide classes covering key aspects of invertebrate life including, but not restricted to, classification, adaptation, behaviour, life histories and physiology etc. In addition, the module will introduce students to the topical research interests of staff in AU. The topics are chosen to represent a number of important invertebrate taxa and a range of concepts to showcase developments at the forefront of our understanding of invertebrate zoology.
Content
The module covers key topics in invertebrate biology from anatomy and physiology through to behavioural adaptations, ecology and life history traits in key invertebrate groups. The classes and learning materials will provide a sound platform to understanding and contextualising the research interests of AU staff who use invertebrate models in their research. The research topics of our staff will form the starting point for students to explore deeper into aspects of invertebrate life and submit a popular science-style written article, based on those topics. The module will introduce students to the functional anatomy of invertebrates through at least two dissection classes which, together with the classes will be assessed by an on-line test.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Not a significant component of this module. |
| Communication | Students will be expected to listen effectively in the lectures and practicals and initiate/contribute to subsequent discussions. They will have the opportunity to work in small collaborative groups during the practical classes that will require the oral exchange of ideas. The students will be expected to produce coherent written documentation for their examinations and will prepare a magazine article in the style of New Scientist, aimed at a lay audience. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Outside the formal contact hours, students will be expected to research materials, manage time and meet deadlines. The practical classes will provide an opportunity for students to explore their own learning styles and preferences, and identify their needs and barriers to learning. |
| Information Technology | Students will use IT in researching the information required to support the preparation the magazine article. For example students will be required to access online databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar to find primary literature. They will also be expected to be competent in the use of word processing programs for the delivery of assessed work (New Scientist article). |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module provides students with aspirations for a research career insight to current research of staff. Experience of science communication provides insight into an alternative career choice for scientists? Developing communication = employability skill. |
| Problem solving | Through the lectures and practicals students will be encouraged to critically analyse information gathered/provided and identify appropriate solutions where problems arise. They will also be expected to critically evaluate these solutions in a biological context. Feedback will be provided. |
| Research skills | Students will research topics beyond the depth and scope of the lecture material using independent study, and during the written article. They will be expected to critically evaluate a variety of resources in the production of the written article. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Invertebrate dissection. |
| Team work | In working on the student-centred aspects of the module, students will be evaluating information obtained from different sources and producing appropriate outputs. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5