Discovering British Marine and Freshwater Invertebrates

Overview

This module seeks to show you the vast diversity of marine and freshwater invertebrates, using examples from the UK. Invertebrates are often overlooked for there more publicised vertebrate cousins but there is a huge diversity in both body shape, environment and feeding habits that is fascinating. This module will focus on marine and freshwater dwelling invertebrates, but there is a separate module for terrestrial invertebrates. We will work through this diversity, learning the taxonomy of invertebrates, and how they have specialised to live in different marine and freshwater environments. We will also cover how to design an investigation or experiment to answer a question we have, including what resources we would need to run our experiment in the field.

Programme

Understanding the taxonomy of invertebrates and how species are grouped into larger denominations as well as identifying which invertebrates fall into which denomination. This also includes learning about invertebrate life cycles through UK examples. E.g

2. • Crabs
   • Shrimps
   • Limpets
   • Mussels
   • Dragon flies
   • Water fleas
   • Pond Skaters

Learning how to design a field experiment to focus on one particular invertebrate, to answer a specific question.

This will be provided through a mix of recorded lectures, seminars, tutorials and an optional field trip.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module students should be able to:

1. Understand the classification of invertebrates, how they are grouped into certain classes and why.
2. Identify a range of British marine and freshwater invertebrates, and understand their life cycles.
3. Understand how to design an experiment to investigate an invertebrate species in the field.

 Assessments

A series of short answer questions to classify different marine and freshwater invertebrates in provided images. 30%

A 1500 word essay covering how you would design an experiment to investigate a specific freshwater or marine invertebrate species in the field, including an explanation of the life cycle of your chosen species and how that factors into your experiment. 70%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.