Major topics covered include: (i) Introduction to animal evolution, anatomy and physiology; (ii) Introduction to plant diversity, anatomy and physiology and (iii) Introduction to ecology. The animal section focuses on the evolutionary origins, adaptive characteristics and diversity of animals, and gives an introduction to the physiological functions necessary for life. The second part of the course focuses on plants and introduces plant diversity with an emphasis on the diver...
Learning Outcomes
Provide an account of factors influencing the adaptation and radiation of vertebrate species
Describe major animal systems in terms of anatomy and physiology and the principles underlying the maintenance of homeostasis
Describe current views on land plant evolution and the characteristics that define the four main lineages of extant land plants
Describe the main types of plant hormones and their role in plant development and physiology and understand how plants respond to different environmental stimuli
Describe the functioning of the biogeosphere, including the movement of energy and nutrients within ecosystems and the impact of atmospheric pollution
Perform enquiry-based practical work and submit short reports on this work