The course consists of four modules, each presented over a period of 7 weeks and each comprises of 42 lectures and 7 X 3 hours practicals. Each module is evaluated by tests, assignments, and a written examination.
MODULE ZOO110 - CELL BIOLOGY AND HISTOLOGY [7 CREDITS]
The syllabus covers the following topics: Animal cells, animals tissues, instructions for life, the life of the cell, heredity and Mendel's work gamete formation and early embryonic development.
- Animal cells deals by way of introduction with cell theory, cell size, and the methods used to study cells and their components. Prokaryote and eukaryote cells types are compared and the components of animal cells are investigated. The structure and function of biological membranes as well as transport through biological membranes is examined. The section also deals with contacts and interactions between cells.
- Animal tissues deals with the structure and function of epithelial, muscle, nervous, supporting and connective tissue and blood. This serves as preparation for later modules in anatomy.
- Instructions for life, examines the DNA molecule, the genetic code, the structure of chromosomes and the expression of genes.
- The life of the cell deals with the cell cycle, division of somatic cells and division of reproductive cells.
- Heredity and Mendel's work explores Mendelian and other patterns of inheritance giving relevant examples.
- Gamete formation and early embryonic development explains how development occurs and forms an important base to further modules in first and second years studies.
There are no prescribed works for this module, but "Henderson's Dictionary of Biological Terms" is highly recommended. All lecture notes are on Short Loan in the library
MODULE ZOO120 - ANIMAL DIVERSITY [8 CREDITS]
The main introductory concept to animal diversity is an understanding of how the great diversity of animals evolved. This section will look at theories concerning the origin of life and the evolution of living organisms. It will also introduce the key figures in the formation of evolutionary thought, and will deal with the manner in which animals are classified and arranged in related groups (phylogeny and taxonomy).
The module further deals with an overview of three of the five kingdoms of living organisms. The kingdoms Fungi and Plantae are dealt with by Botany, while Zoology deals with the Monera, Protista, Animalia, and that very strange group, the Viruses. In this section the main characteristics, anatomical attributes, and phylogenetic relationships of the animal phyla are discussed.
Recommended reading:
HICKMAN, C. P.; ROBERTS, L. S. and A. LARSON. 1998. The Biology of Animals. Edn.7. McGraw.
All lecture notes are on Short Loan in the library
MODULE ZOO131 - PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL EVOLUTION [8 CREDITS]
EVALUATION
50% class mark + 50% examination mark.
CORE SYLLABUS
- History
- Evidence of evolution
- Mechanisms of evolution
- Macro-evolution
- Rates of evolution
- Co-evolution
- Extinctions
PREREQUISITE MODULE(S)
None.
MODULE ZOO141 - ANIMAL PATTERNS ACROSS TIME AND SPACE [8 CREDITS]
EVALUATION
50% class mark + 50% examination mark.
CORE SYLLABUS
- Continental drift
- Zoogeographical patterns
- Island biogeography
- Biomes
- Climate change
- Theory of nature reserves
PREREQUISITE MODULE(S)
None.