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LSC-20071 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2021/22 Last Updated: 16 February 2022

LSC-20071 - Animal Adaptations
Coordinator: David R Hulse Room: HUX204B Tel: +44 1782 7 33640
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None


Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

This module is a study of structural and functional adaptations seen in a range of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, to a range of challenges. From water conservation in marine and desert reptiles to adaptation of muscle anatomy and physiology for peak power in the jumping muscle of the frog or peak speed in rattlesnake shaker muscle. A comparative approach is used to examine immune responses of mammals, birds, primitive vertebrates such as the lamprey, and invertebrates. The module also examines the coordination of responses to an animal¿s internal and external environment by nerves and hormones, focusing on the stress response and reproduction. A series of tutorials and investigations are undertaken to support theory from the directed learning.

Aims
To introduce students to selected aspects of the structural and functional features shown by a range of animals to enable adaptation to various environmental challenges.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-20071/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

define the osmotic problem faced by a range of animals and explain the structural and physiological mechanisms they employ to adapt: 1,2,3
compare and contrast how innate and acquired mechanisms of the immune system are expressed in a range of animal taxa: 1,2,3
review the major endocrine glands and the function of their hormonal products especially in regulation of the stress response and reproduction across a range of animal taxa: 1,2
describe the structure and function of neurones and muscle cells and explain how they are adapted for extraordinary function: 1,2,3

Study hours

12 hours tutorials / workshops
15x 4 hours engagement with asynchronous content
4 hours summative tests,
2 hours exams
20 hours exam preparation
5 hours online tasks linked to practicals
47 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Online Tasks weighted 20%
Online Class Tests - 4 summative tests
MCQ tests based on knowledge gained through asynchronous content and reading that has been assigned for each of the topics. The questions will be released as a timed tests on the KLE. Students will find a link to each test on the KLE on the day of the assessment. Once started, students will be given 2 hrs to complete each test. This is 1 hour more than we expect most students will actually need. International students will be asked to notify the School if they need an extension due to different time zones.

2: Open Book Examination weighted 60%
Online open book exam
The paper will be released on KLE as a Word document at 9am on the morning of the exam. Students will choose two essays from four titles provided (covering selected aspects of the course). Both questions will carry equal marks. Students should answer each question using Word, clearly labelling each question as they provide their answers. Work will be submitted to Turnitin no later than 5pm on the day of release. International students will be asked to notify the School if they need an extension due to different time zones. Although students have been given significant time to complete this exam script, we expect most students to spend no more than 2hrs. Answers should be as accurate and concise as possible. Typical answers would be in the range of 500-750 words per question. We recommend that students do not exceed 750 words per essay-based question as we will be assessing the quality of your answer, not the quantity.

3: Online Tasks weighted 20%
Practical workbook (questions online)
A series of questions based on laboratory investigations will be completed on the KLE. Questions will include data handling, graphing and short comprehension tasks.

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 16 February 2022