Biodiversity and function

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module 1BBIC-073 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 40,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): 20,00 Other (hours): Part-time program: 2 Instructor(s) Ronny Blust Els Prinsen Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: exam contract not possible 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties none *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) This course aims to give the students knowledge of the phylogeny and morphology of the most important phyla belonging to the animal and plant kingdom. Students have a solid knowledge of biological evolution, natural selection as well as the functional organization of plants and animals. 3. Course content The course contains four major parts: - Evolution and Biological Classification: includes the history of evolution, general principles of micro-evolution, natural selection, macro-evolutionary events and the timescale in which these processes occur, biological nomenclature and methods of classification. - Overview of the Animal Kingdom: the major animal phyla are discussed in frame of their typical morphology and evolutionary transitions. - Diversity, Form and Function of Plants: covers a very brief overview of protista, algae, fungi and higher plants, their phylogeny combined with examples of cohabitation e.g. symbiosis, pathogenesis. The relation ‘form and function’ is discussed in frame of the major plant physiological and biochemical processes. - Form and Function of Animals: The role of adaptation mechanisms allowing the adaptation of animals to changing conditions. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Exercise sessions Practical sessions 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, with oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material 7. Recommended reading - study material Campbell and Reece, Biology, 7th edition, ed.Pearson ISBN 0-321-26984-5 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 05/11/2009 17:00 els.prinsen