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

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 23 April 2024

LSC-20071 - Animal Adaptations
Coordinator: David 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 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None


Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

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 respiration of tropical fishes in oxygen-poor waters. From adaptation of muscle anatomy and physiology for peak power in the jumping muscle of the frog to 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 practical investigations are undertaken to support theory from the lectures.

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: 1,5,6
compare and contrast how innate and acquired mechanisms of the immune system are expressed in a range of animal taxa: 2,5,6
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: 4,5,6
describe the structure and function of neurones and muscle cells and explain how they are adapted for extraordinary function: 3,5,6

Study hours

Active learning:
12 hours tutorials / workshops
15x 4 hours engagement with asynchronous content
Independent study:
4 hours summative tests,
5 hours online tasks linked to practicals
12 hours video commentary research and preparation
57 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Class Test weighted 5%
Online class test- osmoregulation
MCQ tests based on knowledge gained on the osmoregulation theme through asynchronous content and reading that has been assigned. The questions will be released as a timed tests on the KLE. Students will find a link to the test on the KLE on the day of the assessment. Once started, students will be given 2 hrs to complete the 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: Class Test weighted 5%
Online class test - animal immunity
MCQ tests based on knowledge gained on the immunity theme through asynchronous content and reading that has been assigned. The questions will be released as a timed tests on the KLE. Students will find a link to the test on the KLE on the day of the assessment. Once started, students will be given 2 hrs to complete the 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.

3: Class Test weighted 5%
Online class test - nervous and muscular systems
MCQ tests based on knowledge gained on the nerves and muscles theme through asynchronous content and reading that has been assigned. The questions will be released as a timed tests on the KLE. Students will find a link to the test on the KLE on the day of the assessment. Once started, students will be given 2 hrs to complete the 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.

4: Class Test weighted 5%
Online class test: animal endocrinology
MCQ tests based on knowledge gained on the hormones theme through asynchronous content and reading that has been assigned. The questions will be released as a timed tests on the KLE. Students will find a link to the test on the KLE on the day of the assessment. Once started, students will be given 2 hrs to complete the 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.

5: Computer Task 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.

6: Commentary weighted 60%
Commentary
A 500 word commentary for one of a choice of short videos will be written in a style accessible to a lay audience. The videos will show an animal displaying a behaviour dependant on a curious adaptation of the osmoregulatory, immune, endocrine or neuromuscular system. Additionally a 1000 word briefing document will be written that explains the relevant scientific evidence behind the narrative. The choice of videos, will be released in week 12 and the commentary and briefing document will be submitted during the exam period in week 15.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may 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: 23 April 2024