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LSC-10119 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

LSC-10119 - The World of Animals
Coordinator: Helen Taylor-Boyd
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

none

Barred Combinations

none

Description for 2026/27

Since the time of Aristotle, people have sought to understand the great diversity of animals and place them into meaningful categories. This module introduces you to the vast diversity of animals, how they are classified and systematically organised today - this is vital for anyone beginning the study of zoology, or ecology. Explore how familiar classes such as the mammals are organised and delve into less well-known groups of vast taxa such as arthropods and molluscs. This module will train you in skills of identification and classification and will enable you to study a chosen phylum in depth.

Aims
This module will help you to organise the vast diversity of animal life into useful categories, exploring the relatedness of taxa. Starting with classical Linnaean classification systems based on conspicuous anatomical characteristics, we will dive deeper and see how more recent techniques are supporting, or in some cases, overturning, this classical taxonomy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Use the Linnaean taxonomic system to classify a range of animals at various taxon levels and state the defining features of each taxa.: 1,2
Describe the organisation of various phyla and use key features to classify principle examples from each.: 1,2
Use dichotomous keys to identify specimens from the lab and field to appropriate taxonomic level.: 1

Study hours

Active Learning 38 hours
11 X 2 hours in-situ content
11 x 1 hour accompanying asynchronous learning
3 x 1 hours workshops
2 x 1 hours seminars
Independent Study: 112 hours
2 hrs identification and classification test
10 hours completion of minor phyla assessment
100 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Practice Based Assessment weighted 60%
Specimen Identification Test
Students will be presented with a range of zoological specimens and will identify them to a stated taxonomic level. The distinguishing features used to place the specimen in each hierarchical taxa will be stated. Construction of phylogenetic trees and cladograms will be included. A range of dichotomous keys will be available, and students can prepare 2 sides of notes on A4 paper beforehand. The test will take place in a teaching lab, under exam, invigilated conditions. The test will require one hour to complete but two hours will be provided to allow for those with exam concessions.

2: Assignment weighted 40%
The minor phyla
Students will work individually to produce a 1000 word, illustrated Sway/factsheet/narrated PowerPoint or some other suitable, negotiated media, on one of the minor phyla. (Rotifera, Onycophora, Acanthocephala etc.). The Sway/factsheet document etc, will describe the phyla, its organisation, type species and focus on a single example of interest (conservation importance, utility or harm to humans, behavioural interest).

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026