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

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

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 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None


Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

In this module you will study a structural and functional adaptations to a range of challenges seen in vertebrate and invertebrate animals. 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. You will also examine the coordination of responses to an animal’s internal and external environment by nerves and hormones, focusing on the stress response and reproduction. You will integrate data and skills from practical investigations with module content helping you to use evidence to support theory. You will also use and evaluate generative AI outputs as you produce information about animal adaptations to a lay and technical audience.

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
compare and contrast how innate and acquired mechanisms of the immune system are expressed in a range of animal taxa: 1,2
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
present, analyse and evaluate data from practical investigations: 1
use and evaluate content co-created with approved generative AI that explains complex animal behaviours: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
12 hours tutorials / workshops
12 x 2 hours engagement with asynchronous content
Independent study:
12 hours online tasks linked to practicals
12 hours video commentary research and preparation
90 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Workbook weighted 50%
Practical workbook (questions online)
A series of questions based on laboratory investigations will be completed on the KLE. Questions will include graphing, analysis and evaluation of data generated in labs delivered in LSC-20127, both at the individual and at the class level. Comprehension questions and tasks will link practical content to theory. Each practical will relate to one of the learning outcomes. The assessment will be open on the KLE from the start of the module, it is expected to take around 12 hours to complete and students can save and edit their progress prior to the submission date. Support for the workbook tasks will be given in each connected practical.

2: Portfolio weighted 50%
Commentary
An approved generative-AI tool (GAI) will be used to produce a 500-word commentary for one of a choice of short videos and 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. Students will evidence, critique and reflect on their use of the GAI tool to create the commentary in a proforma. Additionally, a 1000-word, referenced, briefing document will be written that explains and critiques the relevant scientific evidence behind the narrative. This briefing document is aimed at academic experts.

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: 04 December 2025