Systematic Zoology

Teaching semester

Autumn, every second year (even years).

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. Application deadline is Thursday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information: https://www.uib.no/en/matnat/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity

You will receive confirmation of whether you received a spot in Studentweb no later than Tuesday the week after the deadline.

The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on the Mitt UiB learning platform.

Objectives and Content

Through lectures, seminars, and laboratory activities, including fine anatomical dissections and both optical and scanning electron microscopy, students will become familiar with the character traits that provide the basis for the division of the animal kingdom and with the latest developments on the evolutionary relationships of phyla resulting from novel molecular phylogenetics studies. 

Learning Outcomes

The students:

• Shall become familiar with the morphology and anatomy of the different phyla and how they are adapted to the living environment.
• Shall acquire a broad knowledge on taxonomy and phylogeny of marine animals, from sponges to protochordates.
• Shall learn about the concepts and terms that underlie phylogenetic classifications and hypotheses.
• Shall learn basic anatomical dissection and drawing techniques.
• Shall gain insights into the potential of electron microscopy techniques for morphological and evolutionary studies of animals.
• Shall develop capacities of reading and be critical towards scientific literature (papers).
• Shall learn how to organize, structure, and put together an oral communication.
• Shall be able to argue about the diversity, relationships and evolution of the Metazoa tree-of-life.
• Shall become acquainted with the dynamic of the scholar process that underlies the "making" of Science.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Compulsory parts of bachelor in biology

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Laboratory course. Approved mandatory activities are valid for 6 semesters.

Forms of Assessment

Approved laboratory report (35%) + seminar (15%) + written exam (50%).

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Course Evaluation

Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find courseevaluations in the Quality Assurance Reports.