University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 9.00 am Mon, Tue, Wed. Practicals: to be arranged.

This module covers the biology of land animals, including their early evolution, their strategies to cope with unusual terrestrial habitats (extremes of hot, arid and cold, urban life, island life, etc, including climate change effects), and their special problems with reproduction and locomotion. It then looks at insights gained from modern techniques, including molecular, bioinformatics and bar-coding approaches, bio-logging and tracking, and developmental adaptations. It concludes with special topics on particular animals or groups that have improved our understanding of terrestrial peculiarities, whether behavioural, sensory, physiological, mechanical, metabolic or ecological; and of threats to terrestrial diversity for certain groups.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass BL2310 and ( pass BL2304 or pass BL2308 )

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 x 1-hour lectures (x 10 weeks); 1 x 3-hour and 1 x 4-hour practicals.

Scheduled learning hours: 37

Guided independent study hours: 163

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 66%, Coursework = 34%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 66%
Practical examinations : 14%
Coursework: 20%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 66%, Existing Coursework = 34%, module grade capped at 7.

Personnel