This course will present a broad coverage of Zoology. Specific topics may include:

■ animal physiology

■ parasite biology

■ ecological and developmental biology

■ quantitative approaches to ecology including experimental design and data analysis

■ designing and implementing a mini research project

The course will consist of lectures, laboratories and tutorials as arranged (the timetable varies from week to week).

BIOL4066 Marine & Freshwater Biology 3B

The course will be assessed by means of a 3-hour examination paper (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). The in-course assessment will include research papers, a poster presentation and an oral research proposal.

The aims of the course are:

■ To provide students with a broad-based knowledge and understanding of Zoology; 

■ To further advance laboratory and field techniques in Zoology; 

■ To develop skills relating to independent and critical thinking and forming research hypotheses; 

■ To provide opportunities to further improve written and oral communication skills; 

■ To advance skills related to quantitative analysis of data relevant to Zoology. 

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ Demonstrate a broad understanding of the central facts and the experimental basis of modern Zoology; 

■ Solve problems of a numerical or logical nature in the context of this understanding; 

■ Apply practical skills in fundamental techniques in Zoology and analyse and interpret results obtained from using these techniques; 

■ Demonstrate proficient communication skills by giving well-constructed oral and written presentations; 

■ Appraise original scientific literature and promote critical thinking in relation to information obtained and communicated;

■ Form a research question on a Zoology related topic; 

■ Design and carry out a small scale research project.