BI2IZ2: Invertebrate Zoology

Module code: BI2IZ2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Chris Foster , email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Alejandra Perotti, email: M.A.Perotti@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will introduce you to the world of invertebrates, the spineless wonders, that inhabit every corner of our planet. Without them, the entire planetary ecosystem would collapse, and yet they are often considered to be pests or disgusting, totally separated from humanity. The most successful and diverse invertebrates are in the phylum Arthropoda and of those, most are insects.  The module emphasises the diversity and importance of invertebrate life, throwing light on the weird and wonderful animals we often ignore. Invertebrates have a significant impact on economic, social and scientific discoveries of human society and we will discuss a number of appropriate case studies. You will be taught identification methods, particularly for the most common insect orders, as well as developing a deeper understanding of their life cycle, their ecology, and how their special adaptations enable them to carry out physiological processes.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Differentiate invertebrates at the level of phyla and recognise the more important invertebrate classes. 
2. Understand how life cycles are linked to their success. 
3. Identify the main insect orders, without the need for keys, by recognising key features. 
4. Identify and explain major anatomical and physiological characteristics. 
5. Appreciate how invertebrates impact human lives, both positively and negatively. 

Module content

Lecture material includes the following topics: 

• Comparative study of invertebrate clades (based on morphology and/or molecular phylogeny). 
• Invertebrate life cycles and evolution. 
• Major anatomical and physiological characteristics of the larger invertebrate phyla. 
• Importance of invertebrates - particularly how they impact human lives, both positively and negatively through case studies.  

Practical classes include the following training / activities: 

• Differentiate between invertebrates at the level of phyla  
• Recognise the more important invertebrate classes. 
• Insect identification to the level of order.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, use of the Cole Museum of Zoology teaching collection and self-directed learning. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.