Evolution of animal diversity; Animal architecture; Environmental considerations; Invertebrate classification and relationships - the Protozoans, the Poriferans and Placozoans, Introduction to the hydrostatic skeleton, the Cnidarians, the Platyhelminthes, the Nemertines, the Molluscs, the Annelids and Sipunculans, the Arthropods, the Nematodes, the Echinoderms; An overview of invertebrate reproduction and development. Comparative vertebrate morphology; Historical predecessors-evolution; Definition of the phylum Chordata; Chordate characteristics; Protochordates; Vertebrate classification - Agnathans, Gnathostomes, Teleostomi, Tetrapods, Amniotes; Biological design - size and shape, structural analysis, functional analysis, ecological analysis; Introduction to animal behaviour and the influences of environment on such behaviour; Comparison of the processes of homeostasis and control in vertebrate and invertebrate body systems; Assessment of the importance of animal diversity to biological sciences and the environment.

On completion of this module students will be able to: Describe in depth the major phyla of the animal kingdom. Compare and contrast the processes of homeostasis and control in vertebrate and invertebrate body systems. Assess the importance of the interrelationships between the invertebrate and vertebrate phyla. Evaluate the evolutionary trends within the phyla. Identify the factors of importance to animal behaviour and the influences of environment on such behaviour.

On completion of this module students will be able to: Value the biological, environmental and economic importance of each of the phyla. Appreciate the value of an in-depth knowledge of animal diversity within the context of science education, ecology and the environment.

On completion of this module students will be able to: Demonstrate proficiency in the completion of laboratory based exercises and manuals associated with vertebrate and invertebrate diversity.