Course

Invertebrate Zoology

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Biology
Course Code
BIOL 3610
Credits
5.00
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
28
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
The course will examine the comparative biology of invertebrates in an evolutionary and phylogenetic context, with an emphasis on functional morphology. Topics will include an introduction to invertebrate systematics, a comparative study of systems for locomotion, nervous and sensory perception, feeding, digestion, excretion, growth, circulation, respiration and reproduction. Given the incredible diversity of invertebrates, the course will focus on a selection of invertebrate phyla.
Course Content

The content below follows a functional morphology approach. The instructor may instead choose to integrate this material in a comprehensive taxonomic treatment of representative invertebrate phyla.

1. OVERVIEW OF INVERTEBRATE CLASSIFICATION

  • Introduction to phylogenetics
  • Introduction to the major invertebrate phyla and characteristics of each
  • Introduction to the functional morphology approach
  • Diversity and distribution of invertebrates

2. SENSORY & NERVOUS SYSTEMS

  • Evolution of sensory systems
  • Basic sensory and nervous physiology
  • Use of nervous/sensory structures and sensory modalities
  • Communication and social behaviour in relation to sensory perception

3. LOCOMOTION & SUPPORT

  • Introduction of main locomotory and support structures (e.g. skeleton, muscles, appendages)
  • Biomechanics and behavioural characteristics of movement
  • Examination of specific types of locomotion (e.g. crawling, walking, flight, burrowing, swimming, jumping) and the adaptations exhibited by different taxa to achieve movement
  • Dispersal biology

4. FOOD ACQUISITION, FEEDING, DIGESTION & EXCRETION

  • Modes of resource selection and use
  • Examination of feeding modalities and behaviours (e.g. predation, parasitism, herbivory, filter feeding) and the corresponding evolutionary adaptations
  • Considerations related to the variation in nutrient acquisition
  • Anatomy and physiology of the different feeding apparatuses
  • Comparative physiology of digestion & metabolism
  • Examination of different excretory pathways, structures and end products
  • Comparison of modes of excretion in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Osmoregulation and water balance

5. CIRCULATORY & RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS

  • Comparison of structure and function of circulatory systems in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Comparison of the structure and function of different mechanisms of respiratory exchange in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Examination of the relative efficiencies of different circulatory and respiratory systems
  • Considerations related to aquatic vs. terrestrial vs. airborne lifestyles
  • Relevant modes of gas and fluid transport (diffusion, diffusion rates, exchange processes)
  • Thermoregulatory mechanisms and relevant adaptations to temperature changes, climate and seasons
  • Homeostatic mechanisms

6. REPRODUCTION & GROWTH

  • Comparison of reproductive structures and systems
  • Modes of reproduction and reproductive strategies
  • Comparison of mating tactics and behaviours in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Fertilization mechanisms and embryological development
  • Processes of maturation and mechanisms of growth
  • Nesting and parenting behaviours
Learning Activities

Merhods of instruction for this course will include some or all of the following:

  • Lectures
  • Laboratory activities
  • Discussion groups
  • Readings from scientific journal articles
  • Guest lectures
  • Projects (e.g. poster presentation, research paper presentation on a topic of current interest)
Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.  The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.  Evaluation will be based on the following:

MEANS OF ASSESSMENT                MARKS
Projects 10-20
Laboratory assignments 10-20
In-class tests and assignments 25-35
Final laboratory examination 10-15
Final examination 25-35
TOTAL 100
Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Describe the general principles of invertebrate classification and phylogeny, and characteristics of the major invertebrate phyla.
  2. Explain the diversity of invertebrate forms and compare and contrast the unity which exists within this diversity.
  3. Explore anatomical and physiological principles by studying form and function relationships in an evolutionary context.
  4. Describe how invertebrates interact with their environments and how environmental conditions modulate these interactions through adaptive mechanisms.
  5. Indicate how the scientific method is used to advance our knowledge of invertebrate anatomy and physiology.
  6. Use the general principles of biology to discuss current issues and ideas in invertebrate biology.
Textbook Materials

The student should consult the Bookstore for the latest required course materials or textbook. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Pechenik, J. Biology of the Invertebrates (current edition).

Ruppert et al. Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach (current edition).

Requisites

Prerequisites

BIOL 1110 and 1210 both with C- or better, or BIOL 1310 with C- or better, or permission of the instructor

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for BIOL 3610
Athabasca University (AU) AU BIOL 3XX (3)
Capilano University (CAPU) CAPU BIOL 212 (4)
Coast Mountain College (CMTN) CMTN BIOL 201 (3)
College of New Caledonia (CNC) CNC BIO 2XX (3)
College of the Rockies (COTR) COTR BIOL 2XX (3)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU BIOL 3XXX (4)
Langara College (LANG) LANG BIOL 2450 (3)
Okanagan College (OC) No credit
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU BISC 2XX (4)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) DOUG BIOL 3305 (5) & DOUG BIOL 3610 (5) = SFU BISC 204 (3) & SFU BISC 2XX (1) & SFU BISC 306 (4)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU BIOL 2XXX (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO BIOL_O 205 (3)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC BIOL 202 (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV BIO 301 (4)
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC BIOL 321 (1.5)
Vancouver Community College (VCC) VCC BIOL 2106 (4)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) VIU BIOL 310 (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum Seats
28
Currently Enrolled
18
Remaining Seats:
10
On Waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - South Bldg.
Room
S3903
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
14:20
Section Notes

BIOL 3610 001-Students must also register in BIOL 3610 L01 or L02.