Animal Form and Function–I
ZOL-2643
Program BS Zoology
Credit Hours 3
Duration 16 Weeks
Course Introduction:
The aim of this course is that students will have an idea about animal diversity their adaptation
and modifications in body parts.
Course Objectives:
The course aims to teach the students about:
Animals diversity adapted in different ways for their functions through modifications in
body parts.
The diversity in integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory, endocrine,
circulatory, respiratory, nutritive, excretory, osmoregulatory and reproductive systems
according to strategies to survive in their specific conditions.
Organ systems, their specialization and coordination with each other and constantly
changing internal and external environment, inside and outside the animal’s body.
The basic structure of each system that determines its particular function.
Learning Objective:
Through engagement with the material in this course, students will Understand:
Protection, Support and Movement
Invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems
The Endocrine System and Chemical Messengers
Internal transport and circulatory systems in invertebrates
The hearts and circulatory systems
Immunity
Gas exchange
Violation of Academic Honesty Policy:
If any two projects / assignments are identical or partially identical, a zero will be awarded. The
repetition of such kind may lead to an “F” grade in the course.
How to Keep Your Professor Happy:
Class attendance is mandatory. You may miss up to 6 class sessions. On the seventh absence,
you will be withdrawn from the course. As a courtesy to the instructor and other students, be
prepared to arrive at class and be in your seat on time. In addition, please note that each class
lasts for 90 minutes.
Also keep in mind some general rules as given below:
Cell phones should be powered off
Eatables are not allowed in the class
The teacher will not tolerate any disruptive behavior in the class
The Dress Code has to be observed, no warnings will be given, and violators will be
asked politely to leave the class and consequently will be marked absent
Participation:
Students are required to attend all classes and read all the assigned material in advance of class
(although not necessarily with perfect comprehension). Advanced preparation and class
participation are crucial for periods in which we discuss cases. During discussion sessions, the
instructor generally keeps track of the insightful and useful comments students make. (Any
unproductive contribution is not rewarded)
Recommended Books:
1. Pechenik, J.A. 2013. Biology of Invertebrates, 4th Ed. (International),Singapore: McGraw
Hill.
2. Hickman, C.P., Roberts, L.S., Larson, A. 2004. Integrated Principles of Zoology, 11th Ed.
(International), Singapore: McGraw Hill.
3. Miller, S.A. and Harley, J.B. 2002. Zoology, 5th Ed. (International), Singapore: McGraw Hill.
4. Campbell, N.A. 2002. Biology, 6th Ed. Menlo Park, California: Benjamin/Cummings
Publishing Company, Inc.
5. Miller, S.A. 2002. General Zoology Laboratory Manual. 5th Ed. (International), Singapore:
McGraw Hill.
6. Kent, G.C., Miller, S. 2001. Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates. New York: McGraw Hill.
7. Hickman, C.P., Kats, H.L. 2000. Laboratory Studies in Integrated Principles of Zoology.
Singapore: McGraw Hill.
Calendar of Activities
Week Contents Activities
Protection, Support and Movement:
Protection:
The integumentary system of invertebrates and vertebrates
Movement and support:
1
The skeletal system of invertebrates and vertebrates
Non-muscular movement:
An introduction to animal muscles
The muscular system of invertebrates and vertebrates
Communication I:
Nerves:
Structure and function of Neurons
2 Neuron-neuron communication
Introductory accounts of resting membrane potential
Action potential (nerve impulse)
Transmission of the action potential between cells
Invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems:
The ventral nerve cord and ganglia
The vertebrate brain
3 Assignment 1
The spinal cord
Cranial and spinal nerves
Autonomic nervous system
4 Communication II: Quiz 1
Senses:
Sensory reception of invertebrates
Baroreceptors
Chemoreceptors
Georeceptors
Hygroreceptors
Phonoreceptors
Photoreceptors
Proprioceptors
Tactile receptors
5 Thermoreceptors
Lateral line system and electrical sensing
Lateral-line system and mechanoreception,
Hearing and equilibrium in air and water
6 Skin sensors of mechanical stimuli Assignment 2
Sonar, smell, taste and vision in vertebrates
Communication III:
The Endocrine System and Chemical Messengers:
7 Chemical messengers Quiz 2
Hormones chemistry
Their feedback systems
Mechanisms of hormone action
Some hormones of Porifera, Cnidarians, Platyhelminthes,
8
Nemerteans, Nematodes, Molluscs, Annelids, Arthropods,
And Echinoderms invertebrates
9 Mid-Term
An overview of the vertebrate endocrine system:
Endocrine systems of vertebrates
10
Endocrine systems of birds and mammals
Circulation, Immunity, and Gas Exchange:
Internal transport and circulatory systems in invertebrates:
Characteristics of invertebrate coelomic fluid
11 Assignment 3
Hemolymph
Blood cells
12 Transport systems in vertebrates Quiz 3
Characteristics of vertebrate blood
Blood cells and vessels
The hearts and circulatory systems:
Bony fishes
13 Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds and mammals
The human heart:
Blood pressure and the lymphatic system;
14 Immunity: Assignment 4
Nonspecific defenses
The immune response
Gas exchange:
Respiratory surfaces
Invertebrate and vertebrate respiratory systems
15 Quiz 4
Cutaneous exchange
Gills
Lungs
Lung ventilation
16 Human respiratory system
Gas transport
17 Final Term
