| Course ID: | BBL-SE>SEOKRĘG |
| Course title: | SYSTEMATICS AND ECOLOGY OF VERTEBRATES |
| Semester: | 3 / Winter |
| ECTS: | 5 |
| Lectures/Classes: | 0 / 0 hours |
| Field of study: | Biology |
| Study cycle: | 1st cycle |
| Type of course: | compulsory |
| Prerequisites: | none |
| Contact person: | dr Tomasz Kokurewicz tomasz.kokurewicz@upwr.edu.pl |
| Short description: | During the course student aquires knowledge regarding the origin of different vertebrates taxa (fossil ostracoderms, jawless fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). Each taxon is described in term of species distribution in Poland, their conservation status and study methods. |
| Full description: | The origin of vertebrates, fossil ostracoderms and recent jawless fish, the origin of fish, taxonomy and species diversity of fossil and recent cartilaginous and bony fish, the origin, taxonomy and species diversity of amphibians, the origin, taxonomy and species diversity of reptilians, the origin, taxonomy and species diversity of birds, the origin, taxonomy and species diversity of mammals, selected fish, amphibian, reptilian, bird and mammalian species of Poland – protection status and methods of study. Identyfication of selected vertabrate species of Poland tooks place during field course. |
| Bibliography: | Mitchell-Jones, i in. 1999. Atlas of European Mammals. Academic Press, London. Nowak, R. M., ed. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, Vol. 1 (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press, London. Nowak, R.M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Johns Hopkins University Press, London. |
| Learning outcomes: | After completing the course students will be able to: 1. describe the morphology of the vertebrates at every level of the organization and evolutionary changes of vertebrates in the context of their adaptation to the environment 2. recognize selected taxa of vertebrates, in particular within the Polish fauna (the degree of detail determination depends on the group of vertebrates under consideration), 3. identify and select the most useful methods in the study of selected groups of vertebrates. After completing the course students will be able to: 1. determine the selected vertebrates into genus and/or species level, basing on morphology, using identification keys and to interpret the environmental adaptations of vertebrates in morphological, physiological, behavioral and evolutionary context 2. properly plan, organize and conduct field studies and to know how to gather and use the knowledge in cooperation with the representatives of science, agricultural, forestry, and others. After passing the course students: 1. schedules a field study adjusting them to the conditions of equipment and capabilities 2. demonstrate ethical attitude towards the animals. |
| Assessment methods and assessment criteria: | Tutorials: systematic written checking for assessment (2 colloquia in the semester), the current score (on the basis of oral statements) progress in knowledge and activity. Obligatory field course. The presence on the tutorials is obligatory; the student can have only one absence. In the case of absence, the passing of the relevant part of the material is required. The final score from the tutorials is made on the basis of the average ratings. Examination: students having the final score from tutorials are passing written examination test (60 closed questions) in a session examining board. The exam lasts 60 minutes. Minimum required knowledge for passing: 60%. If the exam is not passed in the first period, the student has the right to pass it again in oral or writing form during repeat examination. |