Humans share the planet with as many as 8.7 million different forms of life and out of these; about 1.2 million have been documented. However, even after centuries of effort, some 86 per cent of these life forms have yet to be fully described. A huge percentage of the planet's original life forms are extinct. The planet's life forms exist in a delicate balance, owing to the ever-changing climate and other natural forces and phenomena - with consequent challenges to this balance. Understanding the planet's various life forms is critical to ensuring that these changes, where practical, are well managed, to stem the rate of extinction of the species for the continued survival of these life forms. Thus, the need to train wildlife management and conservation scientists - to help manage some of these life forms, including wild fauna and flora, in a sustainable manner - for continued maintenance of this delicate balance.
FIRST YEAR
JWL 100: Vertebrate Anatomy
Prerequisite - None
Purpose of the Course
This course unit is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the anatomical features that characterize the different classes of vertebrates.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain the principles of vertebrate anatomy.
2. Identify the characteristic gross morphology of various vertebrates.
3. Relate morphological features of the different vertebrates to aspects of behaviour and evolution.
Course Content
Introduction to anatomy; methods used in studying anatomy: macroscopic and microscopic techniques; basic body plan, methods of tissue preservation: histology and museum techniques; cells and their constituents; basic body tissues; morphology and evolution; basic principles of embryology; descriptive anatomy morphology of vertebrate and comparative organ systems: skeletal system; arthrology; myology; cardiovascular and lymphatic systems; respiratory system; digestive system; nervous system; special sense organs; urinary system; reproductive system; integumentary system.
Mode of Delivery (Both online and face to face)
Lectures, practicals, open learning, distance learning, e-learning, class presentations, independent studies, and field training sites.
Instructional Materials and/or Equipment
Study manuals, course books, reference books, journals, reports and case studies, computers, LCD projectors, white and chalkboards, board markers, video clips and internet resources.
Course Assessment
Continuous assessment tests, assignments, reports, practical and written examinations.
Core Reading Materials
Kardong, K. (2019). Vertebrates: Comparative anatomy, functions, evolution 8th Edition. Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education. ISBN 9781259-700910.
Recommended Reference Materials
Textbooks
Fishbeck, D. W. & Sebastiani, A. (2015). Comparative anatomy: Manual of vertebrate dissection. 3rd Edition. Publisher: Morton Publishing Company. ISBN: 9781617310423
Liem, K., Bemis W., Walker W. F., & Grande, L. (2000). Functional anatomy of the vertebrates: An evolutionary perspective, 3rd Edition. Publisher: Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-0030223693.
Journals and e-resources
Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research. Publisher: Longdon Publishing, ISSN: 2161-0940.