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BIO209Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Chordates

This course introduces students to the world of chordates, covering their general characteristics, classification, evolution, adaptive radiation, and zoogeography. It explores both invertebrate and vertebrate chordates, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The course emphasizes the transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments and the adaptations that accompany this change. Students will gain an understanding of chordate origins, ecological niches, and global distribution patterns.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ChordatesVertebratesEvolutionZoogeographyClassification

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Chordate characteristics

2

Chordate classification

3

Vertebrate evolution

4

Adaptive radiation

5

Zoogeography

6

Mammalian diversity

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (4 methods)

in-text questions

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

self-assessment exercises

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Zoologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Wildlife Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservationist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Wildlife conservationEnvironmental managementZoological researchAnimal husbandryEcotourism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Chordates

5h

Unit 1: General Characteristics of Chordates

3 study hours
  • •Define chordate characteristics: notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, post-anal tail.
  • •Identify examples of chordates in your local environment.

Unit 2: Classification of Chordates

2 study hours
  • •Outline the classification of chordates into subphyla and classes.
  • •Differentiate between invertebrate and vertebrate chordates.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Chordates

5h

Unit 3: Hemichordata

3 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Hemichordata, including body division and stomochord.
  • •Compare and contrast Enteropneusta and Pterobranchia.

Unit 4: Urochordata

2 study hours
  • •Explain the characteristics of Urochordata, focusing on the tunic and larval stage.
  • •Differentiate between Ascidiacea, Thaliacea, and Larvacea.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Chordates

5h

Unit 5: Cephalochordata

5 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Cephalochordata, emphasizing the notochord and gill slits.
  • •Compare Cephalochordata with other protochordates.
Week
4

Module 2: Vertebrate Chordates (I)

4h

Unit 1: Vertebrata

4 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Vertebrata, focusing on the vertebral column and brain.
  • •Compare and contrast Agnatha and Gnathostomata.
Week
5

Module 2: Vertebrate Chordates (I)

5h

Unit 2: Gnathostomata

5 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Gnathostomata, focusing on jaws and paired appendages.
  • •Differentiate between Placodermi, Chondrichthyes, and Osteichthyes.
Week
6

Module 2: Vertebrate Chordates (I)

4h

Unit 3: Amphibia

4 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Amphibia, focusing on moist skin and life cycles.
  • •Differentiate between Anura, Urodela, and Gymnophiona.
Week
7

Module 2: Vertebrate Chordates (I)

4h

Unit 4: Reptilia

4 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Reptilia, focusing on dry skin and amniotic eggs.
  • •Differentiate between Crocodilia, Testudinata, Squamata, and Rhynchocephalia.
Week
8

Module 2: Vertebrate Chordates (I)

5h

Unit 5: Aves (I)

3 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Aves, focusing on feathers and flight.
  • •Differentiate between Archaeornithes and Neornithes.

Unit 6: Aves (II)

2 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Neognathae, focusing on beak diversity.
  • •Identify examples of birds from different orders.
Week
9

Module 3: Vertebrate Chordates(II)

4h

Unit 1: Mammalia

4 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Mammalia, focusing on mammary glands and hairy skin.
  • •Differentiate between Prototheria and Theria.
Week
10

Module 3: Vertebrate Chordates(II)

5h

Unit 2: Eutherians: Proboscidea, Sirenia, Carnivora

5 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Proboscidea, Sirenia, and Carnivora.
  • •Compare and contrast the adaptations of each order.
Week
11

Module 3: Vertebrate Chordates(II)

5h

Unit 3: Eutherians: Edentata, Artiodactyla, Cetacea

5 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Edentata, Artiodactyla, and Cetacea.
  • •Compare and contrast the adaptations of each order.
Week
12

Module 3: Vertebrate Chordates(II)

5h

Unit 4: Eutherians: Perissodactyla, Chiroptera, Insectivora

5 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Perissodactyla, Chiroptera, and Insectivora.
  • •Compare and contrast the adaptations of each order.
Week
13

Module 3: Vertebrate Chordates(II)

5h

Unit 5: Eutherians: Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Primata

5 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of Rodentia, Lagomorpha, and Primata.
  • •Compare and contrast the adaptations of each order.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review the general characteristics of chordates (Unit 1) and their classification (Unit 2).

2

Create a table summarizing the key features of each vertebrate class (Units 1-6 of Module 2 and Units 1-5 of Module 3).

3

Focus on understanding the evolutionary relationships between chordate groups (Module 4, Unit 1).

4

Study the adaptive radiation of chordates and how they have adapted to different environments (Module 4, Unit 2).

5

Familiarize yourself with the zoogeographic regions and the characteristic fauna of each region (Module 4, Units 3-5).

6

Practice classifying different animals into their respective chordate groups based on their characteristics.

7

Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises.

8

Create concept maps linking key concepts from different modules.

9

Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice questions in the weeks leading up to the examination.

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