ZOOLOGY I

The course Zoology I introduces students to the concepts of development, evolution, classification and phylogeny of animal species and the concepts of organization and complexity of animal body. The curriculum focuses on invertebrates and includes a wide range of disciplines that are particularly important for understanding further specialized courses in subsequent years of study. The teaching of the course is based on a series of lectures and laboratory exercises lasting 13 weeks. Two written exams (proodoi) are offered in addition to the regular ones every year (optional). The laboratory exercises contribute 40% to the final mark. The extent of the work, obtained from separate examination. Passing marks in practical examinations are required.

Objectives

The purpose of the course «Zoology I» is: 1. The presentation of the principles of classification and phylogeny of animals, with emphasis on the characteristics of the main equality of invertebrates. 2. The introduction to the basic concepts and practices related scientific fields of structure and function, ecology, behavior and evolution of invertebrate animals in the level of the organization. 3. The exploration of important theoretical and practical aspects of the biology of animals and animal diversity. 4. The offer of a wide range of technical skills and theoretical knowledge that will enable the students to pursue careers in a wide range of disciplines in the biological sciences. After the completion of the course Zoology I, the student will be able to: 1. Distinguish the main tribes invertebrates and relationships structure and development that allow their distinction. 2. Use and evaluate the practical techniques needed for the identification and classification of living organisms. 3. Have different structures and functions governing the survival, development and spread of animal organisms. 4. Develop his own criticism in research areas related to the science of Zoology.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites

Syllabus

Course outline and topics: Syllabus: Life: Biological Principles and the Science of Zoology - The Origin and Chemistry of Life - Organic Evolution - The Reproductive Process - Principles of Development - Architectural Pattern of an Animal - Classification and Phylogeny of Animals - Protozoan Groups - Sponges and Placozoans - Radiate animals - Flatworms, Mesozoans and Ribbonworms - Gnathiferans and Smaller Lophotrochozoans - Molluscs - Annelids and Allied Taxa - Smaller Ecdysozoans - Trilobites, Chelicerates and Myriapods - Crustaceans - Hexapods - Echinoderms - Chaetognaths and Hemichordates. Practicals: 1. Embryology: Microscopic observation of sea urchin embryos. 2. Tissue Structure and Function: Microscopic observation of selected tissue sections. 3. Protozoa: Taxonomic characters of protozoans. Microscopic observation of major protozoan groups. 4. Porifera and Cnidaria: Taxonomic characters of porifera and cnidaria. Microscopic and macroscopic observation of sponges, hydrozoans, scyphozoans and anthozoans. 5. Molluscs: Taxonomic characters of molluscs. Anatomy of cuttlefish. 6. Worm-like animals: Taxonomic characters of worm-like animals. Anatomy of earthworms. 7. Crustaceans: Taxonomic characters of crustaceans. Anatomy of crayfish. 8. Chelicerata and Chilopoda: Taxonomic characters of chelicerata and chilopoda. Microscopic and macroscopic observation of specimens. 9. Insects: Microscopic and macroscopic observation of specimens. External morphology of insects. 10. Taxonomy of crustaceans and insects: Identification of various groups using keys. 11. Echinoderms: Taxonomic characters of echinoderms. Anatomy of sea urchin.