ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue

Course details
Course code: BBS10163o10
Semester: 2010/2011 winter
Name: Vertebrate Zoology
Major: Biology
Study Type: first cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 3
ECTS points: 5
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 25 / 15
Lecturer: dr Tomasz Kokurewicz
Language of instruction: Polish


Learning outcomes: During the course the students get knowledge of the origin of vertebrates, their diversity, taxonomy and identification of selected species. The role of this group of animals in terrestrial and water ecosystems is also shown.

Competences: After passing the course students will be able to find in natural habitats and determine to species level all amphibian and reptilian species as well as the most common species of fish, birds and mammals inhabiting Poland.

Prerequisites: Invertebrate zoology

Course content: 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.

Recommended literature: 1. Grodziński, Z. (ed.) 1967. Zoologia, przedstrunowce i strunowce. PWN, Warszawa; 2. Juszczyk, W. 1974. Płazy i gady krajowe. PWN, Warszawa; 3. Kowalski, K. 1971. Ssaki, zarys teriologii. PWN, Warszawa; 4. Mitchell-Jones, i in. 1999. Atlas of European Mammals. Academic Press, London. 5. Opuszyński, K. 1979. Podstawy biologii ryb. PWRiL, Warszawa; 6. Pucek, Z. (ed.). 1981. Keys to vertebrates of Poland: Mammals, PWN, Warszawa.

Assessment methods: Obligatory completion of tutorials and field course. Final written test exam. Minimum required knowledge for passing: 60%.

Comment: Field course - 15h.