Animal Diversity - Invertebrates

About this programme

This course explores the extraordinary diversity of animals without backbones, which comprise more than 95% of all animal species. The course examines the biology, diversity, comparative anatomy and evolution of major invertebrate groups, as well as current hypotheses about animal phylogeny and evolution. Using evidence from comparative anatomy, developmental biology, palaeontology, genetics and genomics, students will critically assess our current understanding of metazoan evolution. A central theme throughout the course is how modern systematic and phylogenetic research helps explain animal diversity. The course includes a field course at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory on the Swedish west coast, where students gain hands-on experience of collecting, studying and identifying a wide range of marine invertebrates. The course is taught in English and combines online lectures, scientific literature, discussions and independent study. Lectures are delivered online via Zoom, and course materials are provided through the University's digital learning platform. A field course at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory provides practical experience of sampling and studying marine invertebrates in their natural environments, including offshore, coastal and freshwater habitats. Active participation in discussions and field activities, as well as the completion of an individual project and seminar presentation, are compulsory components of the course. Teachers can be contacted by email anytime during his/her block of teaching (see schedule in Canvas for contact information).