SOLUSI UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
BEAB 113– DIVERSITY OF LIFE 11 (3 credits)
COURSE OUTLINE
C. Chifamba (PhD)
COURSE SYNOPSIS
The course is a continuation of BEBI 112 Diversity of Life 1. Diversity of Life 2 The module focuses on the kingdoms Plantae and Animalia. It explores the Plant families of ecological and economic importance in the flora Zambesiaca, Seeds, fruits and their dispersal, and Adaptations of plants to pollinating agents. The module outlines the grades of organisation and the evolution of the two main lines of animals drawing examples from economically important classes/orders. The student will also explore the interdependence of plants and animals and how animals functionally interact with other organisms within their environment.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course the student will be able to;
1. Define and explain the significance of each of the following Key terms;
Extinct, fossil, microevolution, macroevolution, Symbiosis, prey, predator, parasite
2. Describe the origins of life forms- “After its kind”
3. Describe, with examples, various flora and fauna of economic significance
4. Discuss the threats to organism of economic significance and how best to conserve them
5. Demonstrate competency in carrying out scientific research
Course Outline
1. Diversity and significance of Plant Biodiversity
2. Diversity and significance of animal Biodiversity
3. Distribution of Flora and Fauna in Africa
4. Measuring and recording Biodiversity
5. Trends in Biodiversity
6. Threats to Biodiversity of Life
7. Conservation and Sustainability
8. Research issues related to Diversity of Life
9. Revision
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Regular and punctual attendance
- Active, informed and scholarly participation during classes
- Produce a term paper (assignment) from course outline and present it in class
- Ability to read widely, critique, analyse and apply theory to practice
- Write a mid-semester examination
- Write the final examination which constitutes 50% of the overall grade.
DELIVERY MODES:
Lectures, Research Projects, Discussions, Self-directed Study and Seminar tasks, Presentations.
ASSESSMENT
Quizzes & presentations 20%
Mid-semester examination 20%
Final Examination 60%
Total 100%
Textbooks & References
Wilson, O. E (2010). BIODIVERSITY
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Diversity of Life Diversity of Life
Cratchley, K. ( 2000) Handbook of Animal Types
Longman Publishers
Del Ratzsch, (2000). Science and Limits-The natural sciences in Christian Perspective.
Klotz, J. W. (1972). Genes, Genesis and Evolution. Concordia Publishing House. USA.
Roth, A.A. (1998). Origins, Linking Science and Scripture. Review and Herald Publishing.
- Teacher: Costance Chifamba