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Invertebrate Zoology
Invertebrate Zoology 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Invertebrate Zoology
Invertebrate Zoology Course Online: Develop a better understanding of invertebrate animals and how their existence contributes to our ecosystem. This is a focused course with the emphasis on learning about spineless creatures, from the microscopic to those that can be seen with the naked eye.
There are similarities and differences between vertebrate and invertebrate animals:
- Vertebrates have a backbone or a spinal column; invertebrates don’t.
- Apart from some bacteria, both vertebrates and invertebrates are heterotrophic, meaning that they rely on other organisms in the food chain for food.
- Invertebrates are classified into thirty phylia, whereas there are just five classifications of vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- 98% of the animal kingdom is made up of invertebrates, so they far outnumber vertebrates.
- However, vertebrates redress this imbalance by taking up more space in the world; they are larger in size.
- There are approximately 2 million species of invertebrates identified by scientists, with more still to be named. This compares with a mere 57,739 known vertebrates.
The importance of invertebrates to the earth’s ecosystem cannot be ignored. Worms for example aerate the soil and insects like bees, carry pollen from one plant to another. Without this, new plants wouldn’t grow and their crucial part in converting nitrogen into oxygen wouldn’t happen. Therefore, the habitats of invertebrates should be preserved and even minor features of where they live and reproduce, can be vital to their continuing survival.
It’s an interesting fact that 80% of the World’s population eats insects. Here are some examples:Â
- Agave Worms – large fat moth larvae; eaten as part of a meal in Mexico.
- Leafcutter Ants – said to taste like a cross between pistachio and bacon; eaten in South America.
- Honeypot Ants – part of the body is swollen and filled with a nectar like substance.
- Bee larvae – sautéed in butter.
- Centipedes – sold and eaten as street food on skewers in China.
- Cicadas – harvested just after moulting when the body is softer and tender. Eaten in parts of Asia
- Crickets – eaten in South East Asia and Mexico, either fried, roasted or boiled.
- Grasshoppers – roasted and eaten with chilli in Mexico.
- Termites – taken from mounds and eaten raw in Kenya.
This course is ideal for anyone who requires a sound understanding of invertebrates in their profession, for environmental purposes, to prepare to take a biology degree, for professional development, or even for self-education in the subject.Â
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure: Invertebrate Zoology BEN218
1Â Scope and Nature of Invertebrate AnimalsÂ
- Introduction
- Simple vs Complex: Invertebrates and their significance to humans
- Invertebrates are Animals, Not Plants
- Animal Cells and Plant Cells
- Food Production and Respiration
- Movement
- Important Terms
- Microscopic Invertebrates
- Worms & Worm Like Animals
- Molluscs and Echinoderms
- More Complex Invertebrates
2Â Microscopic AnimalsÂ
- Introduction
- Protozoa or Animalia?
- Phylum Nematoda
- Mites
- Phylum Tardigrada
- Adaptibilty and Survival
- Phylum Kinorhycha
- Phylum Loricifera
- Phylum Placozoa
3Â Worms and Worm-Like Animals
- Introduction
- True Worms vs. Worm-like Organisms
- Evolution of Worms
- Bilateral Symmetry
- Cephalisation
- Body Organisation
- Characteristics and systems showing the evolution of complexity in worms:
- Flatworms
- Characteristics of platyhelminths
- Free-living Flatworms
- Parasitic Flatworms
- Human liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis)
- Blood flukes (Schistosoma)
- Class Cestoda (tapeworms)
- Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata)
- Phylum Nematoda (Roundworms)
- Phylum Annelida (Segmented Worms)
- Other Worms & Worm-Like Animals
- Coelomate Worms
4Â Sponges, Corals, Anemones, JellyfishÂ
- Introduction
- Phylum Cnidaria
- Cnidaria and Humans
- Phylum Ctenophora
- Phylum Porifera
- Internal and External Structure
- Reproduction
- Toxicity in Non-Motile Invertebrates
- Classes within Porifera
- Finding food: a comparison of these phyla
5Â Molluscs & EchinodermsÂ
- Introduction
- Phylum Eccinodermata
- Class Crinoidea
- Class Ophiuroidea
- Class Asteroidea
- Case Study: The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
- Class Echinoidea
- Class Holothuroidea
- Phylum Mollusca
- What makes a mollusc?
- Types of Mollusca
- Reproduction
6Â Arthropods, Part 1
- Introduction
- Classification of Arthrpoda
- Origin of Arthropods
- Important Definitions
- Characteristics of Arthropods
- Sub Phylum Chelicerata (Chelicerates)
- Class: Arachnida (Scorpions, Spiders, Mites and Ticks)
- Order Scorpiones (Scorpions)
- Order Araneae (Spiders)
- Order Acari (Mites and Ticks)
- Order Opiliones (Daddy Long-Legs)
- Class: Merostomata (Horseshoe crabs)
- Class: Pycnogonida (Sea spiders)
7Â Arthropods, Part 2
- Useful definitions
- Sub Phylum Crustacea (Crustaceans)
- Class Malacostraca (Lobster, Crayfish, Isopods, Amphipods, Krill, Crabs, Shrimp Etc)
- Order Decapoda (Decapod Crustaceans)
- Order Isopoda (Terrestrial and Freshwater Crustaceans)
- Order Amphipoda
- Class Branchiopoda (Fairy Shrimp, Water Fleas)
- Characteristics of the class Branchiopoda Class
- Class Cephalocarida
- Class Remipedia
- Class Maxillopoda (Barnacles, Copepods, Ostracods)
- Sessile Crustaceans
- Sub Chilopoda (Centipedes) and Class Diplopoda (Miilipedes)
8Â Insects, Part 1
- Introduction
- Origin of Insecta
- Winged vs. Non-Winged
- Class Entognatha
- Order: Collembola
- Order: Diplura
- Order: Protura
- Class Insecta
- Insect Features
- Insect or Arthropod?
- Insect Orders
- Insect Features
- Specialised Organs
- Reproduction and Lifecycle
- Vision
- Communication
- Exploring Insecta
- Order Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies
- Order Mantodea: Mantises
- Order Orthoptera: Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids
9Â Insects, Part 2
- Introduction
- Clean Air, Clean Water
- Water
- Pollination
- Food
- Insects as a Crop
- Case Study: Grasshoppers save lives
- Air
- Insects with Sinificance to Humans
- Order Diptera: Flies and Mosquitoes
- Dipteran Features
- Order Hymenoptera: Bees, Wasps, Sawflies
- AntsHymenoptera Features
- Bees
- Order Coleoptera: Beetles, Weevils
- Coleoptera Features
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Invertebrate Zoology BEN218
- Describe the scope and nature of invertebrate animals.
- Compare and contrast different groups of invertebrates.
- Discuss the major differences between animals and plants.
- Describe and compare the structure and function of animals that cannot be seen readily with the naked eye.
- Discuss the difference between protists and microscopic invertebrates.
- Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different worms and worm-like animals.
- Discuss the difference between true worms and worm-like organisms.
- Understand the importance of worms in an evolutionary and body organisation context.
- Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different sponges, corals and anemones.
- Understand differences between motile and sessile, and how these affect defence and feeding.
- Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different molluscs and echinoderms.
- Explain the basics of arthropod body structure and origin.
- Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different arthropods.
- Explain the likely origin of insects.
- Describe and compare the structure and function of a variety of different insects.
- Explain the significance of insects to man.
- Discuss the importance of insects in the environment.
- Discuss the impact of insects to humans and agriculture.
Practical (Set Tasks)
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,