Invertebrate Innovations
Module Description
Module Description
Invertebrates are the animals lacking backbones that comprise >90% of the animal kingdom. Despite this, they remain superficially known to most people. This module gives much-needed attention to this megadiverse group, focusing on the varied biological innovations in aspects of their anatomy, physiology, and behaviour, which enable them to survive in particular habitats. We examine how such innovations in invertebrates have inspired man-made designs, materials, and technologies across disciplines, which lead to human innovations that benefit society; and how the study of invertebrates more broadly contributes understanding of the natural world that also indirectly benefits society.
Learning Outcomes
Develop an appreciation for invertebrate diversity, form and function, and the roles they play vis-à-vis human society, particularly in driving the evolution of perspectives and inspiring technological innovations.
Specific intended learning outcomes. By the end of this course, students should be able to:
a) Define what an invertebrate is and recognise the major invertebrate groups in the animal kingdom; describe, compare and contrast invertebrate groups (phyla) using salient anatomical & functional features (form & function).
b) Explore and critically examine the biological innovations of selected invertebrates that have, in turn, inspired scientific and engineering innovations.
c) Have an awareness of and appreciation for how invertebrates can lend themselves to multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies which provide benefits for people.
d) Formulate their own novel ideas and innovations from the information on invertebrate form and function derived from class, from resource persons, and through their own research.
e) Comprehend and critically evaluate research papers and other sources of information; and better communicate ideas and information through speech and writing.
f) Critically explore current issues on invertebrates, especially those relevant to Singapore and the adjacent region (e.g., perceptions, conservation, food security, pests, public health).
Modes of Instruction
Lectures, with a liberal mix of practicals, small-group discussions, assigned readings, student presentations, online instructional platforms (LumiNUS & online resources such as videos and blogs), project work, and continuous assessment.
General Syllabus
General Syllabus
Week 1: Course overview & class organisation. Introduction to the invertebrates (what are the defining features of an invertebrate?), and functional morphology (how does form facilitate function?).
Week 2: The ‘silent majority’ – invertebrate diversity and design. The anatomy and evolution of invertebrate ‘bauplans’: tracing the increasing complexity of invertebrate bodies; investigating the drivers behind the explosion of diversity among invertebrates.
Week 3: Super-invertebrates. Examples of extraordinary invertebrates with unique and interesting adaptations: e.g., super-speed; super-vision; extremophiles & survivors; chemical warfare; forever young; etc.
Week 4: They (invertebrates) did it first! Introduction to biomimetics and examples of invertebrate designs or behaviours that were later copied by humans (e.g., paper & potter wasps; indoor ventilation of honeybees & termites).
Week 5: Applications derived from invertebrates and how they were discovered and developed (e.g., recombinant proteins such as green fluorescent protein; bioactive metabolites – conotoxins for analgesia & sponge anti-cancer compounds; barnacle water-proof glue; robots designed after invertebrates).
Week 6: Biomimetics case study: the mantis shrimp.
Discussion session and pre-field trip safety briefing.
Recess Week: Field trip (low tide) on first Saturday of Recess week (tentative).
Week 7: No bones about it. How do invertebrates manage without a backbone (or any bones for that matter)? A look into the functional morphology of invertebrate skeletons.
Invertebrate models. How does studying relatively simple and apparently unrelated animals lead to breakthroughs in human health sciences?
Week 8: Invertebrate villains? The fascinating biology of parasitic invertebrates, their diversity and their various adaptations. What are the various modes of parasitism, and how do parasites gain a foothold into their hosts? Why is parasitism so common?
Week 9: Free Week. Group project preparation.
Week 10: Student presentations on project work.
Week 11: The little things that run the world – the role of invertebrates in ensuring a sustainable future.
Studying invertebrates. The ‘taxonomic impediment’ and the crucial role of biodiversity expeditions & natural history museums in the modern age.
Week 12: Invertebrates and society. How are invertebrates perceived by society?
Week 13: Recap and synthesis.
Assessment
Assessment
100% Continuous Assessment
- Writing assignment (report) on form & function (30%)
- Practical quiz, individual (10%)
- Group project: oral presentation, group (30%); and written report, individual (20%)
- Reflective essay, individual (10%)
Details will be given on first class session.