BIO 1202
COURSE NAME: LOWER VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
COURSE CODE:
BIO 1202
CREDIT UNITS: 3 CU (45)
SEMESTER WHEN OFFERED: Semester Two of Year One
VENUE: DOSATE Biology Laboratory
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course deals with the lowers poikilothermic vertebrates: the pisces; amphibians and reptiles
(herpetofauna). It focuses on the evolution, classifications, ecology, conservation and uses of
herpetofauna and fish. Students are exposed to Uganda specimens with brief exposure to those
found elsewhere in museums. The students are motivated to use the knowledge of fish,
amphibians and reptiles during the teaching of biology in Secondary schools.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course the students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the classification, ecology and evolution of fish,
amphibians and reptiles.
2. Develop a better understanding of the ecological significance and conservation of fish,
amphibians and reptiles.
3. Identify fish, amphibians and reptiles
4. Carry out first aid treatment for venomous reptiles
5. Explain the importance of fish, amphibians and reptiles in the ecosystems
COURSE CONTENT
 Introduction to and evolution; classification, reproduction and life histories of
fish, amphibians and reptiles.
 Behavioral ecology and methodologies of fish, amphibians and reptiles.
 Physiology, behavioural and structural modifications in fish, amphibians and
reptiles.
 Venomous and non-venomous fish, amphibians and reptiles, First aid treatment of
venomous reptiles.
 Importance and Uses of fish, amphibians and reptiles.
 Defensive mechanisms in fish, amphibians and reptiles.
 Farming of fish, amphibians and reptiles
 Management of fish, amphibians and reptiles ecosystems
MODE OF DELIVERY, EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
(a)Mode of delivery:
Lectures, laboratory practicals, discussions, seminars, workshops, tutorials and individual
research
(b) Assessment:
i) A continuous assessment will be constituted by written assignments, practicals
and course unit test (s).
ii) The assessment will constitute 30% of the overall grade attained while the
final University written examination will constitute 70%.
READING LIST
1. Parker and Haswell (1962). Text book of Zoology Vol. II, Macmillan & Co. Ltd London.
2. Coleman J. Goin et al, (1978). Introduction to Herpetology. W.H. Freeman and Company
San Francisco.
3. Young J. Z. 1981. The Life of Vertebrates. Clarendon Press Oxford.
4. Tracy I. Storer and Robert L. Usinger. 1965. General Zoology 4th Edition, McGraw - Hill
Book Company. New York.
5. Zug, Vitt and Caidwell (2001) Herpetology, 2nd Editiom. Academic Press. ISBN