(Recorded Course) Invertebrate Zoology with MacBeth Derham

Did you know that most of the animals on earth are invertebrates—creatures without a backbone? From sponges to sea urchins, you will take a tour of these spineless creatures, learning how they develop, eat, and survive in a world dominated by vertebrates.

How to get the most out of this course with MacBeth Durham:

1. You can get the most out of this class by watching the recording, taking the quizzes, doing a little research into any specimen you like, and going outside with your field guides to look at invertebrates!

2. Grading is done automatically on Moodle.

3. No assignments were to be submitted on Moodle.

Total classes: 13

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade. Interested high school students are also welcomed to join us.

Suggested credit: 1 full semester Life Science

 Instructor: MacBeth Derham

Instructor Email: macbethderham@gmail.com

Course Description: The invertebrates are everywhere! Let's find out more about animals without backbones. We will discuss the features and habits of the major phyla.

Course Outline:

  • Class 1: Introduction to classification of invertebrates

  • Class 2: Porifera (sponges)

  • Class 3: Ctenophores and Cnidarians (jellies)

  • Class 4: Platyhelminthes (flatworms)

  • Class 5: Nematodes (worms)

  • Class 6: Annelids (segmented worms)

  • Class 7: Bryozoans, Mollusks (bivalves)

  • Class 8: More mollusks (snails and cephalopods)

  • Class 9: Arthropods part 1

  • Class 10: Arthropods part 2

  • Class 11: Arthropods part 3

  • Class 12: Echinoderms

  • Class 13: A few more phyla, and identification game!

Course Materials:

  • *East coast students: Peterson’s Guide to Atlantic Seashore

    (https://amzn.to/3t1lgra )

    *West Coast students: Audubon (https://amzn.to/3v8fOnY - not my favorite, but includes Pacific);

    *Inland (fresh water) students: A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America

    ( https://amzn.to/2MWGhno )

    *NB: You may substitute local/regional field guides as you see fit, or mix and match salt or freshwater guides.

Homework: Weekly automated quizzes for immediate feedback, occasional class presentations, and some reading. Expect to spend approximately one to two hours per week outside of class.