BI3RBD2: Planet of the Sauropsids: Reptiles, Birds, and Dinosaurs

Module code: BI3RBD2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Brian Pickles , email: b.j.pickles@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Campbell Murn, email: c.p.murn@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

From ancient mythology to the modern disciplines of herpetology, ornithology, and vertebrate palaeontology, sauropsids (reptiles, birds, and dinosaurs) have captured the imagination of people for thousands of years. This module will introduce the fabulous diversity of sauropsids, taking a closer look at their evolutionary origins and innovations, anatomy, behaviour, and conservation. A series of engaging lectures will cover topics such as scales and feathers, beaks and talons, flight, vision, and migration. Practical sessions in the lab and field will provide hands-on experience of ornithology and herpetology, offering the chance to develop research skills and report writing. Students will review recent research papers and present their key findings to develop their science communication and presentation skills with peers in a friendly and supportive environment. The Cole Museum of Zoology collections and the fantastic bird habitats on Whiteknights campus will be used to support teaching on this module.Ìý

Aims: This module will provide an opportunity for focused study of avian and reptilian biology, which will help students to develop an integrated understanding of their evolutionary history, diversity, key adaptations, behaviour, reproduction, and conservation.Ìý

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:Ìý

1. Describe the evolutionary relationships, key features, and ecological innovations within and between the Sauropsids (reptiles, dinosaurs, birds).Ìý
2. Conduct practical monitoring of birds and reptiles and design experiments that can be used to gather conservation evidence and produce relevant reports.Ìý
3. Understand the diversity of reptiles, dinosaurs and birds and how it relates to their past and present distributions.Ìý
4. Critically discuss and present key findings from recent primary research on Sauropsids.Ìý

Module content

Students will work on and experience a wide cross-section of topics related to sauropsid biology, ranging from palaeontology to modern conservation. The module has an emphasis on the use of existing research and fieldwork methods combined with modern investigative tools to address complex questions on the evolution, morphology, behaviour and ecology of birds, reptiles and dinosaurs.ÌýÌý

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, seminars, field trips, field work, practical classes, small group presentations of recent literature, self-directed learning, and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard.ÌýÌý

Study hours

At least 68 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.