TITLE: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF TAXONOMY
UNIT (SUBJECT) CODE: BI 345 CREDIT POINTS: 15
PRE-REQUISITES: BI 242 & BI 244
Course Description:
Taxonomy is the scientific discipline focused on naming, describing, and classifying organisms. Its primary goals include identifying known organisms, assigning them standardized scientific names through nomenclature, and arranging them into hierarchical groups. This classification system helps scientists communicate clearly about different species and their relationships. The most widely used classification framework is the Linnaean hierarchy, developed by Carl Linnaeus. This system organizes life into increasingly specific ranks: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Each level represents a broader or narrower grouping based on shared characteristics, providing a structured way to categorize the planet’s biodiversity.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Define the term taxonomy and the Linnaeus system of binomial nomenclature
• Understanding phylogeny and systematics of taxonomy
• Understand the basics of modern taxonomy
• Apply principles of taxonomy in local biodiversity documentation and reporting
CONTENTS:
1. Taxonomy, Systematics, and Phylogeny
2. Principles of Classifications
3. Taxonomic Structure
4. Molecular Taxonomy
5. Chemotaxonomy
6. Modern trends in taxonomy
TEACHING & LEARNING STRATEGIES
Teaching and learning strategies include lectures, tutorials, practicals, explanations, and group work discussions. Consultation with Tutors/Lecturers, Time Management, Reading, Taking notes, Report writing, Vocabulary enrichment, Searching the internet, library etc...,
ASSESSMENT:
Final Exam-50%, Test-20%, Assignment-10%, Practical test/ reports-20%
EVALUATION
There will be formative and summative evaluation by observation of student progress, oral questioning, and written formats. Findings will be used to assist decisions for continuous improvement and as a measure of quality assurance. Confidential student feedback will be sought towards the end of the unit through a questionnaire administered independently of the teaching staff.
MAIN TEXTBOOK AND SELECTED KEY REFERENCES
Campbell et al. 1999. Biology. Wesley Longman, New York.
Molecular Biology of the Cell B. Albert et al., 2004 (4th Edition)
UNIT (SUBJECT) CODE: BI 345 CREDIT POINTS: 15
PRE-REQUISITES: BI 242 & BI 244
Course Description:
Taxonomy is the scientific discipline focused on naming, describing, and classifying organisms. Its primary goals include identifying known organisms, assigning them standardized scientific names through nomenclature, and arranging them into hierarchical groups. This classification system helps scientists communicate clearly about different species and their relationships. The most widely used classification framework is the Linnaean hierarchy, developed by Carl Linnaeus. This system organizes life into increasingly specific ranks: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Each level represents a broader or narrower grouping based on shared characteristics, providing a structured way to categorize the planet’s biodiversity.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Define the term taxonomy and the Linnaeus system of binomial nomenclature
• Understanding phylogeny and systematics of taxonomy
• Understand the basics of modern taxonomy
• Apply principles of taxonomy in local biodiversity documentation and reporting
CONTENTS:
1. Taxonomy, Systematics, and Phylogeny
2. Principles of Classifications
3. Taxonomic Structure
4. Molecular Taxonomy
5. Chemotaxonomy
6. Modern trends in taxonomy
TEACHING & LEARNING STRATEGIES
Teaching and learning strategies include lectures, tutorials, practicals, explanations, and group work discussions. Consultation with Tutors/Lecturers, Time Management, Reading, Taking notes, Report writing, Vocabulary enrichment, Searching the internet, library etc...,
ASSESSMENT:
Final Exam-50%, Test-20%, Assignment-10%, Practical test/ reports-20%
EVALUATION
There will be formative and summative evaluation by observation of student progress, oral questioning, and written formats. Findings will be used to assist decisions for continuous improvement and as a measure of quality assurance. Confidential student feedback will be sought towards the end of the unit through a questionnaire administered independently of the teaching staff.
MAIN TEXTBOOK AND SELECTED KEY REFERENCES
Campbell et al. 1999. Biology. Wesley Longman, New York.
Molecular Biology of the Cell B. Albert et al., 2004 (4th Edition)