Over ninety-five percent of all animal species are invertebrates. This course provides an introduction to the major phyla of invertebrates, including creatures such as jellyfish, sponges, roundworms, echinodermata (starfish and urchins), spiders and insects. Because the Zoology Department is committed to preparing students for further study in medicine, this course will emphasize the study of invertebrates that pose a significant risk to humans, such as venomous and parasitic organisms.