Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of the course is to promote knowledge and understanding of the normal physiological functions and processes that take place in animals during development and throughout life. The module will also illustrate how different groups of animals have physiological features that support their adaptation to different ecological niches and their environment. The module will use both comparative examples and in depth study of particular groups (e.g. mammals). A practical class associated with the lectures will build on knowledge gained from lectures and develop experimental and data analyses skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures will introduce and explain animal physiology and development using a comparative approach. Topics such as the following will be covered:

- Respiration
- Circulation
- Sensation
- Development
- Reproduction

- Digestion
- Excretion

A three-hour laboratory practical session will include experimentation on respiratory, circulatory and sensory physiology and physiological adaptations in diving.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application (developed and assessed): Interpret detailed biological evidence and concepts and apply this knowledge to critically evaluate key issues in the discipline including its applied contexts. 

Students will be assessed on their ability to interpret detailed biological evidence and concepts in summative assessments.

After successful completion of the module students will understand:

Respiratory systems in air-breathing and water-breathing animals

Comparative cardiovascular systems in animals and adaptations to different environments; the roles and regulation of respiratory pigments

Current state of knowledge and research in the field of cardiorespiratory diving physiology including physiological adaptations in diving mammals and birds

The structure and function of different types of sensory receptor (e.g. baroreceptors, thermoreceptors, chemoreceptors)

Intended Skill Outcomes

PC2 Information Literacy (developed and assessed): Critically analyse and evaluate scientific literature to provide an answer to a question with an uncertain answer.  Achieved through the synthesis of knowledge and information on animal physiology and development using scientific literature.

PC3 Practical Skills (developed): Assume some level of responsibility for experimental design in a moderately structured setting using appropriate scientific methods to collect data. The practical will develop students’ laboratory skills and competency in the collection and recording of data. Practical sessions will also include consideration of how experiments could be refined or expanded on.

PC4 Data Literacy (developed and assessed): Find, evaluate, visualise, analyse and interpret data appropriately in a moderately structured environment. Assessment will include evaluation, visualisation, analysis and interpretation of physiological data relating to cardiorespiratory parameters.

PC5 Communication (developed and assessed): Comprehend and adopt appropriate academic language and conventions in order to communicate more complex scientific concepts clearly, concisely & correctly.  Summative assessments will include the opportunity to demonstrate appropriate use of academic language and conventions to communicate concepts associated with animal physiology.

PC8 Collaboration (developed): Apply professional and digital collaboration skills in various settings to advance shared endeavours. Implement principles of effective teamwork, acknowledging both personal contributions and the significance of others within the team. Students will work in groups during practical work as an opportunity to further develop effective teamwork skills.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Factual information, and the experimental evidence behind it, are delivered as lectures to provide a conceptual framework for understanding animal physiology and development at the level of cells, tissues, organs and whole animals. Some of the fundamental concepts are reinforced by the practical work and online Q&A sessions provide students with an opportunity to ask any questions. The practical class provides the students with the opportunity to develop and employ: laboratory skills, using apparatus to make measurements, analysis and presentation of data.

Private study using recommended physiology texts and supporting material will provide further depth of understanding of underlying and integrated physiological systems.

Students gain feedback on practical skills during the practical sessions to help inform their progress.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Digital assessment (Inspera exam) will test the breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of concepts derived from lectures and practical work. The Canvas-based Digital Assessment within the practical class will test data handling, interpretation and presentation and breadth of understanding of practical, and related lecture, content.

General Notes

N/A