Module Catalogue 2024/25

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. The module will take a comparative approach and
will cover different vertebrate and invertebrate groups. Practical classes associated with the
lectures will build experimental skills used in physiology.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures will introduce and explain animal physiology and development using a comparative approach. Topics such as the following will be covered:
- Neurobiology
- Muscle
- Respiration
- Circulation
- Ion and water balance
- Excretion
- Digestion
- Animal reproduction and development

2 x three-hour laboratory practical sessions will include experiments on insect tissues, on, for example:
- Muscles
- Sensory neurons
- Embryogenesis in insects

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students undertaking this module will learn
- basic physiological processes at the cell membrane, whole cell and organ level
- how the physiology of different types of animal varies and of physiological adaptations to particular
environments
- key events in animal development and the role of experimental studies in elucidating developmental
processes
- the structure of developing embryos

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will have:
- Developed an ability to handle live tissues
- Gained experience in observing and making measurements of physiological processes
- Increased their observational, microscopical and illustrative skills through recording early invertebrate
development.
- Gained competence to interpret data and prepare written reports

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Factual information, and the experimental evidence behind it, are delivered by means of lectures. Some of the fundamental concepts are reinforced by the practical exercises and associated private study exercises. The overview sessions provide the students with the opportunity for gaining further support with the material in the lectures and for preparation for the exam.

The practical classes provide the students with the skills that professional biologists employ, including:
- handling biological material,
- using apparatus to make measurements,
- numerical analysis of data.
- microscopic study

Private study is necessary for students to absorb information presented in lectures, to deepen their knowledge and understanding through reading supporting references, and to complete work on the practical materials.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The computer assessment will test the breadth of understanding from the lecture course and the practicals. An
essay question will assess the ability of the students to apply and synthesise knowledge gained from the course
and to show depth of understanding of a particular area of knowledge. The formative quiz will provide the students with the opportunity to practice their knowledge and recall of the course material and introduce them to the format of the summative quiz.

General Notes

N/A