Newcastle University > Undergraduate > Find a Degree > Module

• Offered for Year: 2020/21

• Module Leader(s): Dr Mark Booth
• Lecturer: Dr Timothy Boswell, Dr Richard Bevan

• Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Aims

The aim of the module is to promote knowledge and understanding of the physiological processes that take place in animals and of the main events in animal development. The module will illustrate how different groups of animals have evolved physiological processes that support their adaptation to different ecological niches. The module will take a comparative approach and will cover different vertebrate and invertebrate groups, as well as some of the coevolved adaptations to different environments. The module also will also provide an experimental analysis of development events using invertebrate and vertebrate models, emphasising the importance of molecular biology.

Practical classes provide experience in making, reporting and interpreting measurements from live animal tissues and forge links between theoretical and practical aspects of the topic.

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

Teaching Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

Teaching Activities

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 Methods

Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Formative Assessments

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The computer assessment will test the breadth of understanding from the lecture course. 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.

In-course practical reports will assess ability of the students to make accurate observations, to report and to interpret measurements. The formative practice report will provide the students with the opportunity to practice their report writing skills and to gain feedback before the summative report.

Reading Lists

• BIO2034's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• BIO2034's Timetable