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Module

BIO2034 : Animal Function (Physiology and Development)

  • Offered for Year: 2020/21
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Richard Bevan
  • Lecturer: Dr Mark Booth, Dr Timothy Boswell
  • Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0

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

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Assessment Methods

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Reading Lists

Timetable