654-301 Animal Physiology: A Comparative Approach

Note

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Zoology 654-202 and Cell Biology 606-205 (Before 1995: 606-203) or Physiology 536-201, 536-202, 536-203 and 536-211 (Before 1997: 536-201, 536-203); or Biochemistry 521-211, 521-212, 521-221 and 521-222 (Before 1996: 521-201, 521-202).

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Topics to be covered include:

• physiological adaptations of animals to diverse and changing environments;
• basic physiological processes in animals, such as gas exchange; thermoregulation; circulation; water and salt balance, including excretion;
• endocrine and neural control of physiological processes, including synaptic transmission.

Through study of this material students should develop an understanding of:

• the means by which different animals cope with environmental changes;
• the nature of physiological regulation;
• the key roles of nerves and hormones in such regulation.

At the completion of the practical component, students should:

• understand the design of experiments and have further developed (by first-hand experience) an insight into the collection of data that precedes the formulation of theories such as those discussed in lectures. This element will include surgical experience.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; essay work of up to 3000 words in total or up to four practical assignments (not exceeding six pages each). An 8-hour practical examination may be prescribed if performance in practical classes is unsatisfactory.