208-326 Exercise and Environmental Physiology

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware this is an essential part of the course and exemption from this is not possible

208-202 Animal Physiology

The aim of this subject is to enable students of animal science to develop skills and knowledge in exercise, environmental and stress physiology in domestic and companion animals and to be able to apply this knowledge in management of the environment for improved animal performance and welfare.

The content includes a comparative overview of basic physiological processes important in exercise physiology and environmental adaptation such as circulation; gas exchange; electrolytes and water balance; heat production and thermoregulation; physiological and metabolic adaptations during exercise and training, including environmental effects on training management; diversity in environments and the nature of stress, including physical, psychological and nutritional factors; physiological regulation and response to stress, including key role of nervous system and hormones; metabolic adaptation; behavioural adaptation; and management of the environment including aspects of housing.

At the completion of this subject students should:

• understand how different animals cope with changing and diverse environments;

• understand the nature of stress and stressful environments;

• understand the nature of physiological regulation and adaptation;

• understand how management can influence the animal-environment interaction and have developed experimental skills to study animal-environment interactions;

• understand the biomechanics of, and the physiological and metabolic adaptations occurring during training and exercise; and

• understand the effects of environment on training management.

Problem-based learning tutorials and practicals with five reports each of 1000 words (each 10% of final marks), one 3-hour written essay or short-answer style examination (50% of final marks).

• D Randall, W Burggren and K French, Eckert Animal Physiology: Mechanisms and Adaptations. 4th edn, W H Freeman & Co., 1997.