Animal Physiology

Subject 654-203 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 lectures (three per week initially, then two per week) and 18 hours of practical work
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Biology 650-141 and 650-142; or 650-131 and 650-132.Plus 25 points from 610-141, 610-142, 610-171, 620-160.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr L Parry; Dr T Fletcher
Subject Overview:

Upon completion of this subject students should have:

  • a solid foundation in basic physiological processes in animals;

  • an understanding of how animals adapt to diverse and challenging environments.

In the laboratory components students should:

  • develop first-hand experience in the design and execution of physiological experiments;

  • learn how to interpret data and write scientific reports.

This lecture and laboratory-based subject deals with basic physiological processes in animals, with a focus on the different ways in which animals adapt to their environments. Particular emphasis will be placed on integration between molecules, cells, organs and organ systems, with examples taken from across the animal kingdom. Topics include endocrine feedback systems; neural integration; respiration; osmoregulation; cardiovascular systems; thermoregulation and reproduction.

The subject will build upon generic skills developed in first-year subjects, including the ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge. Students will learn how to use these skills to critically evaluate and solve practical problems in physiology.

Assessment: Three laboratory reports totalling up to 20 pages (25%) and five task sheets totalling up to 5 pages (5%) due during the semester; a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (70%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

This subject is likely to be quota-restricted this year.

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

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