Exercise and Environmental Physiology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

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.

Recommended Texts:

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

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Information Not Available

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