Comparative Animal Physiology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Lectures, tutorials and laboratory based practical work.

An enrolment quota of 300 students applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, refer to the Quota Subject link on the Eastern Precinct Student Centre website: http://studentcentre.unimelb.edu.au/eastern/

Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours

Either both

Or both

None

First year level chemistry or statistics subjects are strongly recommended.

Students who have received credit for 654-203 Animal Physiology (prior to 2009) may not enrol in this subject for credit.

For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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

This lecture and laboratory based subject aims to give students a solid foundation in 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 marine and desert animals, and the integrative mechanisms involved in the regulation of important organ systems. Topics include endocrine feedback, neural integration, water and salt balance; cardiovascular systems, thermoregulation; digestion and reproduction.

Upon completion of this subject, students should have a solid understanding of basic physiological processes in animals; and an understanding of how animals adapt to diverse and challenging environments.

In the laboratory components students should develop first hand experience in designing and conducting physiological experiments and learn how to interpret data and write scientific reports.

4 task sheets and one scientific report totalling up to 30 pages (35%) due during semester; a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (65%).

Hill, Wyse & Anderson, Animal Physiology, 2nd Ed, Sinauer Associates Inc. 2008.

Moyes and Schulte, Principles of Animal Physiology, 2nd Ed. Pearson Press 2007

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• 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.

The subject builds upon generic skills developed in first year level subjects, including the ability critically assess and assimilate new knowledge. Students should learn how to use these skills to solve practical problems in physiology. They should learn how to design physiological experiments and then collect scientific data as a team. This subject also enables students to gain experience in evaluating and interpreting data and writing scientific reports.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.