BIO204 Zoophysiology (Autumn 2021)

The student will after completion of the course:

• have an enhanced knowledge and appreciation of animal physiology and its potential role to help tackle current global challenges

• understand the functions of feeding, metabolism, respiration, circulation, osmoregulation, and excretion

• understand how these functions integrate to allow adaptation to different environments, especially concerning extreme conditions for life in air and water

• understand the function of the sensory system in different animal groups, as well as the nervous and hormonal mechanisms for control over these processes.

• be able to conduct laboratory experiments on different physiological aspects (e.g. respiration, excretion), analyze the results and make graphs using the R software, and generate a report

Have you ever wondered how sea turtles find their way back to their natal beaches to reproduce? Or how salmon easily transition from rivers to the sea? In this course we will learn how animals interact with their environment, from the molecular to the population level. We will investigate the underlying mechanisms and functions allowing animals to adapt to life in harsh environments, such as hot desserts or low oxygen environments. Finally, we will use some case studies to

At the beginning of the course the students will get an introduction to statistical analyses and practical exercises in using R and R Studio (coordination with BIO201 and BIO207).

This course is organized into lectures, laboratories and student seminars. Participation in the four laboratory exercises is required and compulsory written reports must be submitted for two of the four exercises. Each student must also prepare a seminar within a small group (2-3 students). At regular intervals, the students will be given the opportunity to test their knowledge status in multiple-choice tests. All laboratory reports must be approved before the student can take the final examination. A recap session before the exam will be organized for those interested.

The course has an expected scope of work of 270 hours.

A satisfactory completion laboratory exercises and reports is required before the student can take the final examination.

Participation in the four laboratory exercises is required and compulsory written reports must be submitted for two of the four exercises. Each student must also prepare a seminar within a small group (2-3 students). All laboratory reports must be approved before the student can take the final examination. 

Oral individual exam of about 30 minutes duration.

Graded assessment.