Overview

This module compares the different physical and biological processes and systems that allow animals to survive, including the co-ordination and control of challenges from the internal and external environment. This module takes a comparative approach, highlighting key differences and similarities in physiological systems across invertebrates and vertebrates.

This module focuses on 5 broad areas to highlight the co-ordination and control of challenges from the internal and external environment:

1) the physiological systems that have evolved in animals to facilitate respiratory gas exchange,

2) the nervous systems that rapidly transfer information around the body and control complex functions such as behaviour and memory

3) the endocrine systems controlling longer-term processes such as growth and development, metabolism, metamorphosis and reproduction

4) immune systems and other strategies that animals use to deal with parasites and pathogens

5) the mechanisms and strategies that allow animals to produce offspring.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold: D A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts of the comparative physiology of respiratory, nerve, reproductive, immune and endocrine systems of animals presented in the module. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to organise relevant lecture material into a coherent argument.

-good: B- to B+ A good student should have a thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples where appropriate. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from background reading.

-excellent: A - or higher An excellent student should demonstrate a comprehensive factual knowledge, critical understanding of the underlying theory, evidence of extra reading of primary literature and the ability to integrate this extra knowledge in a relevant manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate and analyse laboratory practical results and present the data is a suitable format.

• Integrate information from a range of sources to discuss data in the light of the information already present in the current literature base.

• Obtain, interpret and synthesise information from background reading and use it to effectively supplement lecture notes.

• Outline and compare the structure and function of the nervous, respiratory, immune and endocrine systems in invertebrates vs vertebrates.