Animal Ecophysiology
| Module title | Animal Ecophysiology |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIO2082 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Rod Wilson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Module description
In this module lectures will cover some of the major physiological processes in animals, including but not limited to cardiorespiratory physiology, thermal relations, ion, osmotic and acid-base regulation, reproduction, and neuroendocrine physiology, including how we study physiology of wild animals in nature. Throughout, these physiological principles will be discussed using examples from animals adapted to living in very different environmental niches, and how anthropogenic influences may impact individuals and populations. The lectures will be complemented by practical classes which use experimental approaches to explore some of these physiological principles. Practical classes will also be accompanied by data analysis sessions that demonstrate principles of how to analyse and interpret data derived from practical classes which form the basis of the lab reports used in course assessments.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to build on the background provided in Stage 1 (BIO1331 Animals) by exploring various aspects and the integration of major physiological processes in animals (metabolism, respiration, endocrinology, reproduction, osmo-, ion- and acid-base regulation) and how these relate to adaptation to ecological niches.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physiological processes, with a particular focus on responses to environmental and endogenous change.
- 2. Demonstrate competence in a range of standard practical procedures for investigating physiological processes in the laboratory
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Collect and/or interpret, present, and analyse quantitative data, including the application of relevant statistical methods
- 4. Demonstrate competency in the reading and interpretation of scientific literature
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Demonstrate the ability to link and evaluate ideas from various sources to reach evidence-based and independent conclusions
- 6. Effectively communicate physiological principles and applications to the target audience
Syllabus plan
Lectures covering (but not limited to): cardio-respiratory physiology; metabolism; temperature; ion, osmotic and acid-base regulation; endocrinology; reproduction; neuroendocrinology.
Data analysis and interpretation sessions (within 1 hour lecture slots).
Practical classes using experimental approaches to investigate a range of physiological principles.
Interactive Questions/Answers sessions.
Accessibility Statement:
As part of this module, you will undertake laboratory sessions in the large teaching laboratory that are of 2-3 hours in duration. These sessions will be undertaken in pairs/groups, and some sessions involve fine laboratory work, mechanical equipment, animal dissections and/or work with live invertebrates. Breaks are possible and students are able to leave the laboratory for short periods.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 114 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | In-person lectures; Data Handling Sessions; Q/A Sessions |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 12 | Laboratory practical classes (4 x 3 hours) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Group data sheets associated with practical classes (4 x 30 minutes) |
| Guided Independent Study | 66 | Lecture consolidation and associated reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Coursework and exam revision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecturer and/or GTA feedback on returned group work sheets and during data analysis sessions | 4 x 0.5 h | 1-5 | Written and oral |
| ELE-based feedback (e.g. via forum) | Ad hoc | All | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs and short-answer test | 40 | 1 hour | 1-5 | Written |
| Lab Report (including analysis, presentation, interpretation and discussion of data.) | 30 | Approx. 800-1200 words, | 1, 3-5 | Written |
| Narrated Presentation (including critical appraisal, on a topic to be determined during the module). | 30 | 8-10 mins | 1, 4, 5, 6 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs and short-answer test | MCQs and short-answer test (40%) | 1-5 | August Ref/Def |
| Lab Report | Lab Report (30%) | 1,3-5 | August Ref/Def |
| Narrated Presentation | Narrated Presentation (30%) | 1, 4, 5, 6 | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Hill, R.W., Wyse, G.A. and Anderson, M. (2016). Animal Physiology. Sinauer Associates. ISBN: 9781605354712
A previous recommended textbook (which is still useful) is:
- Randall D, Burggren W and French K (2001). Eckert Animal Physiology: Mechanisms and Adaptations. Freeman ISBN 0716724146.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE page: (various journal papers and reviews will be made available during the module via ELE)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | BIO1331 Animals |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 29/02/2024 |
