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Animals

Module description

Animals represent the most enigmatic groups of eukaryotic organisms. This module will introduce you to the structure and function of various animal groups. Specifically it will explore the relationships between anatomy, physiology, lifestyle and habitat/ecological niches. Physiology is the study of how an organism (and its constituent parts) functions, and it aims to understand the mechanisms that operate at all levels from genes and their molecular products, to cells, organs and ultimately the integrated whole animal processes. This module will use the structure-function relationships to also consider the evolutionary linkages of the different groups of animals from invertebrates to vertebrates, and from aquatic to terrestrial. In laboratory practicals you will explore structure-functional similarities and differences across groups, and you will also carry out physiological measurements on invertebrates to demonstrate the relationships between animal function and environmental variables (such as temperature that helps us also understand climate change effects). Consideration of animal evolution and the chordate phylogeny are also at the core of this module.

In order to take BIO1331 you must normally have an A Level (or equivalent) in Biology. An A Level (or equivalent) in Chemistry is also very useful.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module introduces core concepts in animal form and function, specifically anatomy, physiology and their role in environmental adaptation. These areas will be approached from the perspective of molecules, cells, organ systems and whole organisms. Physiology is fundamental to any understanding of the biosciences and underpins any degree in the subject. In particular, this module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding that will enable you to take second and final year modules in physiology, development, and evolution.

Graduate attributes: as part of this module you will begin to synthesise information from a broad range of educational experiences and gain practical observation skills and develop group/team work skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Outline the animal phylogeny and major physiological systems of animals
• 2. Explain the cascade from molecular to cell to organ to whole organism basis of function
• 3. Describe the relationships between structure, physiological function, and habitat specialisation of animals
• 4. Solve quantitative physiological problems associated with respiratory and cardiovascular function

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Summarise essential facts and theory in a sub-discipline of the biosciences
• 6. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of animal physiology and research articles
• 7. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Communicate ideas effectively by written means
• 9. Show skills for independent study
• 10. With some guidance, select and properly manage information drawn from books, journals and the internet
• 11. Interact effectively in a group

Syllabus plan

The first part of the module will consist of lectures that cover the origin and evolution of the major protostome groups and deuterostome groups, with an overview of the various body plans and focussing on model organisms within biology. The evolution of structural characteristics will also be related their various functional traits. The second part will explore details of invertebrate and vertebrate physiological systems to illustrate general principles of their biology and the link between structure, physiological function and life style/habitat. Selected groups will be used to examine these relationships in depth, with a particular emphasis on the comparing animals that breathe air versus water for exploring widely relevant adaptations, such as respiratory gas exchange, cardiovascular systems, thermal relations, osmoregulation and excretion.

Practical sessions will reinforce concepts covered in lectures, emphasising the nature of scientific enquiry.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The laboratory/practical assessments are not deferrable because of their practical nature. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral 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 overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Campbell NA, Reece JB (2008) Biology, 8th Ed. Pearson. ISBN 0-321-53616-7/0-321-53616-9

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=317

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Hill, R.W., Wyse, G.A. and Anderson, M (2008) Animal Physiology (2nd edition), Sinauer Associates. ISBN 0878935622

Key words search

Physiology, phylogenetic, adaptation, evolution, gene, respiration, cardiovascular, feeding, reproduction, thermoregulation, excretion, metabolism.