Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
BR16720
Module Title
Comparative Animal Physiology
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam Semester 1 Exam  90 Minutes  50%
Semester Exam Semester 2 Exam  90 Minutes  50%
Supplementary Exam Supplementary Exam (S1)  90 Minutes  50%
Supplementary Exam Supplementary Exam (S2)  90 Minutes  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate retained knowledge under controlled conditions of the physiological adaptations evolved across selected invertebrate and vertebrate taxa.

Demonstrate retained knowledge under controlled conditions of the evolution of these adaptations in the context of environmental conditions

Brief description

Comparative Animal Physiology will provide students with a solid foundation in animal physiology using both invertebrate and vertebrate examples. It explores the physiological processes occurring at the cellular level through to the whole organism, and the way in which these processes enable organisms to respond and adapt to changes in their environment.

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to animal physiology using both invertebrate and vertebrate examples. It will explore the physiological processes occurring at the cellular level through to the whole organism, and will deal with the way in which these processes enable organisms to respond and adapt to changes in their environment. Following completion of the module it will provide students with the knowledge required for their second year modules, for example Invertebrate Zoology, Marine Biology etc.

Content

This module begins by introducing students to the principles of animal physiology. Lectures covering the main physiological processes in both invertebrates and vertebrates will be delivered, including topics on sensing the environment, muscle physiology and neurophysiology, endocrinology, thermoregulation, circulation, osmoregulation, nutrient assimilation etc. These subjects will be discussed using a comparative approach, with an emphasis on the functional and behavioural adaptations evolved as a consequence of living within their respective habitats.
Two practical classes will complement the taught material by enabling students to apply their knowledge in order to further their understanding of animal physiology.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Adaptability and resilience The practical classes will provide an opportunity for students to explore their own learning styles and preferences, and identify their needs and barriers to learning. Students will be able to review and monitor their progress and plan for improvement of personal performance through self-awareness and reflection.
Co-ordinating with others Students will work effectively in pairs/small groups during practical classes. They will be expected to contribute to the planning and organisation of the practical exercises, delegation of tasks through persuasion and negotiation, and the execution of techniques relevant to the practicals with the cooperation of group members.
Critical and analytical thinking Students will be encouraged to critically analyse information provided during the lectures and orally identify appropriate solutions where problems arise.
Digital capability Students will research the topic beyond the depth and scope of the lecture material during their independent study using a variety of literature sources. The students will be required to access online databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar to find primary literature.
Professional communication Listening and oral skills during the lectures and practicals, and subsequent discussions will be encouraged.
Real world sense Students will gain confidence and self-awareness of their personal skills and their ability to evaluate biological problems and objectively assess the quality of proposed solution.
Subject Specific Skills Subject specific concepts/techniques relating to animal physiology will be developed.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4