Entry requirements

Biology, 80 credits equivalent to basic course in biology within the Bachelor's programme in biology.

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide advanced knowledge of animals as integrated biomechanical and physiological organisms.

After the course, the student should be able to:

describe important tissue types such as muscle, connective tissue, bone, blood, cartilage, epithelium, liver tissue, kidney tissue, etc., and explain the function and basic physiology of these different types.

identify these tissues from histological sections.

understand basic biomechanical concepts.

understand the function of the hydrostatic skeleton, endoskeleton and exoskeleton, and be able to give examples of these types and how these structures are formed in the different organisms.

understand the function of the main types of sensory organs, including the relationship between function and structure of the organ, and give examples from different organisms.

describe and depict the different respiratory systems and understand their functions for selected organisms (for example insects, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals).

describe and depict the different circulatory systems and understand their functions for selected organisms.

describe and depict the different digestive systems and understand their functions for selected organisms.

describe and be familiar with different life cycles for some selected invertebrates.

describe and be familiar with different modes of reproduction for vertebrates.

describe and be familiar with the functional and morphological adaptations of some parasitic invertebrates.

identify the most likely life style for an animal, based on its morphology.

describe and understand, how some selected organisms have been adapted morphologically and physiologically to a certain way of living.

Content

The course explores the connections between comparative morphology, histology, biomechanics and physiology. The information is presented within a phylogenetic framework. The focus lies on how structure and function are integrated, and how they differ between animals with different life styles. Invertebrates and vertebrates will be studied, with an emphasis on the latter.

In-depth knowledge of the animals' structure, for example through a systematic overview of different animal groups, their organs and tissue types. Overview of life cycles and evolution, reproductive strategies of animals.

The course consists of two modules: Invertebrates and Vertebrates. Invertebrates (theory 4 credits, practicals 2 credits) and Vertebrates (theory 6 credits, practicals 3 credits).

Instruction

The theoretical teaching is given as lectures and seminars. The practical teaching includes a field course and a series of laboratory practicals based on dissections and physiological experiments. Participation in laboratory practicals, field course and seminars is compulsory.

Assessment

Each module will have a written examination. To pass the course the student is required to pass both examinations (4 and 6 credits) and participate in the compulsory parts(2 and 3 credits).