BL2310 – Comparative Physiology
BL2310 – Comparative Physiology
A comparative physiologist studies organisms to explore the origins and nature of physiological diversity. This module covers the principles of physiological adaptation in a range of animals, including examples from all major taxa and from all habitats. The specific topics and components include: (1) the physiological consequences of body size and scaling effects; (2) respiratory and circulatory systems in vertebrates and invertebrates; (3) thermal physiology: (4) water balance in aquatic and land animals; (5) the mammalian kidney and its functioning; (6) sensory systems in different environments; (7) neural signaling and vertebrate senses; (8) control systems – hormones and pheromones; and (9) immunity and the maintenance of physiological integrity.
Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):
Module Code:
BL2310
Semester:
2
Credits:
15
Module Organiser:
Pre-requisite modules: BL1101 - Biology 1 and BL1102 - Biology 2
MMS
Timetable:
[events_list category="BL2310"]
Assessment:
2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%MMS assessment details
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook
Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)
Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable
Expected attendance:
School handbook
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook
University Student Handbook:
University student handbook
School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.
School handbook
University student handbook
Staff:
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing module BL2310 successfully should be able to:
- Understand and describe the fundamentals of differing physiological control systems
- Compare the structure and function of the different physiological systems
- Understand how the integration of physiological control mechanisms permits the maintenance of homeostasis
- Understand the physiological basis of organismal adaptations to environmental challenge
- Use quantitative methods to analyze, and permit interpretation of, important physiological phenomena
Policies:
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/