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ZO3513: ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

Several themes explore how animals can adapt / have adapted to their environments within life and during evolution, providing an overview of the integrated nature of physiology.

In groups, you will research how animals survive in extreme environments - presenting your findings as a scientific poster, developing transferrable skills in communication and team work.

Lab practical where you will perform quantitative PCR - a keystone method for gene expression profiling in the life sciences and a valuable transferrable skill.

All learning material is rooted in the active research interests of teaching staff, meaning it is delivered effectively with great enthusiasm.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Daniel Macqueen

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course builds on BI 2505, where basic physiological mechanisms are covered, to focus on three or four key elements of animal physiology linked to environmental adaptation, for example, migration, hibernation, pelage cycles and breeding. Lecture material will cover theoretical understanding of the elements, and then students will explore the topic in more detail through structured learning activities, some group-based work and some independent work.

Associated Costs

Course practicals require the use of a lab coat which can be purchased locally for £15

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: One 2-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). The in-course assessment will be based on group-work in the form of class presentations (20%) and independent written work (20%; 2000 words). Resit: Similar to 1st attempt, with continuous assessment mark(s) and /or exam mark carried forward with an opportunity to resit either or both, depending on what was failed in the first attempt.

Formative Assessment

A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during seminar and workshop sessions.

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments. Groups will also be given generic feedback.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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