Animal Structure and Function
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1BG203
- Code
- 1BG203
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Biology G2F
- Grading system
- Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 25 April 2013
- Responsible department
- Biology Education Centre
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 and be familiar with how some selected organisms have been morphologically and anatomically adapted to a certain mode of life
- describe the most important organ systems and explain their functions
- draw conclusions about interrelationships and evolution through comparative anatomy and morphology
- describe and be familiar with different life cycles of selected groups of organisms
- describe important tissue types, such as muscle, connective tissue, bone, cartilage, kidney tissue, etc., on the basis of histological sections
- practically carry out detailed dissections of selected groups of organisms
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 organ systems and tissue types. Overview of reproductive strategies, life cycles and evolution,.
The course consists of two modules: Invertebrates and Vertebrates. Invertebrates (theory 4 credits, practicals 2 credits) and Vertebrates (theory 6 credits, practical 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 practical, 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).