Animal Structure and Function

15 credits

Course, Bachelor's level, 1BG203

Expand the information below to show details on how to apply and entry requirements.

Location
Uppsala
Pace of study
100%
Teaching form
On-campus
Instructional time
Daytime
Study period
2 November 2026–17 January 2027
Language of instruction
English
Entry requirements

60 credits in biology including 1) The Evolution and Diversity of Organisms (15 credits) and Physiology (15 credits), or 2) Biology A: Patterns and Processes (22.5 credits), or Biology A: Patterns, Processes and Science Education (22.5 credits), and Physiology (15 credits).

Selection

Higher education credits in science and engineering (maximum 240 credits)

Fees
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
  • First tuition fee instalment: SEK 45,000
  • Total tuition fee: SEK 45,000

Read more about fees.

Application deadline
15 April 2026
Application code
UU-17505

Admitted or on the waiting list?

Registration period
5 October 2026–1 November 2026
Information on registration from the department

Location
Uppsala
Pace of study
100%
Teaching form
On-campus
Instructional time
Daytime
Study period
2 November 2026–17 January 2027
Language of instruction
English
Entry requirements

60 credits in biology including 1) The Evolution and Diversity of Organisms (15 credits) and Physiology (15 credits), or 2) Biology A: Patterns and Processes (22.5 credits), or Biology A: Patterns, Processes and Science Education (22.5 credits), and Physiology (15 credits).

Admitted or on the waiting list?

Registration period
5 October 2026–1 November 2026
Information on registration from the department

About the course

How do animals work? This is the fundamental question behind the course Animal Structure and Function. Animals are extraordinarily complex and integrated multicellular organisms and differ from other multicellular organisms with significantly less integrated anatomy. Why do animals look the way they do? How have they been shaped by evolution, and why have they sometimes found completely different solutions to the same functional problems?

Animal Structure and Function builds on the course The Evolution and Diversity of Organisms by examining various animal groups from a functional and evolutionary perspective. We will look closer at the different tissues and organs that make up their bodies, both as mechanisms and in relation to the animal's lifestyle.

In addition to lectures, the course also includes practical elements, such as dissections of representatives from various animal groups. Here we try to use the most exciting and unusual dissection specimens, for example, hagfish, turtle, and badger. The exact selection varies from year to year but it is always interesting and educational. We also visit the Swedish west coast to study marine invertebrates.

Is Animal Structure and Function the right course for you? It is professionally relevant for future biology teachers as well as anyone planning to work with or do research on animals.

The field trip to the west coast of Sweden is planned to take place 6-14 November 2026.