Entry requirements

Evolution and diversity of organisms, 10 credit points/15 credits, Genetics and gene technology 10 credit points/15 credits, Cell biology 10 credit points/15 credits and chemistry 20 credit points/30 credits.

Learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to

Understand and describe

- plant structure, movement of water and solutes implant as well as water balance and uptake of nutrients

- the control of cell differentiation and tissue development by hormones and other regulating substances

- control of flowering and seed development

- photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism

- symbiosis and defence mechanisms

- how plants are influenced by environmental factors such as light and temperature

- the structure and function of animal tissues

- the organisation, properties and functions of the nervous system

- the design and specialisation of the sensory organs in different animals

- digestion and the metabolism

- blood circulation and respiration in land -, aquatic - and flying animals

- water and ion balance, temperature regulation in invertebrates and vertebrates

- hormonal regulation of physiological processes

- reproductive physiology and defence systems in the body

- how different animals have adapted to the normal environment and how they adapt to changes in the environment

Carry out basic physiological experiments on plants and non-invasive recordings on human subjects (temperature, heart- and pulse rate, respiration).

Actively participate in discussions during seminars on physiological and general issues in biology.

Compile, interpret, evaluate and present orally and in written reports results of project and laboratory practicals.

Apply and increase ability to search for information in the library and in databases and to critically review recent literature relevant for the course.

Write an essay in popular form, and review and comment essay written by another student.

Content

The course consists of two sub-courses � animal and plant physiology. Both sub-courses have a laboratory part (3 credits/sub-course) and a theory part (4 credits/sub-course). The essay assignment within plant - or animal physiology gives 1 credit.

The teaching is given as lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars and group assignments.

Anatomic studies (microscopy) of different plant preparations.

In the animal course, the students perform most of the experiment on themselves or through computer simulations. One experiment is made on organ from fish.

At seminars interesting biological and ethical issues are discussed (e.g. gene modified plants, animal experiments, the use of stem cells).

Instruction

The teaching is given as lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, literature presentations and group assignments. Participation in the group exercises and the laboratory sessions is compulsory.

Assessment

One written test for each sub-course.

The results from laboratory sessions are presented orally at seminars.