Entry requirements

Alternative 1: 60 credits in biology, chemistry and/or earth sciences, including The Evolution and Diversity of Organisms (15 credits), Molecular Biology and Genetics (10 credits), Life and Interactions of Microorganisms (5 credits) and participation in Cell Biology (15 credits). Alternative 2: 60 credits in biology, chemistry and/or earth sciences, including Biology A: Patterns and Processes (22.5 credits), or Biology A: Patterns, Processes and Science Education (22.5 credits), and participation in Cell Biology (15 credits). Alternative 3: 60 credits in chemistry, including 10 credits in biochemistry and participation in Cell Biology (15 credits).

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

• give an account of the structure of plants and animals, the structure of the cells and tissues, and different organs and the functioning of organ systems
• give an account of the basic physiological control mechanisms (e.g. hormones) of plants and animals
• describe the nutritional absorption, metabolism, water and ion balance and temperature regulation in plants and animals
• compare blood circulation and respiration in land-living, aquatic and flying animals
• describe the organisms' sensory and reproductive physiology
• give an account of ecophysiological concepts and physiological adaptations to different environments distinguish different cell and tissue types by means of microscopic studies
• give an account of and discuss selected physiological questions
• discuss ethical aspects related to GMO and analyse the sustainability and relevance of the arguments.

Content

The course consists of two modules: animal physiology and plant physiology. In the animal physiology part, the structure and functioning of the animals' different organs and organ systems are studied, as well as the physiological processes that control the animals' differentiation and development. There will be special focus on studying endocrine organs, nervous systems, sensory organs, musculature, circulatory systems, gas exchange, metabolism and reproduction. In the plant physiology module, plant structure, water management and nutritional absorption, photosynthesis and the nitrogen metabolism are treated. Furthermore, we study how hormones and other regulating substances control cell and tissue differentiation, and how plants are influenced by environmental factors such as light and temperature. Several laboratory sessions are carried out in both modules. In the course, seminars occur, where interesting physiological and ethical issues are discussed (among other things genetically modified plants, gender differences, animal testing, use of stem cells).

Instruction

Teaching is carried out in the form of lectures, laboratory exercises, seminars, literature reports and group projects. Participation in group instruction sessions and laboratory exercises is compulsory.

Assessment

The course consists of a theoretical part of 9 credits with written examination and a laboratory/seminar part of 6 credits.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding targeted pedagogical support from the university's disability coordinator.