Aims
This is a comparative physiology course, which introduces students to the principles of normal biological function in a wide range of organisms. It will prepare you for subsequent biological courses that require an understanding of physiology and neurobiology.
By the end of the course you should:
- have an enhanced knowledge and appreciation of the physiology of organisms;
- be able to explain the similarities and differences in how animals and plants maintain an internal steady state, how they acquire nutrients and how they detect and respond to changes in their environments;
- be able to outline the basic physiology of bacteria and fungi and how they interact with other organisms;
- understand the influence that body size has on physiology;
- be able to develop cogent and critical written arguments, requiring the integration of related topics from separate parts of the course;
- be familiar with the safe use and application of some of the basic laboratory equipment used in physiological studies of plants and animals;
- be able to perform, critically analyze and report on experiments and observations in physiology.