Module BIOL2531: ANIMAL AND PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2531: ANIMAL AND PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Prerequisites

• • Level 1 Molecules and Cells (BIOL1281); Level 1 Organisms and Environment (BIOL1161)

Corequisites

• • At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences Module

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To study the fundamental principles underpinning animal and plant physiology.
• To study physiology in a comparative sense by examining similarities and differences between species and kingdoms.
• To study the links between phenotype and genotype by examining the molecular bases of physiological processes.

Content

• Physiological processes in animals, such as gaseous exchange, thermal biology, and energetics.
• Physiological processes in plants, such as photosynthesis, carbon partitioning, water transport, mineral nutrition, adaptation to extreme environments.
• Systems physiology.
• Control systems and principles.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the functioning of key animal and plant physiological systems and the molecular basis of these.
• Knowledge of the varied physiological mechanisms used by animals to exploit a wide range of habitats.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of plant water relations, mineral nutrition, integration of carbon and nutrients in growth and development.
• Knowledge of the plant morphological and physiological responses and adaptations to variations in selected environmental variables, including those of extreme environments.

• Understanding of techniques used to investigate animal physiology from the whole organism scale to the molecular scale.
• To be able to integrate understanding and knowledge across a range of scales and levels (molecular, cellular, physiological and morphological/functional) to understand the key issues related to plant and animal functioning and survival.

• Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in data handling problems. • IT skills, in use of software packages.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in physiology practical reports.
• Team work, working in small groups in practical classes.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical classes allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical reports are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in carrying out experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.
• Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to biochemistry and cell biology.
• Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions) or recall of factual knowledge (multiple choice or short answer question tests).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular formative assessments including data analysis, interpretation and problem solving throughout the module; 4 assessments over 2 terms.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University