Rudiments of Animal Physiology 3700-AZm-L1-8-PFZ
The lectures will begin with a presentation of the development of physiological science and changes in understanding how animal organisms function that occurred through the centuries. Next the course will discuss ways in which different parts of an organism communicate, with a special focus on the links between the structure and function of the nervous, hormonal and circulatory (blood) systems. The structure, physiology and evolution of the central and peripheral nervous system, the diversity of neurotransmitters and the role of cortical centres and reflex arcs will be presented. As regards the endocrine system, the course will discuss the chemical diversity of hormones, their mechanisms of action and regulation of their secretion. The transport function of blood will be presented. The notion of homeostasis will be introduced. The functioning of the respiratory, digestive and excretory systems will be the basis for discussing mechanisms essential for satisfying an organism’s demand for oxygen, energy and water. The diversity of diets and the demand for basic nutrients in the animal world will be outlined. Students will learn about movement understood not only as relocation in space (skeletal muscles) but also as a phenomenon essential for supporting life functions (smooth muscles and the heart muscle). Ways of receiving and responding to stimuli coming from the environment will be presented on the example of how the senses, thermoregulatory processes and the immune system work. Finally, the physiology of animal reproduction will be described. The lectures will conclude with a presentation of stress response and stress as an adaptation mechanism.
The practical classes will supplement the issues presented during the lectures and offer a wider seminar discussion.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Term 2024Z: | Term 2023Z: |
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
Upon completing the course of lectures students will know:
- the main notions of physiology
- the structure and functioning of the main systems present in animal organisms
- the main life functions and ways of satisfying an organism’s needs
- the coordination mechanisms for processes occurring inside organisms
- the diversity of ways in which animals respond to stimuli from the environment
Skills:
Upon completing the course of lectures students will be able to:
- demonstrate the connection between an organ’s structure and its function
- demonstrate functional ties between systems in animal organisms
- connect different physiological mechanisms with environmental conditions
Social competence:
Upon completing the course students will:
- understand the needs of animals stemming from their physiology
- recognize the significance of research ethics and diligence in conducting research and interpreting the results for the functioning of society
- critically analyse information appearing in mass media and specialist literature
- understand the main principles of an ethically conducted biological experiment
Assessment criteria
Credits will be based on a final exam in the form of a test. The final exam will cover issues discussed during the lectures and practical classes. Students will be allowed to sit the exam on the basis of attendance at the practical classes and a positive grade for their presentations on set topics. A maximum of two absences at the practical classes is allowed.
Bibliography
- Schmidt-Nielsen K. – Fizjologia zwierząt Adaptacja do środowiska. PWN, Warszawa 2008.
- Ganong W.F. – Fizjologia, podstawy fizjologii lekarskiej, PZWL, Warszawa 2009.
- Willmer P., Stone G. , Johnston I. – Environmental Physiology of Animals Willey 2004
- Randall D., Burggren W., French K. – Eckert Animal Physiology. W.H. Freeman 2002
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: