| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Lectures present an overview of physiological processes. Different vertebrate and invertebrate groups will be covered, as well as some adaptations to different environments. Lectures cover topics including: nervous and sensory systems; muscles; respiration and circulation; water balance and excretion.
Practical classes provide experience in making, reporting and interpreting measurements from live animal tissues. Classes focus on the physiology of insects: neuron structure and function; muscle action and control; respiration.
20 lectures will cover the following aspects of animal physiology:
- Membrane physiology, including transport, pumps and membrane potentials
- Neurobiology, including signalling between and within nerve cells; sensory systems
- muscle
- hormones
- respiration and circulation
- ion and water balance; excretion
Up to 4 lectures including one in which students work is assessed, will give an opportunity for students to review material taught, and offer guidance in answering exam questions, including essays.
3 x three-hour laboratory practical sessions will include experiments on insect tissues on:
- respiratory physiology
- muscles
- sensory neurons
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Academic Staff Contact Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 3 | 4:00 | 12:00 | 0:00 | Preparation for Practical Classes: writing up one practical class. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 21 | 0:30 | 10:30 | 0:00 | Revision for final exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | 0:00 | Final exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 16 | 0:15 | 4:00 | 0:00 | Revision for class test |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | 0:00 | Class test |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | 27:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Review sessions, including 1 assessed session |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 0:00 | Study of lectures, ReCap, Blackboard etc. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | 0:00 | Lecture follow up |
| Total | 100:00 | 51:00 |
Factual information, and the experimental evidence behind it, are delivered by means of lectures.
Some of the fundamental concepts are reinforced by the practical exercises and associated private study exercises.
The practical classes include skills that professional biologists employ, including handling biological material, using apparatus to make measurements, and numerical analysis of data.
The Class Test is an assessed piece of work (2%) which helps to prepare students for the writing skills and knowledge levels required for the final exam.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 68 | N/A |
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | M | 1 | Practice exam essay |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 24 | 2 Practical Reports |
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 7 | Practical report |
The written examination will test breadth and depth of factual knowledge from the lecture course. Ability to bring knowledge together in a structured manner will be tested by the essay question. The essay question also provides experience for the students to prepare them for essay-based examinations used extensively by stage 3 modules. Use of appropriate illustrations is encouraged.
In-course practical work reports will assess students’ ability to make accurate observations, to report and to interpret measurements. Knowledge and skills acquired in the practical classes will be tested in the examination.
The practice exam essay will give students experience at exam essay writing and provide information about level of knowledge expected.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.