A comparative physiology course intended for MSc students. The course is meant as follow up of the general physiology course and proposes up to date knowledge about environmental physiology. The structure function relationships of different organs will be approached considering also evolutionary aspects. Some examples in the animal kingdom will be exploited. The aim of the course is to promote a study across the borders based on the various preparatory “biological” disciplines, a prerequisite to understand comparative physiology. The course intention is to stimulate the student in the use of a logical approach and deductive reasoning instead of the pure mnemonic way, essential requirements in order to facilitate the comprehension of the topics.
Course Prerequisites
The course requires partial proficiency in the main subjects of a biology course: English reading skills, mathematics, chemistry, physics, cytology and histology, comparative anatomy, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and general physiology. Mandatory exams are not present in this degree course.
Teaching Methods
The teaching activity includes lectures (48 hours). Lectures will be conducted with the aid of multimedia presentations.
Assessment Methods
The final oral examination will assess the achievement of the learning objectives and the ability to present the topics covered in the course of the course. The final assessment will take into account the ability to use deductive reasoning and the ability to communicate what has been learned in appropriate language. Estimated time 40 minutes. The final mark is expressed in thirtieths on the basis of the examination committee's assessment of the above aspects.
Contents
Foundations of physiology: Animals and environments. Communication with the external and internal environment, Systems Integration: Neurons-Synapses- Organization of the nervous system. sensory processes Biological clocks Endocrine and neuroendocrine system Reproduction Motion control Muscle Respiratory and circulatory system Ionic and osmotic homeostasis- Excretion Food energy and temperature Nutrition and digestion Energy metabolism Anaerobic and aerobic metabolism Thermal relations
