2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BLGY2146 Animal Physiology
20 creditsClass Size: 170
Module manager: Dr Henry Greathead
Email: h.greathead@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
Successful completion of a Level 1 programme in Biology, Biomedical Sciences or similar.Module replaces
BLGY2294 Animal Physiology BLGY2142 Animal Nutrition and MetabolismThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Physiology is the scientific discipline that focuses on the normal functioning of a living organism and the study of the various systems used to regulate internal environment. This module will introduce some of the core topics in animal physiology such as endocrinology, reproduction, growth and development, digestive physiology, muscle, and environmental physiology. Mammals will be used as the main point of reference with selected examples from other classes of animals used for comparison.Objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce core concepts in animal physiology. Mammals will be used as the main point of reference with selected examples from other classes of animals used for comparison.Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Comment confidently and critically on, and thus demonstrate a knowledge and comprehension of, the core subject areas: endocrinology, reproductive physiology (both male and female), environmental physiology, growth and development, muscle physiology and digestive physiology;
2. Understand how the range of topics covered interact to produce physiological responses;
3. Competently write scientific reports and analyse data related to experimental work in physiology;
4. Work effectively in small groups.
Skills outcomes
Dissection Practical
One of the practical sessions involves dissecting a vertebrate animal, probably a domestic bird such as a laying hen that has reached the end of its productive life. Dissection is a valuable technique for aiding in the understanding of physiology and enables a level of understanding which cannot be achieved by use of videos or reference texts. The opportunity to learn from performing your own dissection should not be lightly discarded, however, some students may have ethical concerns about performing a dissection in which case they should notify a member of the academic teaching staff at least one week prior to the dissection practical to discuss these concerns. Students will be offered a suitable alternative.
Syllabus
The module will cover a range of topics in animal science, for example:
a) Regulation of body function
b) Reproductive physiology (male and female)
c) Environmental physiology
d) Growth and development
e) Digestive physiology
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lectures | 19 | 1.00 | 19.00 |
| Practicals | 7 | 3.00 | 21.00 |
| Private study hours | 160.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Each lecture will cover basic principles with examples. Further reading will be required to increase both the breadth and the depth of student knowledge. Students will be directed to reading material and additional online learning resources.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
A lab practical report part way through the course will allow academic staff to monitor student performance and provide feedback to students. The students will be able to contact staff directly or via email at any time on any issue related to the course.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Project | Scientific written report based on experimental results | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 3 hr 00 mins | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 13/05/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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