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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 Metabolism

This 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 typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lectures191.0019.00
Practicals73.0021.00
Private study hours160.00
Total Contact hours40.00
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 typeNotes% of formal assessment
ProjectScientific written report based on experimental results30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment3 hr 00 mins70.00
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 website

Last updated: 13/05/2024

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