Animal Ecophysiology

Description

This course examines the physiological adaptations that permit survival of animals in the
diverse range of environments they inhabit, and the regulatory mechanisms that ensure
homeostasis in the face of environmental fluctuation. Aspects of human impacts on the
environment and their consequences for the animals therein are also addressed (e.g. pollutants,
climate change).

The approach taken is comparative, drawing on both vertebrate and
invertebrate examples. A major emphasis of the course is on practical learning, with
laboratories that provide hands-on experience with a number of physiological techniques, in a
diverse group of animals, exposed to a wide range of environmental variables.

Course Goal
To develop an understanding of the physiological mechanisms that enable animals to
withstand the various and complex challenges posed by nature and man.

Learning outcomes
* Understand the challenges posed by different environments to animal life
* Understand the physiological mechanisms animals have utilised in order to cope with these
   challenges
* Understand the ‘real-world’ value of studying ecophysiology as a discipline
* Expand practical experience of basic experimental techniques in animal physiology
* Develop key skills in experimental design, physiological methodology, data analysis, data
   interpretation, literature assimilation, and scientific writing.