Overview

The module will examine the physiological systems that have evolved in animals to facilitate respiratory gas exchange, and the co-ordination and control of challenges from the internal and external environment. The respiratory system is responsible for the transfer and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the environment into the blood, and from the blood into the tissues. The rapid transfer around the body of information concerning both the external and internal environment and the control of complex functions, such as behaviour and memory, is the province of the nervous system, while longer term processes like growth and development, metabolism, metamorphosis and reproduction are under endocrine or neuro-endocrine control. Together these form a highly organised integrated system, designed to ensure the survival of the organism. This module examines the anatomy and functioning of the various divisions of the respiratory, nervous, immune and reproductive systems, and traces the relationship of the latter to the endocrine system through neuro-secretory cells. Comparisons are made across both invertebrates and vertebrates.

The module will examine the physiological systems that have evolved in animals to facilitate respiratory gas exchange, and the co-ordination and control of challenges from the internal and external environment. The respiratory system is responsible for the transfer and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the environment into the blood, and from the blood into the tissues. The rapid transfer around the body of information concerning both the external and internal environment and the control of complex functions, such as behaviour and memory, is the province of the nervous system, while longer term processes like growth and development, metabolism, metamorphosis and reproduction are under endocrine or neuro-endocrine control. Together these form a highly organised integrated system, designed to ensure the survival of the organism. This module examines the anatomy and functioning of the various divisions of the respiratory, nervous and reproductive systems, and traces the relationship of the latter to the endocrine system through neuro-secretory cells. Comparisons are made across both invertebrates and vertebrates.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - D A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts of the comparative physiology of respiratory, nerve, reproductive and endocrine systems of animals presented in the module. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to organise relevant lecture material into a coherent argument.

-good - B - A good student should have a thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples where appropriate. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from background reading.

-excellent -A -- An excellent student should demonstrate a comprehensive factual knowledge, critical understanding of the underlying theory, evidence of extra reading of primary literature and the ability to integrate this extra knowledge in a relevant manner.

Learning Outcomes

• 1 Review the organisation and evolution of the respiratory, nervous and reproductive systems.

• 10 Critically evaluate and analyse the results obtained and present the data is a suitable format.

• 11 Integrate information from a range of sources to discuss the data in the light of the information already present in the current literature base.

• 12 Review and assess the immunology system of animals.

• 2 Outline the structure and the function of the respiratory system: invertebrates vs vertebrates.

• 3 Show knowledge of the means by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported to the tissues.

• 4 Outline the structure and the function of the reproductive system: invertebrates vs vertebrates.

• 5 Outline the structure and the function of the nervous system: invertebrates vs vertebrates.

• 6 Show knowledge of the mechanisms involved during action potentials and synaptic transmission.

• 7 Discuss the underlying role of the nervous system in the co-ordination of behaviour, learning and memory.

• 8 Discuss the role of hormones in the control of homeostasis, growth, metabolism, reproduction and development in both invertebrates and vertebrates.

• 9 Obtain, interpret and synthesise information from background reading and use it to effectively supplement lecture notes.