This module describes the physiological problems encountered by animals in their natural environments, and how these problems are overcome.
The setting is environmental, relating lifestyle and physiology to habitat and to the rigours of a potentially hostile environment.
The module will explain how the lifestyles of animals and the independence of animals from environmental disturbance are critically linked to the management of energy flow through their bodies. Physiological mechanisms will be described at all levels of organisation in relation to energetics, temperature, respiration, osmoregulation, and nitrogen excretion. Emphasis will be placed on differentiating the molecular, cellular and system levels of organisation and their integrated role in optimising animal-environmental interactions.
The module is taught through a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous sessions. The former consist of pre-recorded videos, the latter are interactive online sessions to promote student engagement and active learning. Students will also be given guided reading, and regular formative assessment exercises will enable students to evaluate their understanding of the module.
The module will be assessed by Coursework