Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Integrative Comparative Animal Physiology
Code LIFE339
Coordinator Dr SU Voelkel
School of Life Sciences
Svoelkel@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE212 None 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

         3

 27
Timetable (if known) This refers to timetabled lectures
  		        This refers to scheduled times for summative assessments
  		 
Private Study 123
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Open Book Written Exam  3 hrs  Semester 1  70  Yes  Non-standard penalty applies  Assessment 1 Non-standard penalty applies for late submission,  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 1  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) - Assessment 1 will be a written examination - Assessment 2 will be a written assignment 

Aims

  • Develop students’ understanding of the physiological mechanisms that underpin adaptations to environmental conditions

  • Develop  students’ ability to apply their knowledge of physiologogical mechanisms to  critically evaluate and interpret  data and to solve complex physiological problems

    		•

    Learning Outcomes

    Evaluate integrative physiological mechanisms enabling animals to survive in potentially hostile environmental conditions

    Critically discuss the evolution of air-breathing, terrestriality and endothermy in vertebrates
    Synthesise information, critically review evidence to support conclusions, and solve complex problems by applying appropriate knowledge and skills within the context of animal physiology

    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    This refers to timetabled lectures

    Assessment -

    This refers to scheduled times for summative assessments

    Syllabus
    1 
    Life without oxygen
    Anaerobic metabolism
    Buffering
    Metabolic depression
    Diving mammals
    Aerobic diving limits
    Circulatory adjustments
    Decompression sickness
    Surviving subzero temperatures
    Freeze avoidance and freeze tolerance
    Biochemical adaptations to heat and cold
    How membranes and enzymes functions are protected
    Haemoglobin function
    O2 and CO2 transport
    Counter-current exchangers
    Gas secretion and heat exchange
    Cellular Homeostasis
    Ions, pH and volume
    Evolution of air breathing and terrestriality
    Evolution of endothermy 


    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: