Physiology and Cell Biology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course focus on the morphology, physiology and life processes of plants and animals. In particular, the structure and function of eukaryotic cells are dealt with and provide the prerequisites for understanding the connection between different levels of organismal organization from cell biology to ecophysiology.

The course provides basic knowledge about the development and composition of organs and organ systems within the animal world, illustrated through comparisons between various selected, representative animal groups. Likewise, how plants develop in harmony with environmental conditions, in terms of plant organs, form, energy processes and physiology. The course also deals with how organisms adapt their physiology to a life in different, often extreme, environments.

The course contains theoretical and practical parts, of which special laboratory work with consideration of lab safety regulations is included. The course is divided into two parts; Plant Physiology and Zoophysiology, the theoretical part of which ends with written exams. Within each part, thematic work is carried out which is discussed in writing and orally.


Module 1. Zoophysiology (7.5 credits in total). This part includes structure, physiology, development, function and environmental adaptation in animals, as well as zoophysiological laboratories (equivalent to 1 credit). The module includes working with a thematic literature project that is reported in writing and/or orally

Module 2. Plant physiology (7.5 credits in total). This part includes structure, physiology, development, function and environmental adaptation of plants, as well as plant physiology laboratories (equivalent to 1 credit). The module includes working with a thematic literature project that is reported in writing and/or orally
 

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1. Comparative Zoophysiology:

ILO 1. Explain the structure and functional specialization of different animal cells, including secretion, movements and interaction with other cells in the context of animal behaviour.

ILO 2. Explain the connection between cellular mechanisms, organ function and animal adaptation to theirenvironments such as the body clock(s) for biological timekeeping.

ILO 3. Explain the development and evolution of selected organs and organ systems and be able to exemplify differences between different representative animal groups.

ILO 4. Describe and account for the structure and function of basic tissues and organ systems including: digestive and metabolic systems, nervous system, sensory system, immune system, endocrine system, excretory system, reproductive system, circulatory and respiratory system as well as osmoregulation and kidney function.

ILO 5. Carry out laboratories in the zoophysiological field and report them orally and in writing.

ILO 6. Explain orally and exemplify how animals work, as well as use acquired knowledge to clarify various questions.

ILO 7. Independently obtain, compile and discuss information that highlights animals' specializations and adaptation to the environment with regard to cell biological and physiological mechanisms.
ILO 8. Oral and/or written account and discussion of relevant issues with attention to potential ethical issues and approaches, which have relevance to the data and results that are treated in the course.

ILO 9. Carry out a thematic literature project that is reported in writing and/or orally.

Module 2. Plant Physiology:

ILO 10. Explain the life processes of plants from "seed to seed", including seed germination, growth, biomass production, mineral nutrition and flowering.

ILO 11. Explain photosynthesis; its cellular mechanisms and how they are regulated by biotic and abiotic factors.

ILO 12. Explain the structure and function of the eukaryotic cell, including growth, determination, differentiation and death. For the plant cell, the focus is on the cell wall, its synthesis and stretch growth.

ILO 13. Explain the structure of plants and their structural and functional adaptation to their habitat, as well as how plants affect the cycle of carbon, water and minerals.

ILO 14. Explain orally and exemplify how plants work, as well as use acquired knowledge to clarify various issues.

ILO 15. Carry out laboratories in the field of plant physiology and report them orally and in writing.

ILO 16. Independently obtain, compile and discuss information that highlights plants' specializations and adaptation to the environment with regard to cell biological and physiological mechanisms.
ILO 17. Oral and/or written account and discussion of relevant issues with attention to potential ethical issues and approaches, which have relevance to the data and results that are treated in the course.

ILO 18. Carry out a thematic literature project that is reported in writing and/or orally.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Teaching on the course includes lectures, group work, group discussions and laboratory exercises.

Examination modes

The course's intended learning outcomes are examined in accordance with the regulations below.

Module 1: Comparative Zoophysiology

active participation in group work with presentations

active participation in group discussions

active participation in laboratories

active participation in microscopy or or alternative anatomy studies

to write laboratory reports (individual and/or in groups)

individual written exam

Module 2: Plant Physiology

active participation in group work with presentations

active participation in group discussions

active participation in laboratories

active participation in microscopy or alternative anatomy studies

to write laboratory reports (individual and/or in groups)

individual written exam

Grades for a section (1, 2) are only decided when all tests within the section have been completed. The part is graded with one of the grades with distinction (VG), passed (G) or failed (U). For the grade passed (G) it is required that all tests have been assessed with the result passed (G). For the grade with distinction (VG) it is additionally required that the individual written exam has been assessed with distinction (VG). If one of the tests has been graded as fail (U), the grade of fail (U) is set for the module under the condition that the student has completed a performance on all of the module's tests.

Common examination regulations for course grades

For a passing grade on the course, all modules (1, 2) must be passed. For the final grade pass (G) on the entire course is required at least the grade passed (G) on both module 1 and module 2. For the grade passed (VG) on the entire course, a grade passed (VG) is required grades on both module 1 and module 2. A student who has received a passing result on an exam may not take a new exam. For students who have not been approved at the regular exam, a new exam will be organized in accordance with Umeå university's Rules for grades and examinations at undergraduate and advanced level (FS 1.1.2-553-14). The first retest offered no later than two months after the regular exam. With the exception of cases where regular exams take place in May or June month, then a first re-examination opportunity is offered instead within three months after the regular exam opportunity. Also offered at least one further re-examination within one year of the regular examination.

In cases where the exam cannot be repeated according to the current rules for re-examination, it must instead be replaced with another task. The scope of and the content of such information must be in reasonable proportion to the missed test.

A student who has passed two tests for a course or part of a course without passing results, has the right to receive another examiner appointed, unless special reasons speak against it (ch. 6 § 22, HF). The request for a new examiner must be submitted the head of the Department of Plant Physiology. The examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form of the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The form of the examination is adapted within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation at the latest 10 days before the examination institution responsible for the course. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.