Animal and Plant Physiology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course is divided into two parts, Animal physiology 7.5 ECTS, and Plant Physiology 7.5 ECTS.

Animal Physiology: The animal physiology part begins with an overview of the diversities in the animal world and continues by discussing the life processes of multicellular organisms, focusing at the level of organs and whole animals. The course will provide basic knowledge regarding the development and composition of tissues and organ systems in the animal kingdom, which is illustrated by comparisons between mammals and various selected groups of animals. These include examples of representative adaptations of animals and animal organ systems to the environment. Correlations between cellular mechanisms, form, function and the organism's environment are emphasized. During the practical training the students will be introduced to human and selected experimental animal anatomy and physiology. The 7.5 credits in the animal physiology part of the course are divided as follows: 5 ECTS Animal Physiology and 2.5 ECTS laboratory work, analysis of histological sections and a study assignment focusing on physiological principles and adaptations, performed individually or in small groups.

Plant physiology: The plant physiology part covers the uniqueness of plants and of plant cells, including anatomy, growth and differentiation processes, as well as photosynthesis, metabolism, stress physiology and flowering. Focus is given on cell wall synthesis, cell stretching, three genomes, gene regulation, plant hormones and natural products. Furthermore, the course discusses plant model systems, transformation techniques, in vitro culture of plants, tissue-specific gene expression and databases relevant to plant biotechnology. The course integrates different levels of organization, from molecular to ecosystem functions, such as biotic interactions, herbivory, plant chemistry, the balance between growth and defense and employment of plants as detectors of chemicals. The 7.5 credits in the Plant Physiology course are divided as follows: 5 ECTS plant physiology, cell biology and molecular biology, 2.5 ECTS laboratory work, written assignment, group discussions and an oral presentation of a topic within the content of the course.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the students should be able to:

• Use their knowledge about organs, organ structure and different cell types to explain and describe the specialized functions and regulations of the major organs and organ systems in the animal kingdom. The students should also have some insight into developmental biology and the evolution of organ systems.
• Analyze and classify selected histological preparations of representative normal tissue types and organs.
• Describe the life processes of plants as well as plant cell structure and function, including seed germination, growth, determination, metabolism, differentiation and death, as well as how these processes are regulated.
• Apply their knowledge about the life conditions of plants to make conclusions concerning the benefits, risks and ethic considerations regarding genetically modified plants.
• Use their knowledge about the process of photosynthesis, the proteins and cellular mechanisms involved, to explain how it is regulated by biotic and abiotic factors.
• Successfully perform and analyze the results from laboratory work and present the results as scientific laboratory reports.
• Be able to evaluate scientific information regarding animal and plant physiology and molecular biology, and summarize scientific papers in the fields of animal and plant physiology.
• Successfully compile and present oral and written assignments on a specific topics related to animal and plant physiology, individually or in groups.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 30 ECTS in Chemistry with a minimum of 7.5 ECTS in Biochemistry, 30 ECTS in Cell- and Molecular Biology.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A.

Form of instruction

The course is given in English and includes lectures, group work, discussions, dissections and laboratory work. All laboratory work and group discussions, as well as study assignments, including written and oral presentations, are compulsory. The structure and function of organ systems is in most cases demonstrated with plastic models and museum materials. Dissections of representative animals and slaughter material from sheep, cattle or pigs are performed depending on accessibility.

Examination modes

The theoretical course is finalized with a written exam, which is graded as Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). The laboratory work is evaluated as Pass (G) or Fail (U). To pass the course it is required that all compulsory elements are completed and all tests are passed. After completing the course, the student is awarded one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). Students that have failed the course have the right to retake the written exam in order to achieve the grade Pass (G). Furthermore, students who have failed the examination of the course or part of the course twice, are entitled to request (should be made to the board of the Department of Molecular Biology) the appointment of a different examining teacher for the examination in an additional evaluation. Students who have passed an examination may not retake the exam in order to obtain a higher grade.