AP1A27-Introductory Physiology

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Enrolment on BSc Animal Science, BSc Animal Science with Placement Year, BSc Zoology programme or BSc Ecology, Wildlife Conservation or BSc Microbiology
Co-requisites: AP1A18 Digestion and Nutrition
Modules excluded: BI1BH12 Human Physiology or BI1AP12 Anatomy & Physiology
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Kate Johnson
Email: k.f.johnson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to support students in developing a fundamental understanding of how animals and humans function as integrated biological systems, through study of the anatomical structure and function of selected major tissues and organ systems. Homeostatic regulation in endotherms in response to internal and external factors is addressed, as are essential concepts in ectothermic animal physiology. The concept of comparative study is introduced, appreciating the common and contrasting biological functioning of humans and a range of animals.

Aims:
This module aims to support students in developing a fundamental understanding of how animals and humans function as integrated biological systems, through study of the anatomical structure and function of selected major tissues and organ systems. Homeostatic regulation in endotherms in response to internal and external factors is addressed, as are essential concepts in ectothermic animal physiology. The concept of comparative study is introduced, appreciating the common and contrasting biological functioning of humans and a range of animals.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the student will be able to

• Describe and discuss how endothermic organisms function as integrated homeostatic systems along with essential aspects of physiology of regulation in ectotherms


• Describe and compare the anatomical structures and physiological functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, immune and nervous systems, and of muscle, bone and selected connective tissues, in humans and selected animals.< /li>
  

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience of:
£ Working as a team to prepare a presentation
£ Delivering an oral presentation
£ Constructing and delivering a poster presentation

Outline content:

The lecture content covers:

Essential concepts in physiology and its importance in animal science

The organisation of body systems

Homeostasis and response to internal and external environments 

Anatomy and physiology of the:

Cardiovascular system

Respiratory system

Nervous system

Renal system

Immune system

Muscles

Blood, bone, skin, feathers, hair and other connective tissues

N.B. Digestive an atomy and physiology is not covered in this module as this is dealt with in detail in AP1A18 Digestion and Nutrition (co-requisite). 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be a 2-hour lecture or seminar (with a short break in the middle) each week along with a student led poster session and presentation session.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	19	16
Seminars	1	4
Guided independent study:	80	80
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	25
Oral assessment and presentation	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 1.5 hour paper containing MCQ and Short answer questions

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Electronically generated poster (25%) and a small group presentation with accompanying abstract (25%) 

Formative assessment methods:
Students will be encouraged to self-assess their development of physiology knowledge through use of question sheets which will be available at intervals during the module.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
By examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 21 June 2021