Comparative Animal Physiology

Code:

MA223

Acronym:

FAC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	General and Aquatic Biology

Instance: 2024/2025 - 3T (of 17-02-2025 to 04-04-2025)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology
Course/CS Responsible:	Aquatic Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LCMA	22	Official Study Plan	2	-	5	49	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Physiology studies functions in living organisms. The comparative approach on the different solutions found in different organisms, regarding their adaptation to a specific and limiting environment, allows a better understanding of the general principles ruling the various homeostatic mechanisms involved. Information collection (from the environment and from the self organism), integration and regulation of the whole vital functions, analysed under a comparative and evolutive point of view, leads us to the understanding on why and how living organism response to the problems found on their surrounding environment. Accordingly, the main objective of the present course is to train students to understand how the activities of the various physiological systems are integrated to adapt the organism to different environments.

Learning outcomes and competences

Physiology studies functions in living organisms. The comparative approach on the different solutions found in different organisms, regarding their adaptation to a specific and limiting environment, allows a better understanding of the general principles ruling the various homeostatic mechanisms involved. Information collection (from the environment and from the self organism), integration and regulation of the whole vital functions, analysed under a comparative and evolutive point of view, leads us to the understanding on why and how living organism response to the problems found on their surrounding environment. Accordingly, the main objective of the present course is to train students to understand how the activities of the various physiological systems are integrated to adapt the organism to different environments.

Working method

B-learning

Program

Theoretical lectures Gas exchange: respiration; Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the blood; Circulation in vertebrates and invertebrates. Osmoregulation and excretion: The water and the osmo- and ionoregulation; Excretion; Nitrogen products excretion. Food, metabolism and temperature: Food and energy; regulation of gastrointestinal processes; Energy metabolism; Metabolic energy and activity; Physiological effects of temperature; Body temperature regulation. Information and integration: Biological Clocks; Migration; Integration control in invertebrates. Practical lectures Acid-base equilibrium regulation; Use of a mathematical model (Human acid-base model). Simulation of the mode of action of the buffering systems in the organism. Kidney and respiratory system act in an integrated way to maintain the concentration of H+. Diving mammals Body fluid regulation in four invertebrates Teleost´s kidney Cellulose digestion Nervous conduction; Main characteristics of nerves.

Mandatory literature

Schmidt-Nielsen Knut; Animal physiology. ISBN: 0-521-25973-8

Complementary Bibliography

Hill Richard W.; Animal physiology. ISBN: 0-87893-315-8
Withers Philip C.; Comparative animal physiology. ISBN: 0-03-075403-8
Randall David; Eckert animal physiology. ISBN: 0-7167-2414-6

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical lectures (21 hours); Theoretical-Practical and Laboratorial-Practical lectures (28 hours). 

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	75,00
Trabalho escrito	15,00
Trabalho laboratorial	10,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	14,00
Estudo autónomo	86,00
Frequência das aulas	21,00
Trabalho laboratorial	14,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

Students must be present (and execute practical protocols and present results) at least 2/3 of the practical lectures.

Calculation formula of final grade

The evaluation of the discipline of Comparative Animal Physiology is made by the sum of the note obtained in the practical course (5/20) and that obtained in the theoretical examination (15/20). The final exam, a written test that consists of questions true / false, short answers and one (or two) issue(s) to develop. The test will have a maximum price of 15 out of 20.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Presentation (written and oral) of a theme that is intended to be a personal vision, and critical current of a general subject (osmoregulation, migration, breathing, etc..), or other topic proposed by the students and related to the mater taught in this course. This part (Themes / Monograph) must be written and have an oral presentation (in a workshop).

Classification improvement

Submission to the final theoretical examination (15/20) and for the practical part (5/20), a new and individual Themes / Monograph must be written and have an oral presentation (in a workshop).