Vertebrate Biology II

Code:

MA123

Acronym:

BV_II

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	General and Aquatic Biology

Instance: 2022/2023 - 4T (of 24-04-2023 to 16-06-2023)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Aquatic Production
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	40	Official Study Plan	1	-	5	49	135

Teaching language

Portuguese
Obs.: Português

Objectives

This curricular unit intends that the students acquire, understand and apply a set of knowledge in the area of Vertebrate Biology, endowing them with essential skills to a professional in the area of Aquatic Sciences. The curricular unit seeks to give students knowledge about the origin, evolution and differentiation of the different classes of vertebrates, in particular birds and mammals, following the course of Biology of Vertebrates I, with emphasis on their anatomo-physiological adaptations and functional interconnection of the various organ systems that contribute to their body homeostasis.  Particular focus will be given to the aquatic organisms included in this class of vertebrates given the nature of the course. It is also intended to make a bridge with other specific disciplines, such as ichthyology, ecology and physiology, among others, so that students understand the basis for a rational and sustained exploitation of animal resources, and the adaptations that ensure vertebrates a high environmental resilience in a world impacted by human action.

Learning outcomes and competences

In the theoretical sessions will focus on the acquisition, understanding and application of basic knowledge through lectures, in which the teacher with the support of multimedia devices will teach the syllabus always in a role of facilitator and organizer of themes favouring a perspective of active exchange with students. Finally, in the laboratory practical sessions, students will perform certain experimental procedures and / or field work, culminating with the presentation and discussion of a project work duly supervised by teachers.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

As "Vertebrate Biology I" is a 1st year course unit, the validation of previous knowledge of some CUs is advantageous, namely "Vertebrate Biology I" and "General Ecology", 1st year, 1st and 3rd quarter CUs, respectively.

Program

Scopus

General biological characteristics of birds and mammals. Differential diagnosis of their main subgroups. Structural and functional adaptations to the terrestrial environment. Comparative anatomy-physiology of the main organ systems: Nervous system (central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and autonomic nervous system), circulatory (blood and lymphatic), respiratory system (conductive and respiratory portion; pulmonary and tissue hematosis; pulmonary ventilation), digestive system (digestive tract and attached organs), endocrine system (major endocrine glands and hypothalamic-pituitary axis), urinary system (kidneys and urinary tract) and reproductive system (gonads, genital tract, fertilization and neuro-endocrine control). Physiology of aquatic birds and mammals (adaptations to the aquatic environment). Taxonomy of the main groups of birds and mammals in Portugal. Protection and conservation of wild vertebrates.

Bibliography

Berta, A, Sumich JL, Kovacs KM. 2015. Marine Mammals Evolutionary Biology. 3rd Edition. Academic Press
Hickman C, Keen S, Eisenhour D, Larson H, l'Anson H. 2020. Integrated Principles of Zoology. McGraw-Hill.
Lovette IJ, Fitzpatrick JW. 2016. Handbook of Bird Biology. 3rd Edition. John Wiley & Sons
Rappole J. 2013. The Avian Migrant: The Biology of Bird Migration. Columbia University Press
Schreiber EJ, Burger J.2001. Biology of Marine Birds. CRC Press

Mandatory literature

Berta, A, Sumich JL, Kovacs KM; Marine Mammals Evolutionary Biology, Academic Press, 2015
Hickman C, Keen S, Eisenhour D, Larson H, l'Anson H; Integrated Principles of Zoology, McGraw-Hill., 2020
Lovette IJ, Fitzpatrick JW; Handbook of Bird Biology, John Wiley & Sons, 2016
Rappole J. ; The Avian Migrant: The Biology of Bird Migration, Columbia University Press, 2013
Schreiber EJ, Burger J.; Biology of Marine Birds, CRC Press, 2001

Teaching methods and learning activities

The curricular unit will privilege the usual teaching-learning methods in a classroom environment, with theoretical typology (projection of slides and videos) and laboratory-practice (activities with experimental protocol), favoring the acquisition of skills centered on the student, being the teacher is a mere agent that facilitates learning. Field trips and guided visits to research centers will also be considered according to the availability of the students' schedules and the logistical means made available by the institution. All activities that bring you closer to real everyday situations will be stimulated.

Software

Zao et al. 2014. PhysioEx9.0. Laboratory Simulations in Physiology. Pearson. New York.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	26,00
Estudo autónomo	50,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Trabalho de campo	5,00
Trabalho laboratorial	5,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

According to the academic regulations in force for the current academic year, students are required to attend at least 75% of classes of practical and laboratory type.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final mark of the curricular unit results from the weighted average of the theoretical component (T:70%), performed by final exam, together with the practical-laboratorial component (PL:30%), whose evaluation is made in a continuous evaluation regime, and obtained through the realization and defense in a classroom environment of group project work, together with the individual participation of the students in the PL sessions. The student must obtain a minimum mark (10 values) in each component (T and PL) to pass the subject.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Yes, to the practical-laboratorial component. It will be a group work (3-4 students) that will be worth 100% of the grade.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not applicable.

Classification improvement

Only by exam, and only to the theoretical component.

Observations

Not applicable.