Comparative Animal Physiology (ZOOL20006)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
Semester 2
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This lecture and laboratory based subject aims to give students a solid foundation in basic physiological processes in animals, with a focus on the different ways in which animals adapt to their environments. Particular emphasis will be placed on marine and desert animals, and the integrative mechanisms involved in the regulation of important organ systems. Topics include endocrine feedback, neural integration, water and salt balance; cardiovascular systems, thermoregulation; metabolism and reproduction.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should have a solid understanding of basic physiological processes in animals; and an understanding of how animals adapt to diverse and challenging environments.


In the laboratory components students should develop first hand experience in designing and conducting physiological experiments and learn how to interpret data and write scientific reports.

Generic skills

The subject builds upon generic skills developed in first year level subjects, including the ability critically assess and assimilate new knowledge. Students should learn how to use these skills to solve practical problems in physiology. They should learn how to design physiological experiments and then collect scientific data as a team. This subject also enables students to gain experience in evaluating and interpreting data and writing scientific reports.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Either both

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10004 Biology of Cells and Organisms
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10005 Genetics & The Evolution of Life
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Or both

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10002 Biomolecules and Cells
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10003 Genes and Environment
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Students who have received credit for 654-203 Animal Physiology (prior to 2009) may not enrol in this subject for credit.

Recommended background knowledge

First year level chemistry or statistics subjects are strongly recommended.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

This subject involves the use of animals that form an essential part of the learning objectives for this subject. Exemption is not possible but there are alternatives for those who have strong philosophical objections. These can be discussed with the Subject Coordinator.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

Additional details

Written tasks associated with practical work, up to a total of approximately 10 pages due at dates distributed across the first 7 weeks of the semester (15%); a scientific report of up to the equivalent of 2000 words due in week 10 of the semester (20%); a 3 hour written examination during the examination period (65%)

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorMichael Kearney
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours30 x one hour lectures during the semester; 4 x three hour practical classes and 2 x three hour workshops during the semester
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017
    Last self-enrol date 9 July 2017
    Census date31 August 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2017
    Assessment period ends17 November 2017

    Semester 2 contact information

    Email: zool-20006@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Additional delivery details

An enrolment quota of 240 students applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, enrolment deadlines and selection preferences, refer to the the Faculty of Science website: http://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/course-planning-and-advice

This subject involves the use of animals that form an essential part of the learning objectives for this subject. Exemption is not possible but there are alternatives for those who have strong philosophical objections. These can be discussed with the subject co-ordinator.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025