Course - Animal Ecophysiology and Ecotoxicology - BI2025
Animal Ecophysiology and Ecotoxicology
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About the course
Course content
This course covers physiological mechanisms in animals, how animals and their environments interact to shape their physiology, as well as how toxicant exposures influence various biological functions. There will be a focus on metabolism, endocrinology, digestion, respiration, circulation, neurophysiology, osmoregulation, thermal physiology, effects of climate change and pollution. The students will also learn about how animals are adapted to their habitat (ecophysiological adaptations). A one-week mandatory field course is arranged at the Sletvik field station during the first part of the course. There, the students will conduct experiments in small groups, with the help of the teachers. The groups will formulate a testable hypothesis in animal ecophysiology and ecotoxicology, design experiments to test these, collect animals in the field, build the experimental setup using research tools from physiology and ecotoxicology, collect and analyse data, as well as interpret and present the results at the end of the week. There will be several mandatory laboratory experiments with laboratory reports. The course also uses mini quizzes to encourage student learning throughout the course.
Learning outcome
After the course the students should be able to describe major physiological mechanisms in animals and explain physiological adaptations to different habitats and physiological responses to anthropogenic stressors, including temperature and toxicants.
The student should acquire the knowledge to be able to explain in their own words:
- Physiological functions and mechanisms of the major organ systems in vertebrates and invertebrates.
- How animals and their physiology respond to changes in the environment and exposures to toxicants.
The student will develop the following skills throughout the course:
- Understand common methods used in ecotoxicology and related environmental problems.
- Design and perform experiments in animal physiology and ecotoxicology.
- Operate relevant equipment and conduct experiments in animal physiology and ecotoxicology.
- Gain competence in handling of chemicals, including knowledge of health and safety aspects.
- Process collected data into results using statistics.
- Evaluate results from experiments, discuss them with previous knowledge, and reach conclusions.
- Evaluate the effects of environmental pollutants on biological systems.
- Present physiological mechanisms in a comparative perspective.
- Orally present concepts and own results in a clear and structured manner.
- Write reports in a scientific format.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and discussions: 50 hours.
Laboratory course: 20 hours, mandatory.
Field course at Sletvik field station: 6 days, mandatory.
Further on evaluation
A total of 3 lab practicals will be held. The assessment will be based on the first and second lab reports (counting 15% each towards the final grade), 4 quizzes (counting 5% each towards the final grade), an oral presentation at the end of the field trip (10%), and a final written exam (40%).
Quizzes and oral presentations can only be retaken in the semester when the course is taught. Appeals for reassessment apply to the lab reports and written exam only. In case of a student fails or wants to improve their grade, the written exam can be retaken in both semesters, including the one without teaching. In the case of 'failure' or 'retake', the lab report needs to be delivered again.
The written exam can be changed to an oral exam in the semester when the course is not taught.
Specific conditions
Limited admission to classes. For more information: https://i.ntnu.no/wiki/-/wiki/English/Admission+to+courses+with+restricted+admission
Recommended previous knowledge
BI1006 Animal structure and function and BI2024 Human anatomy and physiology or similar courses.
Course materials
- Course textbook: Hill, Wyse & Anderson: Animal physiology (4ed). - Lecture handouts. - Laboratory manuals. - Selected research articles.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| BI2020 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2015 |
| BI2073 | 2 sp | Autumn 2023 |
Subject areas
- Zoophysiology
- Zoological Ecology
- Biology
- Cell Biology
- Marine Biology
- Toksikologi
- Zoology
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
- Augustine Ebeku Arukwe
- Basil el Jundi
- Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Børge Moe
- Cameron Ghalambor
- Fredrik Walter Jonas Jutfelt
- Lena van Giesen
- Martin Wagner
- Robine Helena Jannigje Leeuwis
- Rolf-Erik Olsen
- Veerle Leontina B Jaspers