Animals in Their World (C7144)
Animals in Their World: From Physiology to Behaviour
Module C7144
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
This module asks how an animal's morphology and physiology are adapted to its environment and ecology. We will explore how a wide range of animals, including vertebrates and invertebrates, have overcome problems of energy supply, how they regulate their water balance, temperature, and other aspects of their internal environment. We will also consider how animals sense their environment and how they move through it. The module highlights key principles by which morphological features and physiological systems have evolved, and shows how solutions are sometimes remarkably similar in distantly related animals indicating convergent evolution, but also diverge in closely related species.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of scientific enquiry as applied to comparative animal physiology
Demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts of comparative animal physiology
Apply an understanding of comparative animal physiology to novel observations or data
Synthesise existing knowledge and use it to construct a critical argument of theories on evolution and physiology.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice questions | Semester 1 Assessment | 50.00% |
| Coursework | 50.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T1 Week 6 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 22222222222 |
| Autumn Semester | Practical | 2 hours | 00200000010 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 00010000010 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Todd Rae
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/581037
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