Comparative animal physiology : diversity and environmental adaptation

Teacher(s)

Dennis Alice (compensates Dumont Patrick); Dumont Patrick; Gofflot Françoise; Rees Jean-François;

Language

English
> French-friendly

Prerequisites

To take this course, students should master the knowledge and skills developed in the following courses:
•    LBIO1112 - Biology of Organisms: Plants and Animals (Animal Section).
•    LBIO1230 - Invertebrate Biology
•    LBIO1236 – Integrated Animal Biology: Coordination, Perception, and Locomotion
•    LBIO1315 -  Marine Biology

Main themes

This course explores comparative animal physiology, focusing on the diversity of physiological mechanisms and their adaptations to environmental constraints. It analyzes how animals are influenced by their physical and chemical environment and the adaptations they employ to regulate homeostasis and the normal functioning of their tissues and organs. This includes, among other things, the effects of temperature, pressure, light, water availability, and oxygen availability. Case studies will illustrate adaptations to extreme environments, interspecific variability, and ecological implications.
The course seeks to develop an integrated understanding of the links between physiology, the environment, and biodiversity.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

understand how the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment can influence the normal functioning of animals, understand the adaptive responses that animals employ at the biochemical, physiological, and behavioral levels, integrate the various adaptations necessary for life in specific environments. acquire and integrate new scientific knowledge to address a topic effectively present scientific content orally and discuss it work in pairs or as part of a team

Content

This activity examines the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment and their impacts on animals. This includes the effects of temperature, pressure, light, water availability, salinity, oxygen availability, and pH. These topics are therefore addressed in Volume 1.
In Volume 2, students will apply these theoretical concepts to examine the physiological adaptation of organisms to specific ecosystems: freshwater/marine, intertidal and deep-sea zones, terrestrial environments, deserts, high altitudes, cold environments, etc.
Working in pairs or small groups of three students, they will present an individual project in which they will develop a topic related to the chosen theme and discuss it with other course participants and the teachers. In their work, students will pay particular attention to comparing the solutions adopted by different animal groups. The topics will include, for example: metabolic conservation strategies developed by organisms in response to extreme living conditions such as oxygen deprivation, food scarcity, and the polar or high temperatures they face in their environments; endocrine control of organism growth and metabolism; strategies for reproductive mechanisms and regulatory systems…

Teaching methods

For Volume 1—Lecture course held in a classroom and taught primarily in English.
For Volume 2 - The aim is to encourage students to take an active role in their learning. Based on self-proposed topics in comparative animal physiology, they will work throughout the semester to develop a project that can be considered a "course chapter." At the end of the semester students will present their topic clearly and concisely, as an oral presentation, in a seminar-style format. Note: This section will be conducted in French.
Unlike traditional group projects, this module emphasizes collective work. After an initial introductory and discussion session, the remaining "classes" are student-led, with teachers present to guide the process. Each group takes turns presenting their progress in the following stages:

1. Selection of the topic and definition of its scope;
2. Development of the project outline, structure, and initial literature review;
3. Status update on information gathered from textbooks and scientific literature;
4. Further development of scientific content and construction of the oral presentation.

All participants contribute to the advancement of each project, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Evaluation methods

Volume 1 – In accordance with the teachers’ guidelines, assessment will take the form of a written exam in English, scheduled outside of the exam period, following the completion of the theoretical modules. Dictionaries will be made available to students, and the assessment will focus on the scientific content of the response, not on the English language.
Volume 2– Students will ensure they deliver a clear and concise presentation on the topic studied in the form of an oral presentation in French. The work will be presented in the form of seminars during a morning or afternoon session during the exam period.  The grade for volume 2 will be based 50% on the quality of the presentation and 50% on the student’s mastery of the subject, as demonstrated during a question-and-answer session following the presentation.
Final Grade: Based on a 50-50 weighting of the scores for Volume 1 and Volume 2.

Faculty or entity

> BIOL