Pre-requisite: Undergrad level understanding of Animal Physiology

Introduction:

The aim of this course is to introduce the principles of animal physiology. This course, in particular imparts the concepts and mechanisms of integration in the different functional systems of the animals. These mainly constitute the mechanisms of nervous system and the hormonal system for the coordination. The motility and locomotion also contribute  to the integration of the animal to its environment, therefore, also included in this section. This course examines life processes of animals, including locomotion, metabolism, nutrition and digestion, water balance, excretion, reproduction, endocrine function, circulation, respiration and temperature regulation. Laboratory experiments illustrate these topics with an emphasis on physiological techniques, experimental design and analysis and computer simulation and data analysis.

Learning outcomes:

The students will develop a better understanding of the functional properties of living systems from the level of the cell, through tissues and organs.  They will learn  how these levels interact at the level of the whole organism. In addition, the student will gain knowledge on how these physiological systems enable animals to interact with their environment and adapt accor

Other requirements:

1. A functional email address
2. An internet connection
3. Good use of MS office program
   1. MS Word,
   2. MS power point,
   3. Adobe Acrobat reader (for pdf.)

Readings:

1.  Randall, D., Burggren, W., French, K. and Fernald, R., 2002. Eckert Animal Physiology: Mechanisms and    Adaptations, 5th  Ed. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York
2.  Guyton, A.C. and Hall, J.E., 2012. Textbook of Medical Physiology, 12th Ed.. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia.
3.  Bullock, J., Boyle, J. and Wang, M.B., 2001. Physiology, 4th Ed. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
4.  Berne, R.M. and Levy, M.N., 2000. Principles of Physiology, 3rd Ed.. St. Lious, Mosby.
5.  Online sources

Course Contents

1. Central themes in Physiology.
2. Membrane Physiology
3. Nerve and Muscle Physiology.
4. Receptors Physiology
5. Endocrine Physiology
6. Cardiovascular Physiology.
7. Respiratory Physiology
8. Renal Physiology.
9. Physiology of Digestion
10. Temperature Regulation

Practicals

1. Determination of haemoglobin content, haematocrit and cell counting.
2.  Preparation of blood smears.
3.  Nerve muscle preparation, Muscle twitch, Comparison of muscle andnerve irritability, effect of stimulus strength, effect of stimulusfrequency (tetany), effect of load or stretch, effect of prolonged activity(fatigue), neuromuscular fatigue, stimulation of motor points in human.
4. Recording of action potential by oscilloscope and demonstration of its various features. Experiments to demonstrate characteristic of reflexarc. Experiment in human (students themselves) to demonstratesome aspect of sensory physiology.
5. Normal cardiac activity, effect of temperature, effect of drug, heartblock, tetanization of heart.
6. Measurement of blood pressure
7. Oxygen consumption in fish and effect of temperature (by dissolvedoxygen meter) and terrestrial animal (mouse). Oxygen consumption(by respirometer), heart rate, blood pressure glycemia altered by exercise.
8. Effect of insulin on glycemia, study of stages in estrous cycle

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• Sessional: 10% (Presentation:  5% and Participation:  5%)
• Practical: 15%
• Midterm exam/ Term paper: 25 %
• Final exam: 50%

Time Table: