ADP-20306 Adaptation Physiology I

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

Cell biology, (Human) Physiology and Zoology I and II

Contents:

Within certain limits, animals can compensate environmental stress and changes in the environment (homeostasis). Homeostasis is the basis of the adaptive capacity of an individual. The amount and the predictability of stress determine how much adaptive capacity is used to survive, and what is available for health, disease resistance, welfare, and (re) production. This is true both for abiotic as well as biotic loads of an individual. This introduction course deals with the various mechanisms through which environmental factors influence the animal (as far as known), and the consequences of the effects on (infectious) disease resistance, and the capacity to (re)produce. The effects of environmental factors (temperature, light, dust, air and climate) and their effects on terrestrial and aquatic animals will be discussed. This should contribute to obtain knowledge on the basal husbandry demands of animals. This course is based on the disciplines of immunology , environmental physiology and thermoregulation of animals as parameters of health and production.

Learning outcomes:

After finishing this course, the student is able to:
- explain how human beings and animals regulate their body temperature;
- explain how environmental factors, animal factors and climate factors, including their interactions affect thermoregulation and immune response;
- explain how the immune system functions;
- discuss which interaction between immunology and thermoregulation is important to prevent the occurrence of diseases and disorders.

Activities:

The course consists of 38 lecture hours and 5 mornings practical intensive. During these mornings, a number of simple immunological techniques will be practised, next to measurements and calculations with animals kept in climate respiration chambers. Results of the practicals must be written.

Examination:

Written exam with open and/or multiple choice questions with respect to knowledge obtained during lectures and practical courses. In addition, an assay on the aspects of adaptation physiology is demanded.

Literature:

Hand-outs (Dutch) are available during the course.
Books: I. Tizard, Veterinary Immunology, 8th ed.