EZO-10306 Human and Animal Biology I

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

CBI-10306 Cell Biology.

Continuation courses:

HAP-20306 Human and Animal Biology, part 2.

Contents:

The focus of part 1 of the Human and Animal Biology is on the phenotype of the vertebrate and its embryonic development. The course starts with the positioning of the phenotype and its ontogeny. The course continues with an overview of the relation of structure, function and regulation in the vertebrate body, through the use of integrative and comparative approaches. The phenotype is also assessed in the light of behavioural, ecological and life-history strategies.
Main other topics include:
- morphology; the basic whole body plan of a vertebrate demonstrated by a dogfish;
- neural and endocrine communication; including reproductive endocrinology, sensor-integrator-effector pathways;
- integument (skin);
- skeleton.
The laboratory classes will explore structure and functions of vertebrates macroscopically and microscopically and include in vivo physiological experiments.
Some laboratory classes will be supported with digital teaching material.
Part 2 of this course (HAP-20306) continues with the relations in organ systems and their interdependence.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- outline the basic key events in vertebrate development (Xenopus) and the extra-embryonic membranes and apply the knowledge of genetic principles to the development of a vertebrate;
- identify and determine the relationship of vertebrate anatomical structures to each other and to the organism as a whole;
- outline fundamental knowledge of the mammalian nervous- and endocrine system and explain regulation mechanisms of the systems using examples especially on reproduction in mammals. - demonstrate and explain how structure and function interact, applied to the sensory, nervous and muscular system;
- correlate and integrate structure with function in the vertebrate integument (skin) and the skeletal system;
- identify and describe the structure and function of basic tissue-types from their microscopic appearance and relate them with their macroscopic morphology;
- apply scientific techniques to study gross anatomy (dissection techniques), microanatomy (microscopy) and physiology (laboratory techniques and experimental set-ups for in vivo measurements).

Activities:

- attending lectures;
- participate in computer modules and various practicals (zoological, histological, or physiological). The practical part includes discussion sessions on the results of the practicals;
- self-study (books, course reader).

Examination:

Computer exams with multiple choice questions (interim and final = 100%).
The re-exams are always full exams. A minimum average mark of 5.5 is needed to pass the course when all practicals and other obligations are fulfilled the final grade becomes available.

Literature:

Books (available WUR-shop):
Hickman CP, [et al.] Integrated Principles of Zoology. Mc Graw-Hill, 17th ed. 2017.
StanField CL. Principles of Human Physiology. Pearson, 6th ed. 2017.
Course syllabus and dissection set (available WUR-shop).
Additional: course study guide and schedule, lecture hand-outs and all other information on Blackboard.