EZO-10406 Human and Animal Biology, dissection free, part 1

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

For BDW in English, for BBI in Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

Cell Biology.

Continuation courses:

Human and Animal Biology, part 2.

Contents:

Note: This course has a maximum number of participants. The deadline for registration is one week earlier than usual. See Academic Year.(http://www.wur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/Current-Students/Agenda-Calendar-Academic-Year.htm) -> Registration for Courses.
Note: Registration for dissection-free course is only possible after consultation with and via course coordinator.
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:

Learning outcomes are arranged in order of the course themes.
After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
Theme development
- describe the basic key events in vertebrate development (Xenopus);
- demonstrate how the basic genetic principles can contribute to the development of a vertebrate;
- outline the development and function of the extra-embryonic membranes that became an important feature for internal development as seen in mammals.
Theme phenotype (anatomy & physiology)
- explain and discover the interrelationships within and between anatomical and physiological systems of the body and explain the significance of homeostasis.
Theme morphology
- identify and determine the relationship of vertebrate anatomical structures to each other and to the organism as a whole.
Theme neural and endocrine communication
- outline general fundamental knowledge of the mammalian nervous- and endocrine system and explain regulation mechanisms of the systems using examples;
- apply the obtained general knowledge of hormones and other various factors on reproduction in animals.
Theme sensory-neural-motor system
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding how structure and function interact, applied to the sensory, nervous and muscular system.
Theme integument and skeletal 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.
Lab skills and expertise
- perform basic physiological measurements and analyse physiological data;
- correctly use the compound light microscope with a working knowledge of the function of each part.

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:

- part 1: at the end of the self-study week a computer based test with multiple choice questions on the subjects: development, phenotype, morphology and communication: 50%;
- part 2: at the end of the exam week a computer based test with multiple choice questions on the subjects: sensory-neural-motor system, and integument and skeletal system; 50%;
The student has also the possibility to do a full exam (part 1 and part 2) at the end of the exam week; 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.