Comparative animal physiology

Objectives : Comparative study of major physiological functions in animals in relation to their environment. Study of structures and functions at various levels of integration, from the organism to the molecule.

Models covered: mammals compared with other vertebrate models (teleosts....) and invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.).

Description : This course covers some of the major physiological functions (respiration, nutrition, excretion and hydro-mineral regulation), as well as basic immunology and regulatory systems (nervous system and chemical communication). In addition to lectures, students will work in groups on various topics proposed by the teaching staff. They will present the topics in the form of lectures and synthesize the key points to be retained in the form of a written summary. Practical and practical work will also be offered to illustrate the lectures.

Disciplinary skills :

- Know the major physiological functions and their diversity, in interaction with the biotic or abiotic environment;

- Know the adaptive strategies of organisms, in relation to their resources, their interactions and the characteristics of their living environment;

- Understand structure/function relationships at different scales of the organism; 

- Understand biological mechanisms at the organism, cell and molecular levels, in an eco-evolutionary context;

- Know the different levels of organization from the gene to the organism and their interactions;

- Understand the mechanisms and processes behind biodiversity.

Know-how :

- Know how to use concepts to analyze a document, an observation or the result of an experiment;

- Give an oral presentation (in English if necessary), using illustrations and a presentation adapted to the audience concerned, with the help of appropriate IT tools;

- Ability to work as part of a group, formatting, critically analyzing and writing up experimental results;

- Be able to develop a logical argument with a critical mind (limits, confrontation with the biblio, defense of a point of view).

Know-how :

- Respect others as well as the equipment and organizations on which the student is working.

This course is run by the BioMV department, but the BE, BioMV and lecturers from the 2 departments are jointly responsible for it.

Managers: Catherine Lorin-Nebel (BE) & Aurélie Célérier (bioMV)

Contact details of manager(s) (tel/mail) :

catherine.lorin @ umontpellier.fr (catherine.lorin @ umontpellier.fr) (04 67 14 93 91)

aurelie.celerier @ cefe.cnrs.fr (aurelie.celerier @ cefe.cnrs.fr) (04 67 61 33 17)