Comparative animal physiology

EUobjectives: 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 discussed: mammals compared with other vertebrate models (teleosts, etc.) and invertebrate models (insects, crustaceans, mollusks, etc.).

Description: This course unit will cover certain major physiological functions (respiration, nutrition, excretion, and water and mineral regulation) as well as the basics of immunology and regulatory systems (nervous system and chemical communication). In addition to lectures, students will work in groups on various topics proposed by the instructors. They will present the topics in the form of presentations and summarize the key points to remember in a written summary. Practical work and tutorials will also be offered to illustrate the lectures.

Disciplinary skills:

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

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

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

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

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

- Understand the mechanisms and processes that drive biodiversity.

Know-how :

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

- Know how to give an oral presentation (in English if necessary), using illustrations and a presentation tailored to the audience, with the help of appropriate IT tools;

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

- Be able to develop a logical argument with a critical mind (limitations, comparison with the literature, defense of a point of view).

Interpersonal skills :

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

EU led by the BioMV department, but with joint responsibility shared between BE, BioMV, and stakeholders from both departments.

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

Contact details of the person(s) in charge (phone/email):

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

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