Comparative Animal Physiology of Integrated Systems

The objective of this course offered in L3S5 is to provide students with knowledge about the organization, development, and functioning of various physiological systems in animals. More specifically, the functions of circulation, thermoregulation, hormonal regulation, and neural integration will be addressed using a comparative approach (with examples drawn from different taxonomic groups) and within an evolutionary context. Issues related to the bioethical aspects of animal physiology research will also be addressed.

Majors in the first and second years of undergraduate study

Contact Persons: Aurélie Célérier, Hamid Moha, or Maati

Contact information for the person(s) in charge (phone/email): aurelie.celerier @ cefe.cnrs.fr (04 67 61 33 17); hamid.moha-ou-maati @ umontpellier.fr

Knowledge: 

Understand the major physiological functions and their diversity, as they interact with the biotic and abiotic environment

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

Understand biological mechanisms at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels within an eco-evolutionary context

Expertise:

Be able to apply concepts and tools from various disciplines to analyze a document, an observation, or the results of an experiment

Be able to work in a group on the formatting, critical analysis, and writing up of experimental results

Be able to develop a logical argument using critical thinking (identifying limitations, cross-referencing with the literature, and defending a point of view)

Be able to write a scientific report, using illustrations and a presentation style appropriate for the target audience, with the help of appropriate computer tools

Be able to engage in oral discussions using scientific arguments

Interpersonal Skills:

Respect others, as well as the materials and organisms on which the student is working

Listening and paying attention—in other words, being actively present