SASB10139U Advanced Mammalian Biology

Volume 2017/2018
Education

Bsc in Biology-biotechnology

Content

The course in Advanced Mammalian Biology shall provide the students of Biology-Biotechnology with an in-depth understanding of the physiology of the major organ systems, from the molecular and cellular level to the level of integration of individual organs into multi organ systems and whole-body physiology. The emphasis is on the function of individual organs and organ systems, and their importance for whole-body physiology. In addition, the students will be exposed to ongoing research and applied aspects of the covered subjects. This will be accomplished in a series of lectures based on text book material, theoretical exercises such as quizzes, and case-based learning.

Case studies will focus on original research and applied aspects such as in vivo pharmacology, deletion of selected target genes using transgenic animals, or animal models of disease. Article reading and problem-based learning will serve to improve the students’ ability to understand and make use of original research litterature and to gain knowledge of applied biotechnology in research and industry. Furthermore, the students will train their presentation skills in seminars concluding each case study.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course the students should have the following:

Knowledge:
• understand the physiology of the nervous, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal systems, including the importance of physiological regulation at all levels
• understand the integrated function of multi-organ systems and whole animals, including the importance of physiological feedback regulation
• understand the pathophysiological basis of selected major diseases
• understand how animal research and biotechnology can contribute to alleviating these diseases

Skills:
• locate, read and interpret scientific journal articles and textbooks
• work accurately with biological data
• work independently and as part of a group
• Present data and acquired knowledge in a clear and concise manner

Competences:
• explain the importance of basic physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and organ level for the integrated function of multi organ systems and whole-body homeostasis
• Explain the pathophysiological changes in organ function in selected major diseases
• Provide examples of the application of physiology in biotechnological and biomedical research and development.

Berne and Levy: Physiology (Elsevier), Latest Edition.
Materials from the case studies will be chosen as additional pensum to cover biotechnological applications not treated in the text book.

Competencies corresponding to SASB10131U Basic Animal Biology
The course consists of a mixture of lectures, theoretical exercises, and case-based learning
The course is aimed at complementing the curriculum of the Bachelor degree in Biology-Biotechnology, but will also be relevant to students of related fields who wish to obtain cross-disciplinary skills within mammalian physiology.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 14
  • Exam
  • 4
  • Guidance
  • 7
  • Lectures
  • 18
  • Preparation
  • 118
  • Project work
  • 24
  • Theory exercises
  • 21
  • Total
  • 206
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester

Theoretical quizzess and cases ending with plenum presentations will enable students to get feedback regarding their level of acquired knowledge during the course

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 4 hours under invigilation
PC exam
Exam registration requirements

Participation in at least 80% of the case study work and plenum presentations

Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
There will be several internal evaluators for the exam
Exam period

April

Re-exam

August

Criteria for exam assesment

In order to obtain the grade 12 at the exam the students should show excellent capacities for the following:

Knowledge:
• understand the physiology of the nervous, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal systems, including the importance of physiological regulation at all levels
• understand the integrated function of multi-organ systems and whole animals, including the importance of physiological feedback regulation
• understand the pathophysiological basis of selected major diseases
• understand how animal research and biotechnology can contribute to alleviating these diseases

Skills:
• locate, read and interpret scientific journal articles and textbooks
• work accurately with biological data
• work independently and as part of a group
• Present data and acquired knowledge in a clear and concise manner

Competences:
• explain the importance of basic physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and organ level for the integrated function of multi organ systems and whole-body homeostasis
• Explain the pathophysiological changes in organ function in selected major diseases
• Provide examples of the application of physiology in biotechnological and biomedical research and development.