Program Overview
Program Overview
The University of Copenhagen offers a Bachelor's program in Biology, with a course in Zoophysiology (Zoofys). The program focuses on understanding how animals function and adapt to their environments.
Course Description
The course, Zoophysiology (Zoofys), aims to understand the physiological adaptations that enable animals to thrive in various environments. It takes an integrative approach, exploring how animals adapt at the molecular, cellular, and organ levels, and how these adaptations provide functional benefits in their respective environments.
Course Objectives
The course objectives include:
- Understanding and reflecting on the concepts and mechanisms of physiological adaptation and acclimatization at the molecular, cellular, and organ levels.
- Gaining insight into experimental tools and how to use them to propose experimental protocols for zoophysiological problems.
- Demonstrating the ability to perform zoophysiological calculations and experiments, and to explain and discuss the mechanisms of physiological adaptations and acclimatization.
Course Content
The course covers topics such as:
- Metabolism
- Cryptobiosis
- Muscles and movement
- Osmoregulation
- Metamorphosis
- How these functions are regulated by nerve and hormonal signals.
Teaching Methods
The course consists of lectures and theoretical and practical laboratory exercises. The goal is to provide practical experience with experimental physiology and insight into how to analyze and present experimental data in report form.
Recommended Prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites include courses in Chemistry, Mathematics/Statistics, General Biochemistry, General Cell Biology, and Human Physiology or equivalent courses.
Course Format
The course consists of joint lectures and exercises in smaller groups, followed by report writing.
Workload
The estimated workload is:
- Lectures: 21 hours
- Preparation: 144 hours
- Theoretical exercises: 12 hours
- Practical exercises: 28 hours
- Exam: 1 hour
- Total: 206 hours
Feedback
Feedback is provided in the form of written feedback on reports and individual oral feedback at the final exam.
Examination
The examination is a 20-minute oral exam with 20 minutes of preparation. All aids are allowed, and the assessment form is a 7-point scale.
Course Information
- Language: Danish
- Course code: NBIA04054U
- ECTS points: 7.5
- Level: Bachelor
- Duration: 1 block
- Placement: Block 4
- Schedule group: C
- Course capacity: 75
Study Board
The study board for the Biological Area is responsible for the course.
Institute and Faculty
The course is offered by the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science.
Course Responsible
The course responsible is Kenneth Veland Halberg.
Teachers
The teachers include Kenneth Halberg, Henriette Pilegaard, Nadja Møbjerg, teaching assistants, and guest lecturers.