Course Description
Physiological ecology, with an emphasis on the science behind the concepts. Lectures cover basic elements of physiology common to all organisms (invertebrate and vertebrate): metabolism, immunity, thermoregulation, infection, nutrition, growth and stress, and how scientists incorporate these into ecological research.
Athena Title
PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOL
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108-1108L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Major concepts in physiological ecology 2. Current research trends in physiological ecology 3. How to measure a variety of physiological parameters in vertebrates and invertebrates 4. How to summarize and use these data to understand how organisms interact with their environment
Topical Outline
• Basic physiology of vertebrates and invertebrates • Innate and acquired immune systems in vertebrates • Immune function in insects • Vertebrate stress response • Interactions between stress and immunity • Thermoregulation • Nutrition • Parasitism • Disease – effects on host physiology • Metabolic rate • Erythrocytes and oxygen delivery • Physiological adaptation to extreme environments • Conservation physiology
Syllabus