Current active course description (last updated 2025/26)
Zoophysiology and Embryology
BIO1026
Current active course description (last updated 2025/26)
Zoophysiology and Embryology
BIO1026
Zoophysiology is the study of animal function. The course provides knowledge on the internal physical and chemical functions of organisms. It also provides knowledge on how living organisms have adapted to and are affected by the environment.
- Outline of course content/Modules
- Basic fundamentals (basic principles of physiology, transport of solutes and water)
- Internal transport (respiratory and circulatory systems)
- Osmoregulation and excretion (water, salts, and excretory system)
- Nutrition and digestion (Monogastric and ruminant digestion, digestion in aquatic species)
- Thermoregulation and metabolism (Temperature, thermal relations, energy metabolism, aerobic and anaerobic metabolism)
- Ontogenesis, muscles, and skeletal system (Bones and joints)
- Reproduction and lactation
- Endocrine and Nervous system
- Embryology: Spermiogenesis, oogenesis, fertilization, blastogenesis, implantation, placenta and organogenesis.
The course is only available for students on the programmes Joint Bachelor in Animal Science, Bachelor of Science in Biology, and the semester package Marine Biosciences.
Upon successful completion, the student:
Knowledge
- Has knowledge of the basic structure and physiology of the different groups of animals at the different levels of organisation, from genes to organism, within an ecological perspective.
- Has knowledge of the main physiological processes and mechanisms in animals, such as osmoregulation, metabolism, thermoregulation, circulation, respiration, reproduction and digestion.
- Has basic knowledge of the body and organ formation of different animal species.
Skills
- Can scientifically report, using proper scientific terminology, results obtained from basic experiments.
- Can collect and use relevant published information for the interpretation of observations obtained from laboratory work.
- Can reflect upon observations obtained after performing basic physiology techniques, under supervision.
General competencies
- Knows and understands the risks and ethics when working in an animal physiology laboratory.
- Can communicate results and theories in writing, promoting good practice.
- Can exchange opinions with fellow students and work alone or as part of a group.
- Is familiar with new thinking and innovation processes in the field of Animal Physiology and Embryology
No tuition fees. Semester fees and cost of course literature apply.
Theory
Compulsory
Weekly physical/digital lectures, and laboratory exercises
Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the national quality surveys.
Compound assessment:
- Compulsory participation (OD) in 2 out of 3 laboratory exercises. Approved / Not approved.
- Coursework (AK1): 2 compulsory multiple choice tests. Approved / Not approved.
- Coursework (AK2): Laboratory reports from 2 laboratory exercises. Approved / Not approved.
OD, AK1 and AK2 must all be approved before the final written exam.
- Written school exam (SK): Individual, 5 hours, counts 100 % of final grade. Letter grade A-F.
Both the individual written school exam and all the other elements must be passed or approved to pass the course in overall.
Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:
BIO1021 - Zoophysiology - 11 credits