General & Comparative Animal Physiology (PCB 4723) Spring 2001
Subject Area: Comparative Physiology is the study of the physiological and
biochemical mechanisms of adaptation of animals to their micro-habitats. When
faced with common problems (heat stress, osmotic shock etc.), different animal
groups often acquire highly divergent physiological solutions. Furthermore, it is
quite common for unrelated groups to evolve similar adaptive solutions to
common problems by convergence. In this course we will explore physiological &
biochemical processes in a range of animals focusing on invertebrate and lower
vertebrate systems. Emphasis will be placed on aquatic species.
Objectives:
1. Familiarize students with basic physiological processes in a range of animals
living in different habitats.
2. Develop critical thinking skills.
3. Improve written communication skills.
4. Familiarize students with graphical representation of experimental data.
5. Develop familiarity with the primary scientific literature.
Meeting Time and Place: T,R 8-9:15, 208 Bio Unit I.
Instructor: W. Ross Ellington, Professor & Director, Institute of Molecular
Biophysics and the Structural Biology Program. I was trained as a card-carrying
comparative physiologist and still serve on the editorial boards of American
Journal of Physiology, Comparative Physiology & Biochemistry and Journal of
Comparative Physiology B. However, roughly 10 years ago I reinvented myself
scientifically shifting my research efforts to more biophysical/biochemical issues,
primarily the study of the structure, function and evolution of enzymes.
Office hours: Thursdays 9:30 –11:00 (Bio 239) or by appointment (644-5406;
elling@bio.fsu.edu); I always respond within 24 hours to email questions.
WEB Resources: Various resources for PCB 4723 will be posted on my website.
Go to the following web address:
http://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-ellington_undergradteaching.htm
and choose PCB 4723.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have any kind of disability that
impacts your learning and/or test-taking, please bring this to my attention as
soon as possible. I will be happy to accommodate your needs.
1
Grading: Three equally weighted (100 points each) discussion-type exams (2
during the semester) and a research paper (100 pts); total of 400 pts.
A 370 pts or higher
A- 360 pts
B+ 350 pts
B 330 pts
B- 320 pts
C+ 310 pts
C 290 pts
C- 280 pts
D+ 270 pts
D 250 pts
D- 240 pts
F below 240 pts
(Note: minor adjustments may be made to the scale based on class
performance; it will never be made more stringent)
Research Paper: You will be required to write a research paper. Details about
the paper and format can be found on the course website.
Course Policy:
1. If you are going to miss an exam, you MUST CONTACT ME IN ADVANCE by
phone (I have voicemail) or email. At this time I will schedule a make-up
exam which must be taken no later than 48 hours after the regularly
scheduled exam.
2. If you believe that I made a mistake grading your exam, please – (a) look
over the posted key, (b) write down your concerns on a separate sheet of
paper, (c) attach this to your exam and give it to me and (d) I will promptly
review your concerns.
3. The Academic Honor System of the Florida State University is based on the
premise that each student has the responsibility a) to uphold the highest
standards of academic integrity in the student’s own work, b) to refuse to
tolerate violations of academic integrity in the University community, and c)
to foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the
University community. You are expected to adhere to all aspects of the
Academic Honor Code in this course.
4. Grades will note be posted nor am I permitted to communicate these by
email or telephone.
2
Textbook: Knut Schmidt-Nielson, Animal Physiology (5th Ed); Readings are
listed in the course schedule. The textbook is there to provide background and
clarification.
Succeeding in this Course:
1. Do text readings in advance.
2. Come to class.
3. The night after each lecture, make a second set of abbreviated notes which
highlight the major points that I covered.
4. You can use the full notes, abbreviated notes and text for study.
5. Study in groups. Ask each other to explain particular mechanisms and
processes.
6. Practice interpreting graphs.
Course Schedule:
Topic
Text
1/9
1/11
1
2
Introduction; Gas exchange
Physical aspects of gas exchange
1/16
1/18
1/30
2/1
2/6
2/8
2/13
3
4
5
6
7
8
2/15
2/20
2/22
2/27
3/1
3/6
3/8
3/13
9
10
11
12
13
14
Gas exchange- water
Gas exchange-bimodal & air
Gas transport
Gas transport
Hypoxia
Hypoxia
Exam # 1; 100 pts, lectures 1-8
***RESEARCH PAPER TOPIC FORM DUE***
Diving Physiology
Buoyancy
Acid-base balance
Physical aspects of temperature change
Poikilothermy
Poikilothermy
Spring Break
Spring Break
3
5-17;
585-587
17-25
36-61
61-82
173-178
178-192
442--458
82-87
217-225
232-238
3/15
3/20
3/22
3/27
15
16
17
Homeothermy
Heterothermy
Exam # 2: 100 pts, lectures 9-16
Introduction to water & ion balance
3/29
18
Freshwater
4/3
4/5
4/10
19
20
No Class- WRE at Experimental Biology meetings
Estuarine
Marine
***RESEARCH PAPER DUE IN CLASS***
4/11
4/17
4/19
4/26
21
22
23
Terrestrial
Hypersaline & anhydrobiosis
Nitrogen excretion and environment
Final Exam (Exam4; lectures 17-22), Thursday, 3-5 PM
4
241-277
284-293
301-305;
591-594
310-314,
320-323
309-310
305-309,
314-320,
343-351
366-377
378-388