Biology 353: Comparative Animal Physiology
Syllabus, Fall 2008
Instructor: Dr. Deborah Kristan
Contact Information: SCI I 313c; (760) 750-4638; dkristan@csusm.edu
Office Hours: Weds 10:00-11:00 and by appointment.
Required textbooks:
Randall D, Burggren W and French K. 2002. Eckert’s Animal Physiology: Mechanisms
and Adaptations, 5th ed. New York: WH Freeman & Co.
Norris, B., Kristan D. 2008. Comparative Animal Physiology Lab Manual. San Diego:
Aztec Shops Custom Materials.
WebCT:
You will access many course materials on the class WebCT cite. You will need
your CSUSM username and password (same as your university email) to access
WebCT. If you are unfamiliar with using WebCT please refer to the step-by-step
instructions provided by IITS at http://courses.csusm.edu/resources/webCtBasics.htm.
Course objectives & description:
Animal physiology is the study of how animals function. Our understanding of
animal function requires that we integrate our knowledge of biological processes across
many levels from the molecular and cellular level through tissues and organ systems
and ultimately to the whole animal itself. Physiological mechanisms by which animals
acclimatize, adapt and survive in varying environments are exquisitely regulated. All
animals share the challenge of acquiring resources (e.g. nutrients, oxygen, water) and
removing waste (e.g. unused food, carbon dioxide) to maintain homeostasis, but there
are many different pathways to achieve these needs. Comparative Animal Physiology
will compare how different animal taxa achieve homeostasis by studying diverse
physiological adaptations in a variety of environments. Lectures will focus on
physiological systems and labs will give hands-on experience to test the principles
learned in class. Some laboratories will use vertebrates. In accordance with federal
law, the California State University San Marcos Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee (IACUC) has responsibility for assuring the humane care and use of
laboratory animals at this university. If you have questions or concerns about laboratory
animal care and use at CSUSM, please contact the IACUC Chair or the Associate Vice
President for Research:
IACUC Chair:
Dr. Richard Bray
Sci 1, Room 309
760-750-4175
Associate Vice President for Research
Dr. Gerardo M. González
5211A Craven Hall
760-750-4066
rbray@csusm.edu
ggonz@csusm.edu
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Student learning outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this course should 1) appreciate the
diversity of physiological mechanisms present in a wide range of animal taxa, 2)
understand basic principles of the major physiological systems, and 3) be able to
articulate their knowledge of animal physiology to others. These outcomes will be
assessed via graded assignments and classroom discussions.
Course requirements:
Exams & Grades:
There will be three exams (100 pts each) and a comprehensive final exam (150
pts). All material within the book is subject to examination whether discussed in lecture
or not. Additional material from other sources may be presented in lecture. There will
be a few questions on every exam that will require you to integrate or apply knowledge
in novel ways. Make-up exams are rarely allowed, but may be given to students who
see me at least 1 week before the exam and who bring with them a written explanation
stating why a make-up exam is necessary. Make-up exams will be an oral exam
supplemented by essay questions. If you would like any exam re-graded: (a) the original
exam must have been written in pen, (b) submit your request in writing within 1 week of
receiving back your exam, (c) the entire exam, in addition to the question of concern,
will be subject to re-evaluation.
The course will be graded based on a total of 675 points, with 450 points from
your lecture grade and 225 points from your lab grade. The laboratory grade will be
based on attendance and written assignments (detailed in the laboratory syllabus).
Attendance in lab is absolutely mandatory and labs cannot be made up. Absence from
more than one lab will result in a substantial reduction of grade. Absence from three or
more labs will result in a failing grade for the semester. An additional 5 points will be
added for students who confer with their biology advisor during the semester. All
courses at CSUSM have a writing requirement which will be met by laboratory writing
assignments. Final grades will be assigned on a point basis; therefore, you are not
competing with each other—I encourage study groups as much as possible but all work
turned in for a grade must be entirely yours.
Other Notes:
Email
Occasionally I will want to contact the class or individual students via e-mail using your
University assigned e-mail. If this is not an account you check often then please go to
the following site to forward the CSUSM account to your home address http://public.csusm.edu/cwis/tools/forward/
Disabled student services
Students with disabilities who require academic accommodations must be approved for
services by providing appropriate and recent documentation to the Office of Disabled
Student Services (DSS). This office is located in Craven Hall 5205, and can be
contacted by phone (760) 750-4905 or TDD (760) 750-4909. Students authorized by
DSS to receive accommodations should meet with me during my office hours or in a
more private setting in order to ensure your privacy.
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Academic honesty
Academic honesty (e.g. no cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will be strictly enforced. Please
carefully read pages 84-85 of the 2008-2010 CSUSM Catalogue for University policy.
The excuse that “I did not know it was plagiarism” will not be accepted.
How to Do Well:
This course covers a great deal of interrelated material. You must understand
topics covered early in the course to be able to comprehend information presented later
in the course, and you will have to be able to integrate material that you learn
throughout the course. Therefore it is imperative that you do not fall behind. You can
take several steps to increase your ability to comprehend and remember material: (1)
Do the assigned reading for a topic before you attend the lecture so you will get the
most out of the lecture and be able to ask questions during class, then re-read the
chapter and take careful notes on the readings after lecture to reinforce your
understanding, (2) After each lecture, summarize your lecture notes and make study
questions for yourself, (3) Form a study group with classmates and discuss the material
and quiz each other, (4) Come and see me during office hours or by appointment,
either individually or in small groups, to clarify any questions as we go along (don’t wait
until the week of the exam to begin studying and then find out your notes are not to your
satisfaction), and (5) Have fun and enjoy the material!
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Lecture Schedule
Date
Aug 25, 27
Sep 1
Sep 3
Sep 8, 10
Sep 15, 17
Sep 22
Sep 24
Sep 29, Oct 1
Oct 6, 8
Oct 13, 15
Oct 20, 22
Oct 27
Oct 29
Nov 3, 5
Nov 10, 12
Nov 17, 19
Nov 24, 26
Dec 1
Dec 3
Dec 8th
Topic
Introduction; Molecules, Energy, Biosynthesis, Molecular
Movement; Nervous System
No Class: LABOR DAY
Nervous system continued
Nervous system continued; Senses
Senses continued; Glands & Hormones
Glands & Hormones
Exam 1
Muscles & Animal Movement
Circulation
Gas exchange & acid/base balance
Ionic & Osmotic Balance
Exam 2
Video
Energy acquisition
Energy expenditure
Energetics & Environmental Challenges: Temperature &
Moisture
Energetics & Environmental Challenges: Oxygen
&Toxins
Exam 3
Review for Final
FINAL EXAM: 7:00-9:00
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Chapter:
1, 3, 4;
5, 6
5, 6, 8
5, 6, 8; 7
7, 9
9
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
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