Biology 449 - Animal Physiology
Instructor: Dr. Alistair Cullum
Fall 2008
Phone: 280-3080
Office: Hixson-Lied Science Building 422
Email: acullum@creighton.edu
Textbook: Animal Physiology by Sherwood, Klandorf and Yancey
Main webpage: http://biology.creighton.edu/courses/BIO449/
Course Information
The subject of animal physiology is often described simply as the study of “how animals work.” In
this course we will examine general physiological mechanisms, examining the function of organs
and cells as well as the control and integration of these functions. Although many of the
mechanisms and concepts discussed apply to a wide variety of animal species, lectures will
concentrate on systems found in terrestrial vertebrates, with a particular emphasis on
mammalian physiology.
Lectures and Text
In my lectures I will focus on what I consider the most important aspects of vertebrate
physiology. The reading assignments are intended to give you another view of this material
(which many students find helpful), but material not covered in lecture will not be found on the
exams. Exceptions to this rule may occasionally occur, but I will explicitly inform you of any
material not covered in lecture for which you are responsible. All readings will be announced as
we cover each topic, both in class and on the web site.
An important point to keep in mind is that, while you are generally responsible for nothing beyond
the lecture material, everything covered in lecture is fair game for exams. Again, I’ll inform you of
any exceptions.
Objectives
By the conclusion of this course, you should understand the basic principles of physiological
regulation and homeostasis, the particular mechanisms underlying the function of specific
physiological systems, and how these systems integrate in the whole animal.
Policy on Attendance
Attendance will not be taken and it will not directly affect your grade. However, you may want to
reread the earlier paragraph about the material for which you are responsible.
Exams
There will be three midterms during the semester, followed by a comprehensive final. (See course
schedule for dates.) The last midterm will be given before dead week, so questions on the topics
covered in the last few lectures will appear only on the final.
Exams consist of a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Previous years’
exams are available at the course webpage.
Students will be excused from taking an exam only when an absence is truly unavoidable: e.g., in
cases of serious illness, a death or serious illness in the family, out-of-town athletic events, etc.
Please let me know as soon as possible when you learn you will have to miss the scheduled exam.
Class Cancellation
Class will never meet if the University is closed for weather or other reasons. If class is cancelled
for other reasons, I will send out an email (to your official campus address) and post a notice on
the course website as soon as I know of the cancellation, or have a Biology faculty or staff
member make an announcement in the classroom. If a University closure occurs during a
scheduled exam, I will send and post information on the new time for the exam, which will
normally be the next class meeting.
Grading
The calculation of your final score in the course is conducted in a weighted fashion intended to
favor your better scores. This calculation is as follows:

The average of your percentage on the three midterms is compared to your percentage on
the final exam.

If your midterm average is better, the midterms together determine 70% of your final
grade and the final determines 30%.

If your final exam score is better, the midterms together determine 50% of your final
grade and the final determines 50%.
For example, if you got an average of 94% on the three midterms and a 84% on the final, your
final score would be:
(0.94 × 0.7) + (0.84 × 0.3) = .658 + 0.252 = 0.91, or 91%
On the other hand, iif you got an average of 84% on the three midterms and a 94% on the final,
your final score would be:
(0.84 × 0.5) + (0.94 × 0.5) = .42 + 0.47 = 0.89, or 89%
Too much math? Here’s how much of your final grade is determined by each exam in the two
scenarios:
Midterm average Final exam
better
better
First midterm
23.3%
16.7%
Second midterm
23.3%
16.7%
Third midterm
23.3%
16.7%
30%
50%
Final exam
Once your final score is calculated, grades will be assigned on a straight scale:
A: 90-100%
B+: 85-89.9%
B: 80-84.9%
C: 70-74.9%
D: 60-69.9%
F: 59.9% and below
C+: 75-79.9%
Office Hours
Please see the home page of the course website for my scheduled office hours. If those hours are
not convenient, you are welcome to arrange another time to meet with me. I can also generally
accommodate unscheduled drop-by visits to my office, but ask your understanding if I need to
ask you to come back at another time.
Academic Honesty
I assume you are all familiar with the Creighton’s policy on academic honesty. If not, please
consult the section on Academic Honesty in the Creighton University Student Handbook
(http://www2.creighton.edu/studentservices/centerforstudentintegrity/fileadmin/user/StudentServices/
CenterforStudentIntegrity/docs/CU_StudentHandbook.pdf). The important take-home message for this
course is that cheating on an exam may result in sanctions ranging from a score of zero on the
exam to a failing grade in the course. In addition, students caught cheating will have a letter
placed in their college file, so that future offenses will carry more severe consequences.