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PHYSIOLOGY OF MARINE ANIMALS
ROSAMARIA FIORINI

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 7
Hours 56
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code SM02 5S075

Prerequisites

To follow the course of Marine Animal Physiology, students must have knowledge of Physics, Comparative Anatomy, Biochemistry and General Physiology.

Development of the course

The course includes theoretical (6 credits, 48hours) and practical lessons (1 credit, 8 hours). An e-learning platform is also available and it includes the didactic material.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
At the end of the course students will have a complete view of the physiological mechanisms and the adaptive strategies that allow the survival of the animals in the marine environment.

Ability to apply the knowledge:
Students will be able to use the concepts learned in order to elucidate the evolution of the different physiological mechanisms in marine animals

Program

- Osmoregulation in aqueous environments
- Structure and function of biological membranes
- Fluorescence spectroscopy
- Respiratory gas exchange
- Muscles and movement
- Food intake and digestion
- Excretion
- Energy production 
- Environment adaptation
- Endocrine system

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
PowerPoint presentation of a research article of marine animal physiology, chosen by the student, and oral exam with questions on the program.

Criteria for assessing learning outcomes: 
The student must show synthesis capabilities in organizing PowerPoint presentation and he must be able to correctly expose the fundamental concepts of marine animal physiology in the oral exam.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
Successful completion of the examination will lead to grades ranging from 18 to 30, and 30 cum laude. The exam is passed when the grade is more than or equal to 18.

Criteria for conferring final mark:
The final grade is given by summing the evaluations of the PowerPoint presentation and of the oral exam. The laude is assigned when students demonstrate full mastery of the subject.

Recommended reading

Poli A,. Fabbri E. “Fisiologia degli animali marini” EdiSES 2012.
Somero G.N., Hochachka P.W. “ Biochemical Adaptation, mechanism and process in physiological evolution “, Oxford University Press.
Dantzler W.H. “ Comparative Physiology “, Oxford University Press

Courses

• Biologia marina