- Docente: Elena Fabbri
- Credits: 6
- SSD: BIOS-06/A
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Biology of Human and Environmental Health (cod. 5909)
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from Sep 23, 2026 to Jan 11, 2027
Learning outcomes
Environmental physiology of animals (including humans) explores how cells and physiological systems allow organisms to live in different environments or respond to environmental challenges. The students will learn physiological mechanisms (at the systemic, cellular and molecular levels) through which animals cope or adapt to changes in temperature, pH, osmolarity, and water scarcity in the surrounding environment. This course will also address the physiological responses developed by animals after exposure to environmental stressors, their potential application for biomonitoring, as well as the effects on human health.
Course contents
-Temperature: biochemical and physiological effects on animals; regulation of thermal biology; molecular basis of thermal adaptation; heatwaves and effects on human health
- Drought and salinity: animal water balance and osmoregulation; adaptation in terrestrial and aquatic environments; molecular basis of osmotic adaptation; clean water scarcity and effects on human health
-Environmental stressors and human health
-Endocrine disruptors, including elements of endocrinology needed for better understanding (e.g hormone mechanisms of action)
-Biomarkers and their application for the biomonitoring of human and ecosystem health
Readings/Bibliography
Pertinent book chapters, review articles
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with power point slides
Assessment methods
The final examination wants to evaluate that students met the teaching objectives: physiological mechanisms through which animals adapt to climate changes and the strategies for coping with environmental changes.
The exam (written) deals with specific open-end questions on different topics in 2 hours time: students will be asked to answer in a pertinent and synthetic manner to 3 specific questions on the various topics covered. The correctness and the insights provided will be considered to formulate the final marks.
Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.
Teaching tools
Power point slides and relevant articles from the scientific literature, indicated by the teacher and uploaded on the course website.
Office hours
See the website of Elena Fabbri