65952 - Physiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the programme, the student will have knowledge on general principles of animal functioning and the integration of the different functions through the endocrine and nervous modulation. The student will also know the principle of environmental sensing and the molecular mechanisms of environmental adaptation.

Course contents

The principles of homeostasis. The cell membrane: structure and function. Diffusion and transport. Chemical communication: receptors and ligands. Hormonal control of organism’s functions: endocrine glands, hormones, and target cells. Transduction mechanisms of lipophilic and hydrophilic hormones. Major vertebrate hormones and their effects. Nervous control of organismal functions: the neuron, the resting membrane potential, the action potential. Transmission of nerve impulses, electrical and chemical synapses. Release and reuptake of neurotransmitters. Perception of the environment: olfactory, gustatory, mechanical, electrical, and thermal perception.

Readings/Bibliography

Fisiologia animale A. Poli, E. Fabbri etc. Edises 2018

Teaching methods

Lectures on PowerPoint slides

Assessment methods

The final exam aims to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives:

Understand the principles that control homeostasis

Understand the adaptation strategies of animals to the environment

Understand the role of the cell membrane in the physiology of organisms

Understand the functions that control homeostasis in organisms: endocrine and nervous systems

The exam consists of a written assessment consisting of multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions. As this is an integrated course, the final grade will be weighted according to the credits of each course and therefore composed as follows:

BIOCHEMISTRY 6 CFU 50%

PHYSIOLOGY 6 CFU 50%

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

Office hours

See the website of Paola Valbonesi