Marine animal physiology
In this course you will ponder the amazing array of strategies used by marine organisms to meet the challenges imposed by their physical environment. The major focus is to discuss unique, and often bizarre, physiological and morphological adaptive solutions to problems encountered by animals living in marine environments.
The course is an exciting comparative look at how natural selection produces the extraordinary adaptations seen in marine animals, and how these may fare under climate change.
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Course structure
This course emphasizes how integrating evolution, ecology and physiology allows understanding of evolutionary history of organisms and forecast of future responses to synergistic environmental stressors. You will explore physiological and morphological adaptive solutions to oxygen, temperature, water balance, buoyancy, locomotion, feeding and sensory problems in marine animals. This course will include lectures, discussions of primary literature, and group projects. The group projects will focus on eco-physiological and biomechanical lab experiments using marine organisms (fishes and invertebrates). Students will collect, analyze and present data in a manuscript as well as in a presentation during a mini-symposium.
Modules
The course consists of two parts:
Part 1. Theory, 10 hp
Part 2. Laboratory projects, 5 hp
Teaching format
This course includes lectures, group discussions, presentations and projects.
Learning outcomes
A list of the learning outcomes can be found in the syllabus. Please find the link to the syllabus on the right side of this page.
Assessment
You will be assessed based on your research project and manuscript, presentations, discussions and weekly quizzes based on readings.
Examiner
Valentina Di Santo
E-mail: valentina.disanto@zoologi.su.se
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
No mandatory course book.
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Course reports
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More information
After the course
Students in my course have the possibility to discuss continuing the project started during class in my lab. Read more about the Di Santo Lab here: www.valentinadisanto.com
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Contact us for help with:
-registration
-exams
-certificates
-much more
- Office hours
Mon-Wed: 10.00-15.00 (lunch 12.30-13.30)
Thur-Fri: 10.00-12.30
- Irregular office hours
Summer opening hours
June 27th - August 19th
10.00 - 12.00 Monday- Thursday (closed Fridays)
Study counsellor (advanced level)
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratoriet, E 315c
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Contact me if you want:
-help choosing courses
-to discuss career paths
-have problems with your studies
- Office hours
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