LHUF10139 Advanced Mammalian Biology

Details
Responsible DepartmentDepartment of Basic Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Earliest Possible YearBSc. 2 year
DurationOne block
 
Credits7.5 (ECTS)
 
Level of CourseBSc
 
ExaminationFinal Examination

written examination


Written Exam in Lecturehall

All aids allowed

Description of Examination: 4h written test

Weight: 100%



7-point scale, internal examiner
 
Organisation of TeachingThe course will consist of lectures, journal clubs, and case studies
 
Block PlacementBlock 3
Week Structure: A
 
Language of InstructionEnglish
 
Optional Prerequisites260027 
Or other courses providing the equivalent basic knowledge
 
RestrictionsNone
 
Course Content
The course in Advanced Mammalian Biology shall provide the students of Biology-Biotechnology with an in-depth understanding of the physiology of the major organ systems, from the molecular and cellular level to the level of integration of individual organs into multi organ systems and whole-body physiology. The emphasis is on the function of individual organs and organ systems, and their importance for whole-body physiology. In addition, the students will be exposed to ongoing research and applied aspects of the covered subjects. This will be accomplished in a series of lectures based on text book material as well as case-based learning and journal clubs.

Journal clubs and case studies will focus on original research and applied aspects such as in vivo pharmacology or deletion of selected target genes using transgenic animals as well as animal models of disease. Journal clubs and problem-based learning will serve to improve the students' ability to read, understand and critically assess peer-reviewed research articles and to gain knowledge of applied biotechnology in research and industry. Furthermore, the students will train their presentation skills in seminars concluding each journal club and case study.

The course is aimed at complementing the curriculum of the Bachelor degree in Biology-Biotechnology, but will also be relevant to students of related fields who wish to obtain cross-disciplinary skills within mammalian physiology. A minimum requirement to attend the course is a solid knowledge of basic molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology/physiology equivalent to Year 1 and 2 of the Biology-Biotechnology education.
 
Teaching and learning Methods
The course consists of lectures, journal clubs and case studies.
 
Learning Outcome
After completing the course the students should have the following:

Knowledge:
. understand the physiology of the nervous, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems, including the importance of physiological regulation at all levels
. understand the integrated function of multi-organ systems and whole animals, including the importance of physiological feedback regulation
. understand the pathophysiological basis of selected major diseases
. understand how animal research and biotechnology can contribute to alleviating these diseases

Skills:
. locate, read and interpret scientific journals and textbooks
. work accurately with biological data
. work independently and as part of a group
. Present data and acquired knowledge in a clear and concise manner

Competences:
. explain the importance of basic physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and organ level for the integrated fiunction of multi organ systems and whole-body homeostasis
. Explain the pathophysiological changes in organ function in selected major diseases
. Provide examples of the application of physiology in biotechnological and biomedical research and development
 
Course Literature
Berne and Levy: Physiology (Elsevier), 6th Edition.
Case materials and papers from the journal club will be chosen as additional pensum to cover biotechnological applications not treated in the text book.
 
Course Coordinator
Lars Jørn Jensen, lajj@sund.ku.dk, Department of Basic Animal and Veterinary Sciences/Physiology & Biochemistry, Phone: 353-32563
 
Study Board
Study Committee NSN
 
Work Load
lectures20
Colloquia32
project work32
supervision12
examination4
preparation106

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