What is it?

This is an upper level class for people interested in learning comparative physiology  via original research projects.  We will learn physiology and apply our skills to reconstructing the physiological systems of an extinct animal. How could it have lived? We will figure it out by doing some original research. 

Ideas are exciting! And it is exhilarating to find out what we can explain through our own scientific efforts. 

The lab allows students to see physiology in action in live-animal experiments illustrating heart regulation, muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and kidney function.

There are no exams. In real life there are no “tests” – only work – and judgement by the quality of your work. So we will learn science by doing science.

Is it hard to do well?

We treat you like the adults that you are and as long as you keep up with the work, students do really well.  There is no busy work, every  assignment is preparing you for the next, so itʻs important to do it.  

Effort counts!!! A LOT

What is the structure?

The major project is to design the physiological systems of a fossil vertebrate, together with a partner. You can choose an extinct version of your favorite animal!

Fossil Design Project: 

• Wikipedia assignment – update  a wikipedia page for your animal  that is in need of improvement (or create a page for your animal). This is a great way to collect your background information, and share your literature research with the world.
• Using what you learn in class, apply your background information  to model the animalʻs physiology: metabolism and energy budget, its diet and digestive system, itʻs activities and respiratory system, and osmoregulatory and excretion systems. 
• The assignments will be homework, wikipedia background, modeling reports, oral presentations, and a term paper. 

You will do readings and watch podcasts and home, and we will use class time mostly in discussion to solidify the basics, work through some of the more challenging material, and practice our understanding. Attendance is required and preparation is essential. 

Why do we have to work with partners?

Collaboration allows you to spread your wings and reach places you canʻt get alone. You need a partner to brainstorm with, check each otherʻs work, and to write and edit with.  Nurture your collaboration with respect, and you will surprise yourself with the amazing work you will produce!

Most jobs now require collaboration, but beautiful collaborations just donʻt happen on their own. You might as well start learning how to do it well. We will help you.

Relationship between lecture and lab:

We will explore physiology concepts and content in lecture, and experience practical learning on a select number of these in lab experiments. There is nothing like doing the experiment yourself to see the body in action. Labs require you to keep up in lecture, read the lab manual and come prepared to act.  You will have time to complete the writeup during lab. Both lab and lecture emphasize critical thinking and demonstration by effective scientific communication, and are mutually reinforcing.  

Get The Book!

If youʻve read this far and want to take the class, get the book now. Rent a copy for $20 deposit from the Biology office in Edmondson 216, refundable when you return the book.  It is absolutely required if you want to pass the class.

Gen Ed Focus:

This course fulfills:
1 WI credit at the 300+ level
1 O credit
2cr Upper Division lab requirement
1 BIO diversification (not usually a problem for life science majors)

old Syllabus (need to update to remove the WI for lecture):

See it here