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UCSCIBIO137.5 ECTSEnglishBachelor

Human and Animal Biology

Faculteit—
NiveauBachelor
Studiejaar2026-2027

Beschrijving

Course goals

After completing this course students can:
  1. explain the major concepts of human and animal physiology, development, and evolution.
  2. describe the contemporary issues related to these general biological topics.
  3. obtain basic skills in, scientific writing, oral presentations, group work, and laboratory work.
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
  • Homework and in class assessment: 1, 2, and 3
  • Paper: 1, 2, and 3
  • Exams: 1

 

 

 

 

Content

This course focuses on the many intriguing aspects of human biology. Examples from the animal kingdom are used to illustrate the context of human physiology, development, and evolution. The course builds upon secondary high school higher level biology. The textbook functions as basis however additional content is provided throughout the course. The main topics discussed and studied are:
  • Human and animal structure (morphology and anatomy) and function (physiology).
  • And, related to the above-mentioned topic, investigating how evolution accounts for diversity of animal body forms and strategies that animals use to cope with their environments.
In addition, general academic skills are trained through a variety of assignments.

The program is divided in three content units:

Unit 1. Homeostasis, Hormones and Adaptation. Based on textbook chapters 40-44. This includes
  • The structural organization of the animal body at tissue, organ, and organ system level
  • Chemical signaling in animals
  • The digestive system
  • The circulatory and respiratory system
  • The excretory system
Unit 2. Animal Diversity, Reproduction and Development. Based on textbook chapters 22, 24, 32 and 34 (partly), and 45-46 (completely). This includes:
  • Animal reproduction
  • Evolution, animal diversity and animal development
Unit 3. Defense and Neural Integration. Based on textbook chapters 47-50. This includes:
  • The innate and adaptive immune system
  • The neural system and neural integration
  • The sensory system
  • Movement in animals

Format

The course covers 210 study hours (in 15 weeks) including approx. 52 hours of class sessions.
The studying of each topic involves:
  • reading and studying of selected textbook chapters (Biology: A Global Approach 12th edition Chapters 40-50 and parts of 22 and 24 and 32 and 34
  • completing Mastering Biology homework tutorials
  • interactive lecture sessions
  • problem solving sessions
  • virtual laboratory tutorials
  • writing a mini review paper on a topic of choice in the field of human and/or animal biology (2000-2400 words)
  • two written tests on respectively Unit 1 and Unit 2&3 combined.

Next to the book, Biology: A Global Approach 12th edition, students need access to the electronic learning environment (ELO) from Pearson called: Mastering Biology. Course textbook and learning environment can be sold as one package.

Students, who already have the book (12th is preferred however 11th edition is acceptable as well) but no access to Mastering Biology 12th edition, must have to buy access to Mastering Biology 12th edition. Visit this website to buy access https://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringbiology/
When you are enrolled for the course you will receive the course ID for Mastering Biology UCSCIBIO13 from the course instructor approximately one week before the course starts.
 

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