Animal Biology

Objectives

•Acquire and consolidate basic knowledge in fields of Animal Biology, including the history of animal life, genetics, evolution, reproduction, development, morphology, taxonomy, physiology, behavior, and the conservation of wild animals.

•Deepen theoretical concepts through practical exercises, simulations, and laboratory experiences.

•Engage with research methods and development areas across various topics in Animal Biology.

General characterization

Code

7933

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Carlos David da Silva Oliveira dos Santos

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 56

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

does not apply

Bibliography

- “Life. The Science of Biology”. Sadava, D., Heller, D. M., Heller, H. C., Hacker, S.D.11ª edição. 2017. Sinauer Associates Inc., USA.

-”Integrated Principles of Zoology”. Hickman, C. P.H.Jr., Keen, S.L., Eisenhour, D.J., Larson, A., l’Anson, H. 17º edição (2017). McGraw-Hill Education, NY, USA. ISBN 978-1-259-56231-0

Teaching method

General Teaching Model

• Theoretical classes are based on content presentation through thematic PowerPoint presentations by the professor. Three textbooks are followed, with chapters identified in the first class, and students are expected to study them before each session.

• Practical classes involve laboratory experiments, exercises, and computer simulations designed to deepen the understanding of concepts covered in theoretical classes. Scientific articles related to Animal Biology are also analyzed.

Active Learning Methods

• Active Learning methods aim to engage students directly in the learning process, fostering problem-solving skills, autonomy, critical thinking, investigative character, and discussion and collaboration with peers.

• Each theoretical class includes a 30-minute slot for voluntary student presentations of 5 minutes, covering topics addressed by the professor in the previous class. These presentations can be based on scientific articles, books, or other scientific materials and are followed by a discussion with questions and comments from peers. Presentations contribute to an increase in the theoretical component grade (see assessment methods).

• The professor’s PowerPoint presentations include links to animations and videos illustrating complex concepts.

• In practical classes, students are organized into groups with autonomy in carrying out the assigned activities. These groups also have the freedom to select a scientific article, which they will study throughout the semester and present orally in the final class. All students participate in the evaluation of their peers’ oral presentations.

Evaluation method

Final grade = Theoretical component (50%) + Practical component (50%)

Theoretical component :

•Assessed with two tests, each worth 50%, or by exam

•Thematic presentations of 5 minutes during the theoretical class are worth a bonus of 1 point to the theoretical component grade for the 10 most participative students. This ranking will take into account the number of presentations given, their quality (evaluated by the professor), and participation in the discussion of classmates'' presentations.

Practical component :

•Two tests conducted along with the theoretical tests with equal weight. The combined result of the two tests is worth 70% of the practical grade

•Practical exercises done in class (10%)

•Oral presentation of the scientific article (20%)

•Classmates will participate in the evaluation of the oral presentation, accounting for 1/4 of the grade.

•The result of the BioBlitz will be worth a bonus of 1 point in the practical component of the course for the 5 groups that correctly identify the most species.

•In case of absence from classes with exercises or the oral presentation, the student will receive a grade of 0 for those activities.

•Practical component grades may be retained to the following year in case of failing the course.

Mandatory attendance in practical classes:

•Missing up to 1/3 of the practical classes is tolerated, provided the absences are justified with valid reasons.

•Exceeding this number of absences will result in the student''s failure.

Grade improvement through exam:

•The grade improvement involves completing both the theoretical and practical components of the exam.

•The practical exam result will be combined with the in-class assessments (exercises), the oral presentation, and the BioBlitz results.

•Grade improvement will only be applied if there is an overall increase in both the theoretical and practical components.

Subject matter

Theoretical component:

Origin of life
History of animal life
Genetics
Evolution
Reproduction
Animal development
Origin and evolution of anatomical structures
Protostome Animals
Deuterostome Animals
Physiology (homeostasis and respiration)
Physiology (digestion and nervous system)
Behavior
Wildlife conservation

Practical component:

Taxonomy of major animal groups (observation biological collections)
Animal biodiversity inventory (Field trip to Praia das Avencas)
Learning literature search tools
Mendelian genetics exercises
Population dynamics and evolution exercises
Embryonic development in fish
Responses of marine invertebrates to osmotic stress
Effect of alcohol and caffeine on the heartbeat of Daphnias
Stress and blood glucose levels
Genomic Identification of Animals
Diet analysis of the Barn Owl
Oral presentation of a scientific article

Programs

Programs where the course is taught:

Cell and Molecular Biology