BIOL 340-01, Animal Physiology, Fall 2008

Abstract

Welcome to Animal Physiology. Biology 340 is a one semester course that has the potential to cover many diverse topics that relate to animal physiology, both invertebrate and vertebrate. With all there is to study, we can attack this course with various strategies. Frequently the instructor will decide what is important for you to know, and then proceed with fast paced lectures which may be difficult to keep up with, not to mention understand. Studying for exams, perhaps multiple guess or true/false, can involve mass memorization. Retention of concepts months or even weeks after the course is over is often very low. I would like to make this course both informative and enjoyable, and I would also like to help you increase your ability to teach yourself. I prefer to emphasize major concepts in physiology and deemphasize the memorization of numerous details and physiological terms. My objectives for this course are to provide you with a variety of learning situations in order to a) give you a better understanding of and appreciation for animal physiology, and b) to further your experience in teaching yourself how to learn. You should also establish your own personal goals and objectives for this course and make a constant effort to meet these objectives.