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Application deadline

Type of course

The course is mandatory for MSc students in biology on the Arctic Animal Physiology specialization program.Ìý

This course is available as a singular course.Ìý

The course is taught over two terms starting in autumn, with final exam in the spring term.Ìý

Maximum number of students: 20 (the limitation is related to the mandatory research cruise).

Acceptance in the ÐÒÔË´óתÅÌ MSc in biology programme, with specialisation in animal physiology gives automatic acceptance.

Other students: Acceptance based on application and the following priorities, provided mandatory requirement (i.e., min 10 ECTS of animal physiology is fulfilled):Ìý

• Acceptance in the ÐÒÔË´óתÅÌ MSc in biology programme (other specialisations than animal physiology).
• Other ÐÒÔË´óתÅÌ-students at MSc level and with relevant background in biology.

Qualified students must apply by the 1st of August 2022 through this webform:Ìý.

Admission requirements

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS. A minimum of 10 ECTS general physiology (BIO-2002 or equivalent) is mandatory.

Local admission, application code 9371 - ÌýMaster`s level singular course.

Obligatory prerequisites

Course content

Recommended prerequisites

Objectives of the course

Knowledge and understandingÌý

• has thorough knowledge on the abiotic conditions that characterizeÌýdifferent environments, with particular focus onÌýextreme environments, includingÌýthose found in the polar regionsÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý ÌýÌý
• has specialized insight into the anatomical and physiological adaptations enablingÌýanimals to survive inÌýextreme environmentsÌýÌý in their differentÌýaspectsÌý- pertaining toÌýwater and electrolyte balance, bioenergeticsÌýand nutrition, oxygen demands,Ìýand coordination through endocrine and neuronal mechanismsÌý

• understands and can explain, from a comparative and integrative perspective, theÌýscientificÌýapproachesÌýused to study physiological adaptationsÌýofÌývarious animals , related to theirÌýoxygen supply,ÌýtoÌýthermal-,Ìýenergy-, andÌýwater-Ìýbalance, and to the homeostaticÌýcontrol mechanisms that regulate their ‘milieuÌýintérieur’ in relation to these factors.Ìý
• Is aware of research ethics in relation to research animal welfare, and of the regulation of animal research under Norwegian law.

Ìý

SkillsÌý

• discuss and explain howÌýdifferent fundamental physiological principles and adaptive mechanisms relate to the ability of different species to survive in a variety of extreme environments
• discuss and explain howÌýthe function of organs are modified and adapted in organisms that live under different environmental conditionsÌý
• discuss and explain howÌýa range of scientific experimental approaches haveÌýled to current understanding of physiological adaptationÌýtoÌýenvironmentalÌýchallengesÌý(innovation)Ìý
• discuss and explain howÌýphysiological mechanisms may limit or potentiate the process ofÌýevolutionaryÌýadaptationÌýÌý
• plan andÌýconduct experimentsÌýin animal physiology, employing relevant research methods, with reference to animal welfare regulation where relevant
• collect data independently or during practical exercises, bothÌýunder field conditionsÌýandÌýin the laboratoryÌý
• analyse data from animal physiology experiments in an independent mannerÌýÌý

Ìý

General competenceÌý

• can apply gained knowledge and available information to plan and carry out own research in animal physiology (e.g., own MSc project)Ìý
• understands the process of generating scientific knowledgeÌý
• can analyze and critically evaluate data obtained through own data collection or as reported by other in relevant scientific literatureÌý
• can analyze and critically review and communicate currentÌýscientificÌýknowledge, both orally and in writingÌý
• knows basic field safety/security regulations and how to take necessary precautions/ emergency preparedness when operating in the field under challenging weather conditionsÌý
• can review and extract relevant information from scientific literature in the process of presenting and discussing own research findings or other topicsÌý
• can present written scientific content clearly and in logical order while using language appropriate for the audience and occasionÌý
• has the ability toÌýworkÌý/Ìýcooperate in a group addressing a specific problem and writing up results and conclusions in a reportÌý
• appreciates the challenges involved in operating under field conditions (e.g., co-existing in a confined space in a ship/cabin/tentÌýunder highly variable weather conditions, under outdoor Arctic climate conditions, etc.)Ìý

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Hours distributed approximately equally between the two terms:

Lectures, seminars and journal club* - 45 x 2 hrs;ÌýÌý

Lab - 5 x 2 hrs; oral presentations - ~6 hrs;ÌýÌý

Field - 16 days with 8 x 10 hrs lab during field excursion to the Greenland Sea.

Remaining assignments, including preparing oral presentations, home assignments, own reading - ~300 hrsÌý

*Journal club: allows students to dive into some of the topics = student-led and student-active learning.

Students are expected and required to have fulfilled safety courses HMS-0501, HMS-0502, HMS-0503 and HMS-0504. Additionally, a specific lecture on preparations for the research cruise to the Greenland Sea (spring term) is mandatory, as is practical safety training on board the research cruise vessel.Ìý

Recommended reading/syllabus