You will be expected to have an understanding of anatomy and physiology (human or other animal), at level 7.

The module introduces you to the physiological variations which allow animals to survive in a range of environmental conditions and environments, including regulators (ie those which maintain an internal environment) conformers (those in which the internal state matches that of the environment). The examples used to illustrate physiological variability and adaptation are drawn from a wide variety of species. Temperature control and osmoregulation in marine and estuarine species, in birds and in mammals will be used by you as examples to illustrate control in different animal groups.
Homeostasis in mammals will then be examined by you in more detail, with reference to feedback loops, the role of sensors, effectors and a central control. The role of the nervous system and endocrine system in mammals in homeostasis is explained as are the different receptor types involved. The hypothalamic/pituitary axis in mammals is described and the examples of thyroid function, reproduction and control of blood glucose are used as specific examples in mammals. This leads on to explanation of homeostatic disruption leading to disease, with thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus examined in detail in different mammalian species.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
LO1: Explain the different ways in which animals are able to regulate their internal environment
LO2: Compare thermoregulation and osmoregulatory systems in different animal species
LO3: Demonstrate understanding of how the endocrine and nervous system operate to maintain homeostasis
LO4: Describe the hypothalamic/pituitary axis and its role in homeostasis and reproduction
LO5: Use the examples of diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction to explain how homeostatic disruption leads to disease.