Mangroves protect our coasts and promote biodiversity, but how do they thrive in the hostile, salty water that is lethal to most plants? How does a goose fly over the Himalayas in the intense cold and low oxygen that would kill a human in minutes? Answers to these questions rely on a strong understanding of how plants and animals operate at all levels, from cells to organs. For an organism to function in the natural environment physiological processes must work together. If we understand these processes we can better predict how plants and animals will respond to environmental stress. For example, we can then work out how extreme temperatures and drought brought about by climate change will affect local rates of extinction. We can explore the tricks that allow some species to survive in seemingly inhospitable environments across our planet. This knowledge can offer novel engineering insights into the design of our own buildings, transport systems and even cities (biomimetics is a growing and exciting field).

 

Plant and animal systems are rich in their diversity and have evolved striking parallels in how hormones and other biomolecules interact in day-to-day life. These interactions govern all metabolic processes that affect growth and performance. In this course we will help you to see both the shared and unique features of plant and animal physiology that underpin the evolution of biodiversity.

 

Physiology is not just fascinating; it’s crucial to our survival and well-being. Students will learn concepts that can be applied to an array of real-world problems including: 1) predicting how species distributions will change in response to climate change; 2) improving conservation outcomes for endangered plants and animals; 3) how anthropogenic stressors, such as overfishing, pollution and the introduction of invasive species impact physiology and can increase the risk of population extinction; 4) designing crops to ensure future food security.

This course covers a broad range of topics that can be studied at greater depth in more specialised third year courses

Honours pathway option(HPO):

Entry to this option will be subject to the approval of the course convener and based on merit. Students who take this option can choose to complete one of the two additional assessable item:

1. 1500 word essay on a topic relevant to the course that would be supplied by the lecturers together with some seed research literature. (Due week 10) LO 1,4, 5 or
2. Create material for the online delivery of two of the practical classes. This could consist of short videos with voiceover, or other material that would enhance the online delivery of future classes. (Due end of week 12) LO 1, 3, 4, 5

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Compare and contrast the physiological processes that occur in plants and animals, governing day to day function;
2. Understand and predict the physiological responses of plants and animals to environmental stresses including temperature extremes and starvation;
3. Use observation and laboratory experimentation to generate and test physiological hypotheses;
4. Conduct basic physiological research and effectively communicate the findings;
5. Work as a research team and provide effective peer support and feedback.

Research-Led Teaching

Environmental constraints shape the types of organisms that are found along with the evolution of their characteristics and their capabilities. Physiology provides the means by which organisms deal with complex environmental variation providing explanations for why and how such constraints exist on organismal distribution, form and function. Practical classes will provide hands on experience in instrumentation and experimentation, measuring biological features, and the statistical analysis of real data. Information presented in lectures will be re-enforced and put in practice during practicals. This course provides an introduction to more specialised and diverse third year courses that will allow students to engage in the many research projects being undertaken within the Research School of Biology.

Examination Material or equipment

There is a formal mid-term assessment held during tutorial and a final exam held during the exam period. You are permitted to bring: Calculator (non programmable), Course/lecture notes (with your annotations), One A4 page with notes on both sides, Unannotated paper-based dictionary (no approval required). Laptops are permitted for writing exam questions.

Recommended Resources

There is no prescribed text for this course. However, there are a range of textbooks available in the library:

• Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A. (2015) Plant Physiology and Development, 6th Edition, Sinauer Associates
• Hill, R.W., Wyse, G., Anderson, M (2012) Animal Physiology 3rd Edition., Sinauer Associates
• Nobel PS. 1999. Physicochemical and environmental plant physiology. San Diego: Academic Press.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Practical reports will be marked and returned after one week with comments.
• Tutorials in week 6 and 12 will be held to reinforce topic concepts and allow students to raise any questions.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Referencing requirements

You are encouraged to cite journal articles in your practical reports (or essay for Biol6115 stuents) using the following format:

In text citation: Reich et al. (2006)

Reference list: REICH, P. B., TJOELKER, M. G., MACHADO, J.-L. & OLEKSYN, J. 2006. Universal scaling of respiratory metabolism, size and nitrogen in plants. Nature, 439, 457-461.

An Honours Pathway Option is available in this course. The HPO option will have additional assessment. Students can choose to complete one of the two additional assessable items:

• 1500 word essay on a topic relevant to the course that would be supplied by the lecturers together with some seed research literature. (Due week 10) LO 1,4 or
• Create material for the online delivery of two of the practical classes. This could consist of short videos with voiceover, or other material that would enhance the online delivery of future classes. (Due end of week 12) LO 1, 3, 4, 5

The work would be assessed by a lecturer and if it was deemed of sufficient standard, an HPO would be awarded for having met the course requirement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Gas Exchange: Animals	Course overview: 3 lectures per week, 1 practical class per fortnight 3 tutorials (Weeks 1, 6 & 12) 4 practical reports, two exams
2	Nutrition and Metabolism: AnimalsPractical 1: Allometric scaling of respiratory surfaces in aquatic organisms
3	Temperature and Heat Relations: AnimalsNo Practical	Practical 1 Report Due: 10%
4	Water and Salt Balance: AnimalsPractical 2: Causes and consequences of the biotic and abiotic environment on metabolic rate
5	Circulation: AnimalsTutorial and Revision for Mid-term Assessment	Pratical Report 2 Due: 10%
6	Communication: Animals	Mid-Term Assessment (Weeks 1-6): 30% (Wednesday during Tutorial)
7	Food Security and Root Physiology: PlantsNo Practical
8	Photosynthesis: PlantsPractical 3: Plant gas exchange
9	Water and Gas Exchange: PlantsNo Practical	Practical 3 Report Due: 10%
10	Water Transport: PlantsPractical 4: Plant vascular systems in the transport of water and salts
11	Communication: PlantsNo PracticalTutorial: Plant vascular systems in the transport of water and salts	Practical Report 4 Due: 10%
12	Communication and Revision for Exam: Plants	Final Exam in Exam Period (Weeks 7-12): 30%

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Practical Report 1: Allometric scaling of respiratory surfaces in aquatic organisms	10 %	1,2,3,4,5
Practical Report 2: Causes and consequences of the biotic and abiotic environment on metabolic rate	10 %	1,2,3,4,5
Mid-Term Assessment (Weeks 1-6)	30 %	1,2
Practical Report 3: Plant gas exchange	10 %	1,2,3,4,5
Practical Report 4: Plant vascular systems in the transport of water and salts	10 %	1,2,3,4,5
Final Exam	30 %	1,2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students should attend lectures in person. Video recordings will also be provided. Practical classes and tutorials are compulsory and in person.

Examination(s)

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Assessment Task 1

Practical Report 1: Allometric scaling of respiratory surfaces in aquatic organisms

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 2

Practical Report 2: Causes and consequences of the biotic and abiotic environment on metabolic rate

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 3

Mid-Term Assessment (Weeks 1-6)

Concepts covered in the lecture material presented during weeks 1-6 will be assessed with an exam during the practical time period in week 6. The mid-term assessment will be composed of 6 long-answer questions. This is an open book exam designed to take 90 minutes to complete.

Submission of Mid-TermAssessment: The Mid-Term assessment will be submitted online using Turnitin in the course Wattle site at the end of the practical time period. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Assessment Task 4

Practical Report 3: Plant gas exchange

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 5

Practical Report 4: Plant vascular systems in the transport of water and salts

Notes and assessment marking rubrics for the practical reports will be made available through Wattle. Reports are due one week after the practical class, and will be returned with comments the following week. You will be asked to share some of your data with the class (as specified in the notes associated with each practical class) and you will gain marks for data entry.

Assessment Task 6

Final Exam

A formal, open book exam will assess concepts covered in the second half of the semester (Weeks 7-12). There will be 6 questions.

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Marked practical reports will be returned to the students in the following practical class or tutorial.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Not permitted

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students