Randall, D., W. Burggren and K. French. Eckert, Animal Physiology, Mechanisms and Adaptations. W. H. Freeman and Company, New York. Welcome to Vertebrate Physiology. I am looking forward to discussing the variations we find in how vertebrate animals cope with life.
Physiology is the study of how animals function.
This involves looking at how species meet the challenge of maintaining their internal homeostasis in many differing, and often unstable, environments that they inhabit. Homo sapiens of course are vertebrates and so what we learn about the different body systems is as relevant to human physiology as it is to other vertebrate animals and places human physiology within its evolutionary context. While pondering the marvels of the universe we must also have some boundaries in which to work and following are some policies, expectations and details of this course. I expect you to attend every lecture and lab session. If you are unable to attend please see me to ensure that you know what work was covered.