description - details - grading - schedule
MWF - 10:30-11:20 - FSH 109
T - 1:30-4:20 - FTR 113
Both freshwater and marine environments are continually changing in response to both natural processes and human activities, putting stress on aquatic organisms from microbes to marine mammals. This course will explore the surprising similarities and unique differences in the physiological response organisms have to stress caused by factors as natural as tidal cycles, and as unnatural as excess pharmaceuticals. The course will take an integrative approach across disciplines linked to physiology, with an emphasis on molecular physiology and endocrinology; and assumes students have been introduced to basic physiological concepts in other coursework. The main focus will be on functional responses to system stressors; however, the course will also explore potential impacts at the population level, and the evolutionary implications of physiological response to environmental stress. Case studies and research papers will be used along with a primary textbook. The laboratory for this course will involve student working cooperatively to develop research projects.
Lectures will be a presented in a majority of instances in the "flipped" scenario where you will be expected to watch the lectures prior to class meetings. Content will come from textbook, current research activities in SAFS, research articles, and popular press. Discussions and interactive activities will be incorporated.
Lab will take a goal-oriented approach driven by small groups of students. The first few labs will be spent introducing students to several molecular techniques commonly used to study the physiological responses of organisms to changing environments. The remainder of the quarter will be spent implementing these techniques in an independent project of their design. Methodologies that will be covered may include tissue sampling, nucleotide and protein extraction, SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, Western transfers and immunoblots, oxygen consumption monitoring, ELISAs, and microscopy. Detailed information concerning lab can be found at http://genefish.wikispaces.com/FISH441.
UW Policy on Academic Integrity: Plagiarism, cheating, and other misconduct are serious violations of your contract as a student. We expect that you will know and follow the University's policies on cheating and plagiarism. Any suspected cases of academic misconduct will be handled according to University regulations. More information, including definitions and examples of Academic Misconduct, can be found at here.
Disability Accommodations: To request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact Disabled Student Services, 448 Schmitz Hall, (206)543-8924 (V/TTY). If you have a letter from Disabled Student Services indicating you have a disability, which requires academic accommodations, please present the letter to the instructor so we can discuss the accommodations needed for this class.
You are an adult. You have responsiblities. Minimally you need to take control of your educational experience- ask questions, show up, and contribute.
GoPost Discussion Board Please use this platform to ask questions, comment, and share knowledge.
Intructor Contact info:
email: sr320@uw.edu
twitter: sr320
phone: 206-866-5141
office: FTR 232
Recommended Textbook
Animal Physiology: from Genes to Organisms. Sherwood, Klandorf and Yancey. 2013 Brooks/Cole
other useful textbooks:
- Vertebrate Endocrinology, Norris. Third Edition. Academic Press
- The Physiology of Fishes. Evans. Second Edition. CRC Press
- Environmental Physiology of Animals, P. Willmer, G. Stone, I. Johnston, 2nd
edition. Blackwell Publishing
Primary learning objectives
- Describe the relationship of genetic information and physiological processes
- Compare and contrast endocrine system in vertebrates and invertebrates
- Describe how organisms obtain information about their environment
- Design and carry-out experiments to effectively evaluate effects of environmental change on aquatic organism physiology
2 exams - 15% each
Weekly Exercises - 12%
Lab Notebook (9) - 3% each (27%)
Research Proposal - 5%
Research Project - 26%
Exams: Content of exams will include (but not limited to) lectures, readings, and laboratory material. If unavailable to take exam, arrangements should be made ahead of time.
Weekly Exercises: Assignments will be available every week (no-makeups)
Lab Notebooks: Electronic notebooks (wiki) documenting activities in lab. Content should accurately document research so that it can be repeated. Essential components (data) from each lab should be obvious. Responsiblity of student to inquire about essential components if needed. Notebook entries must be made within 7 days of lab. 10% point deduction for each day late.
Research Proposal: Sections should include Background, Research Objectives, Methods, Timeline, Expected Results (~1 page total): DUE NOVEMBER 2nd
Research Project: 5% Presentation, 15% Paper [5% Individual Contribution, 5% Draft DUE November 30, 5% Final Draft], 6% Peer Assessment (Group Performance, Presentations)
2 exams - 25% each
Weekly Exercises - 20%
Project Reporting - (4) 20%
Lead Class Discussion - 6%
Peer Assessment - 4%
Project Reporting: Starting November 2nd, you need to provide an update on the progress of point person(s). This should include what occurred, what went well, what did not, in addition to your personal insight. Think of it like being a reporter or blogger. Posts should be made to message board.
*For those students who are registered for 500-level course (graduate students) you will required to submit a manuscript in publication ready format (those taking a lab) or those students taking the lecture only section will be required to maintain a separate blog where they post about the course on a weekly basis.
Slides are available on the Discussion Board, organized by week.
Tentative Schedule of Lecture Topics
Textbook Readings
Lecture 1 - Chapter 1
Lecture 2 - Chapter 2
Lecture 3 - Chapter 3
Lecture 4 - Chapter 15
Lecture 5 - Chapter 11
Several Endocrinology Lectures - Chapter 7
Immune - Chapter 10