Animal Physiology 4: Temperature, heat and water balance

Understanding Animal Physiology: How Animals Function

Delve into the fascinating world of animal physiology and discover the intricate mechanisms that keep living creatures alive. This course explores how animals work, examining them as complex, integrated systems – essentially, biological machines. We'll investigate the driving forces behind animal life, how different systems interact, and the physical and chemical limitations governing their function.

This course builds upon foundational knowledge of animal physiology, focusing on the organism as a whole. You'll learn how various components collaborate to maintain life, the coordination of these processes, and the diverse, often ingenious, solutions animals have evolved to overcome common physiological challenges.

Prerequisites & Series Context:

This is the fourth course in a comprehensive series designed to provide a full semester's worth of animal physiology education. We highly recommend completing the preceding courses:

• [Animal Physiology 1: Respiration and Gas Exchange](Animal Physiology 1. Respiration and Gas Exchange)
• [Animal Physiology 2: Blood and Circulation](Animal Physiology 2. Blood and Circulation)
• [Animal Physiology 3: Digestion and Metabolism](Animal Physiology 3. Digestion and Metabolism)

This course is ideal for:

• Upper-division biology students
• Graduate students
• Practicing professionals seeking a refresher in animal physiology

Course Background:

We assume a solid foundation in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology, typical of a senior biology student. The course content is delivered through approximately six hours of video clips, organized into seven engaging lectures. Explore the fundamental principles of animal physiology and gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable complexity of life.