We provide lectures about comparative physiology for Hungarian BSc Biology students, where they are introduced to the basic mechanisms and characteristics of different organ systems of healthy animals, thus complementing their anatomy and histology knowledge. During the course students learn about the fundamental physiological phenomena on molecular, cellular and on macroscopic levels. These processes work in a strongly integrated and interconnected way thus maintaining the homeostasis of the animals, the development of the organisms and alloving the adaptation to the environment.
The subject mainly refers to processes in mammals, which show a great similarity – often an equivalence – with the physiology of humans. Although the subject discusses individual physiological phenomena primarily from the mammalian and human aspect, Biology students should get to know the main features of specific animals from lower taxonomic levels mainly through specific examples.
In order to deepen the provided knowledge and to serve it in a more practical form, the lessons are held in an interactive way where students – in accordance with their level of knowledge and interest – can join in a discussion about specific parts of the curriculum. In addition to the seminar form of the lectures students also have an opportunity to learn how to process and present relevant literature.
With the acquired knowledge students get acquainted with the structure of the animal body and its complicated functions which are essential for successfully conducting experiments on specific animals or doing field work.
