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Functional Zoology

EZO30806

Over deze cursus

This course addresses basic skills required for research in functional zoology and related fields. The student is introduced to a range of important experimental and modelling techniques, such as:

  • morphometry;
  • biomechanics;
  • high-speed video analysis of kinematics of moving animals;
  • analysis of stresses and strains of muscle and connective tissue;
  • measurement of work output by muscle fibres;
  • modelling the aerodynamics of animal flight.

For this work, a basic training is given in data analysis and modelling using the engineering software package Matlab as a programming environment. Previous knowledge of Matlab is not required.
The theoretical background is offered in the form of lectures, selected book chapters and articles.
The laboratory work consists of several mini-research projects in which questions have to be formulated, an appropriate experimental protocol has to be designed, an experiment has to be conducted, and data have to be analysed and discussed. Each student delivers a written report or oral presentations of the mini-research projects. The topics that will be addressed include:

  • muscle structure and function;
  • biomaterials and structures;
  • terrestrial locomotion;
  • aerial locomotion;
  • ecomorphology.

Leerresultaten

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

  • use and apply the basic theoretical concepts and techniques used in current functional zoology;
  • select and apply a range of experimental techniques with appropriate practical skills;
  • execute a basic error analysis of measurements;
  • make a mechanistic analysis of animal movement systems;
  • program in Matlab, a state-of-the-art software environment for numerical problems;
  • create analytical and numerical models of time-dependent movement systems in zoology;
  • judge and test the validity of numerical models with experimental outcomes;
  • design and execute mini research projects, including written and oral presentations;
  • organise their own learning processes based on reflection upon the acquisition of new knowledge in the field of functional zoology.

Voorkennis

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety
Assumed Knowledge:
EZO10306/EZO10806 Human and Animal Biology 1 and HAP20306 Human and Animal Biology, part 2;
EZO31306 Vertebrate Structure and Function;
MAT14803 Mathematics 1 + MAT14903 Mathematics 2.
To enable students to check whether they have a sufficient background knowledge in mathematics, a test can be provided.

Bronnen

Aanvullende informatie

  • Studiepunten
    ECTS 6
  • Niveau
    bachelor
Als er nog iets onduidelijk is, kijk even naar de FAQ van Wageningen University.

Aanbod

  • Startdatum

    10 maart 2025

    • Einddatum
      2 mei 2025
    • Periode *
      Period 5
    • Locatie
      Wageningen
    • Voertaal
      Engels
    • Inschrijven tussen
      1 jun, 00:00 - 9 feb 2025
    Inschrijving open
Dit aanbod is voor studenten van Utrecht University