Syllabus (ZOOLOGY)

Course Type: ME-6

Semester: 5

Course Code: BZOOMEB35C

Course Title: Biochemistry and Physiology, Biodiversity & Conservation

(L-P-Tu): 2-2-0

Credit: 4

Practical/Theory: Combined

Course Objective:

Learning Outcome: Course Outcomes: Course outcome: Students who complete this course will have gained a solid foundation in the basic Biochemistry and physiological processes and are also expected to be having profound knowledge on the importance of biodiversity and ecosy

Biochemistry and Physiology, Biodiversity & Conservation

Course objective: Biochemistry is the wing of biology that deals with the basic bio-molecules and their structure and function. Here an emphasis has been made so that the students can obtain a basic understanding of chemical solutions, metabolic processes of bio-molecules, enzymes and Bioenergetics. Furthermore, this paper deals with Physiology which is the study of the structural and functional plans found in animals. Understanding how animals’ function on all levels as a whole integrated organism, from cells to tissues to organs, can be aided by knowledge gained through the study of animal physiology. Clarifying the functions of all cells in all organs and all animals in relation to the neurological, respiratory, circulatory, muscular systems etc. falls under the purview of the scientific discipline known as physiology.

The other half of this paper deals with Biodiversity and Conservation. Due to significant loss of biodiversity and deterioration of natural ecosystems, there is little room for argument that all life on Earth is currently in jeopardy. As a result, this course is available to all graduate students, regardless of their academic expertise, in order to make them aware of and sensitize them to this survival dilemma.

Theory=2 credits

Group A

Biochemistry and Physiology

1. Basic concept of pH, normality, morality, molality, osmolality. 1.1 Protein, Carbohydrates and Lipid metabolism 1.2. Proteins: Protein folding 1.3. Carbohydrates: Glycolysis, Glycogenolysis, Gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle 1.4. Lipids: β oxidation 1.5. Amino-acid metabolism: Urea cycle.

2. Enzymology: 2.1. Enzyme nomenclature 2.2. Enzyme action. 2.3. Regulation of enzyme activity. 2.4. Co-enzymes and Isoenzymes.

3. Bioenergetics: Thermodynamic principles and steady-state conditions of living organism, Energy production and utilization, Electron transfer and oxidative phosphorylation.

1. 4. Free radicals and antioxidants.
2. Physiology of Respiration

Mechanism of Respiration, Respiratory volumes and capacities, transport of Oxygen and Carbon dioxide in blood, Dissociation curves and the factors influencing it

Physiology of Circulation

Composition and constituents of blood, Blood groups and Rh factor, Factors and mechanisms of coagulation, Structure of heart, Origin and conduction of the cardiac impulse and Cardiac cycle

3. Physiology of Excretion

Structure of nephron and urine formation, Counter current mechanism

4. Physiology of Nerve and Muscles

Structure of neuron, conduction of nerve impulse, Synaptic transmission, Neurotransmittors .Types of muscles and mechanism of contraction of skeletal muscles, Effects of exercise on muscles

Group B:

Biodiversity & Conservation

1. Introduction to Biodiversity:

1. 1. Concept
   2. Types of biodiversity
   3. Biodiversity and human welfare
   4. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
   5. Megadiversity countries
   6. Biodiversity hotspots with special reference to India.

2. Types of conservation:

1. In-situ conservation-and Ex situ conservation of animals conserving ecosystem function and management.
2. Protected area -Sanctuary, National Park, Biosphere reserve, Ramsar site and World heritage site in India with special reference to West Bengal.
3. Concept of Core Zone, Buffer Zone.
4. Bioindicators for biodiversity monitoring.

3. Concept of wildlife:

1. Introduction
2. Wildlife heritage of India
3. Reasons for wildlife depletion in Indian context.
4. Concept of threatened fauna
5. Red data book
6. IUCN categories
7. Key stone, flagship and umbrella species
8. Tiger reserves in India, Management challenges in Tiger reserve.
9. Human-animal conflict with special reference to elephant migration, causes and concern

5. Management planning of wild life in protected areas:

1. Estimation of carrying capacity
2. Eco tourism / wild life tourism in forests
3. Concept of climax persistence
4. Ecology of perturbance.

Practical- 2 Credits

• Colorimetric / Spectrophotometric estimation of Glucose, RNA, DNA and Proteins.
• Demonstration of proteins separation by SDS-PAGE. (Hands on / Virtual mode of learning).
• Measurement of blood pressure using sphygmomanometer.
• Study of permanent slides of Lungs, Kidney, Heart, Nervous tissue, and Spinal Cord.
• Estimation of blood group.
• Determination of requisite size of quadrat by species area curve method.
• Visit to Wild life Sanctuary/Biodiversity Park/National Park/ reserves of the biosphere/ Sea cost to study behavioural activities of animals and prepare a short report.