Animal and Plant Physiology 15 credits

About the course

The course is divided into two parts, Animal Physiology 7.5 credits and Plant Physiology 7.5 credits.

Animal Physiology:

Module 1, theory and group work 6 credits

The animal physiology section begins with an overview of the diversity of the animal world, followed by analysis of the life processes of multicellular animals, mainly at the level of the organism. The course will provide basic knowledge about the development and composition of organs and organ systems within the animal world, illustrated by a comparison between mammals and various selected animal groups. These may constitute examples of representative adaptations of the animals and their organ systems to their typical living conditions. Connections between cellular mechanisms, form, function and the organism's environment are emphasized.

Module 2, laboratories, studies of histological sections and theme work concerning physiological principles and adaptations 1.5 credits

In the practical sessions, the student becomes familiar with the anatomy and physiology of humans and selected laboratory animals. The part is performed individually or in a group.

Plant Physiology:

Module 3, theory 5 credits

The plant physiology theory focuses on what is unique in plants and in plant's cells, including growth, anatomy, differentiation, metabolism, photosynthesis, stress physiology and flowering. Emphasis is given to cell growth, synthesis, cell stretching, three genome, gene regulation, plant hormones and natural products. In addition, plant model systems, transformation methods, in vitro culture of plants, tissue-specific expression, and databases relevant to plant biotechnology will be discussed. During the course, various organizational levels will be integrated, from the molecular to ecosystem function (e.g. biotic interactions, herbivory, plant chemistry, balance between growth and defense and the use of plants as detectors for e.g. for chemicals.

Module 4, laboratories, written work, group discussion and oral presentation of a topic within the scope of the course content. 2.5 credits

In the practical aspects (2.5 credits), training in the working methods of plant physiology is provided.

Show syllabus

Apply

Spring 2026
- Animal and Plant Physiology
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  VT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  24 March 2026
  
  Ends
  7 June 2026
  
  Number of credits
  15 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-51528
  
  Eligibility 20 ECTS from finished courses in Chemistry, including at least 5 ECTS in Biochemistry, or alternatively, 20 ECTS from a combination of finished courses in Chemistry and Physics and/or Mathematics, including at least 5 ECTS in Biochemistry; 30 ECTS from finished courses in Biology, these credits must contain Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Cell Biology.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 October 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 38,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 38,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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