TV1103 - Fundamentals of Veterinary Science

Available to BVSc students only

This subject follows on from Introductory Veterinary Science, AG1007, TV1102 and CH1001. The aim of the subject is to provide students with the fundamental principles of management and production in the major livestock species and species commonly aquacultured in Australia. This includes grazing land management; animal welfare and ethics; the foundations of inheritance and principles underlying genetics testing and the use of chemistry in the wider scientific context and development. This subject is also the first of three subjects in the BVSc programme which are designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the structure and function of animals, and the techniques that are available to study them. The focus will be on animal embryology, veterinary anatomy, histology and physiology. These basic sciences underpin 'normal' animal function. Knowledge of normal structure function is required for the understanding of diseases and disease processes and their management. Included in this subject are Personal and Professional veterinary career development workshops (as part of the Veterinary Career Development program) which aim to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to practice as a veterinarian in our changing world and to equip them with the skills to succeed in this course.

Learning Outcomes

• describe how agronomic and environmental influences impact on grazing animal production;
• explain and apply the principals of physical chemistry in the wider scientific context, particularly in the biological, biomedical, earth and environmental sciences;
• set goals, examine non-verbal communication and develop conflict management and time management skills;
• identify, describe, discuss, demonstrate and apply foundational quantitative animal genetic concepts, inherited genetic disorders, animal biotechnology and rate of genetic progress in animal breeding programmes;
• discuss, outline, define and compare the fundamental principles of management and production in the major livestock species and species commonly aquacultured in Australia;
• discuss the relationship between the organisational levels of the animal body from the cellular to the organ level;
• describe the structure of proteins and discuss their basic roles in the animal body;
• identify and describe the development, structure (histology and anatomy) and function (physiology) of the animal musculoskeletal and nervous systems;
• acquire and model foundation level animal dissection techniques;
• safely handle a wide variety of companion animal and livestock species and develop basic skills in in examination of healthy animals;
• describe aspects of the welfare, ethics and ethical implications of the use of animals for food and fibre production, sport, companionship, entertainment and research and display a desire to promote animal welfare.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Examination - In class - (50%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (%) - Individual.

Special Assessment Requirements

Attendance at practical classes and workshops/tutorials is compulsory. A pass standard in Animal Production Systems, Anatomy and Physiology is required. A pass standard in safety competencies for practical animal handling is required.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.