TV2002 - Integrated Animal Structure and Function 2

Only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and the Bachelor of Veterinary Science IHCAP programs.

This subject, which together with Integrated Animal Structure and Function - 1, makes up the second level of the BVSc degree program. The integrated curriculum is structured around a number of overlapping Themes that combine knowledge, skills and attitudes, which are then delivered through a series of four identified elements. The Identified Elements are: Structure and Function; Agents of Disease and Defence; Pathology and Parasitology and Veterinary Career Development. In this subject the Structure and Function identified element will provide students with a solid understanding of the diversity of living things, the structure and function of animals including the basis for pharmacological intervention, and the techniques that are available to study them within the context of veterinary practice. The focus of the Agents of Disease and Defence identified element is to enable students to understand disease processes including their molecular and cellular basis, animal defence mechanisms, the diversity of causative organisms and their diagnosis. The principles of epidemiology are discussed and provide students the skills necessary for the assessment and interpretation of animal population data. The Pathology and Parasitology identified element explain the basic pathologic processes in animals and describe parasitic diseases of ruminants and horses. The Veterinary Career Development identified element will provide students with the skills necessary to practice as a veterinarian in our changing world and to be able to continually access and use information as knowledge progresses.

Learning Outcomes

• identify and describe the normal body structure (anatomy and histology), development (embryology) and function (physiology) of the mammalian musculoskeletal and nervous systems;
• apply the basic concepts of the immune system in states of both health and disease and discuss the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system;
• explain the basic pathologic processes in animals including degeneration and necrosis, inflammation, vascular alterations and growth disturbances; and discuss the common disorders of the haematopoietic system. Demonstrate knowledge of basic pathological terminology;
• describe the principles of epidemiology with special reference to the study and understanding of the related definitions and terminology and apply the basic skills necessary for the assessment and interpretation of animal population data;
• employ advanced communication skills to conduct consultations; develop negotiation skills and explore the work-life balance concept;
• discuss major classes of therapeutic agents, their mechanisms of action, adverse effects and clinical application in veterinary medicine and apply principles of drug and/or poison actions including pharmacokinetics (processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination), and pharmacodynamics (characterisation of effects on body systems or pathogens);
• discuss the principles of molecular biology that underpin the processes of replication, transcription and translation of genetic material and the application of these principles through the use of molecular tools such as PCR;
• apply the knowledge of the characteristics of viruses, bacteria and fungi to conventional and molecular diagnosis as well as management of animal infectious diseases;
• explain the impact of viruses on host-pathogen interactions;
• describe the diagnosis, pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment and control of parasitic diseases of ruminants and horses.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• On Course Assessment - (40%) - Group & Individual.

Special Assessment Requirements

Attend practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and field trips that are compulsory. Attempt all and achieve a minimum of 50% across all combined summative on-course assessment activities and a satisfactory standard in each identified hurdle. Achieve a percentage of 50% plus 1 SEM (Standard Error of Measurement) to pass the end of semester examinations. A minimum of 50% for each Identified Element must also be achieved.

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.