Course Catalogue

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This course provides an overview of anatomical adaptations of a variety of species and considers the physiological and metabolic principles underlying animal nutrition

Weekly lectures supplemented with practicals, tutorials and self-directed study.

Please refer to the current prospectus at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/

This course is offered only to applicants entering direct into Level 2 of the Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) Programme.

Comparative Veterinary Anatomy-1 and Digestive Physiology and Metabolism-1

Coursework Assessments

Coursework assessments may include data interpretation, MCQ, short answer questions or other written exercises (15%).

End of Course Examinations

Written exams in Dec (35%) and April/ May (40%) diet, plus written practical based exam April/May (10%). Components may include DIQs, SAQs and MCQs.

The course aims to

■ introduce basic anatomical and histological terminologies and techniques

■ provide a broad-based knowledge and understanding of the structure and organisation of the mammalian body, stressing the interactions between structural and functional characteristics

■ provide an insight into how different mammalian species have adapted the basic body plan to cope with their environmental and/or lifestyle requirements

■ provide a basic introduction to the functional morphology of other vertebrate classes of veterinary interest

■ develop skills relating to the systematic acquisition of factual information and identify literature related to current research

■ provide an understanding of the underlying science of gastrointestinal physiology and metabolism in animals, covering important metabolic pathways and their biochemical basis, digestive physiology and neural and endocrine control of anabolism and catabolism.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Define the different levels of structural organisation from cells to tissue to organs to body systems and identify these features using a microscope.

2. Describe the organisation of the musculoskeletal system of domesticated animals and selected adaptations in relation to lifestyle.

3. Compare and contrast the basic topographical relationships and functional anatomy of the major organ systems constituting the mammalian body of domesticated animals.

4. Describe the basic body plan of mammals, fish and bird using appropriate anatomical and histological terminologies.

5. Identify anatomical features in selected species through the examination of specimens and the dissection of cadavers.

6. Describe the molecular processes and digestive systems present in common domestic and companion animal and how they function to provide the necessary substrates for cell metabolism.

7. Describe how GI function, digestion, energy partitioning and metabolism are integrated between tissues and regulated by endocrine factors and neural systems

8. Interpret tabular and graphical data given in data interpretation question format.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.