James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

TV2001 - Integrated Animal Structure and Function 1

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

Subject Description

This subject, together with Integrated Animal Structure and Function - 2, makes up the second level of the BVSc degree program and the first of three years of the integrated veterinary science curriculum. 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 modules. The identified elements are: Structure and Function; Function and Agents of Disease; Animal Production, Management, Welfare, Ethics and Behaviour; Veterinary Career Development. The Structure and Function identified element will provide students with a solid understanding of the diversity of living things, the structure and function of and animals, and the techniques that are available to study them within the context of veterinary practice. The focus of the Function and Agents of Disease identified element is to enable students to understand dysfunction and disease processes including their molecular and cellular basis and the diversity of causative organisms. Animal Production, Management, Welfare, Ethics and Behaviour will provide grounding in aspects of pasture science with a focus on tropical environments and grazing land management, the nutritional physiology and metabolic processes of the gastrointestinal tract in domestic animals and animal welfare issues relevant to an animal's physiological and psychological well-being, and to recognise welfare, ethical and legal implications of animal use practices. 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 key structural, metabolic and growth features of parasites, and fundamentals of host pathogen interactions
• describe and discuss the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their application to the clinical use of drugs in veterinary medicine
• describe the biochemistry and metabolic pathways relevant to the understanding and treatment of Veterinary disease processes
• examine non-verbal communication and professional behaviour and appraise consultation skills
• explain the fundamentals of pastures sciences with a focus on tropical environments and also grazing land management
• describe and apply the craft of basic plant identification and assembly and presentation of a specific pasture plant herbarium
• describe the nutritional physiology and metabolic processes of the gastrointestinal tract in domestic animals
• discuss animal welfare issues relevant to an animal's physiological and psychological well- being, and to recognise welfare, ethical and legal implications of animal use practices for different species in different situations
• identify and describe the normal body structure (anatomy and histology), development (embryology) and function (physiology) of the mammalian nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive systems and special senses

Subject Assessment

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

Note that 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.

Special Assessment Requirements

Attend all practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and field trips, which are compulsory. Attempt all summative on-course assessment activities and achieve a satisfactory standard in each hurdle. Achieve a percentage of 50% to pass the end-of-semester examination. A minimum of 50% for each Identified Element must be achieved. Achieve a total of 50% to pass the subject (combined on-course and exam marks).

Availabilities