James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

TV2102 - 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.

Subject Description

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 and Pathology, Parasitology and Pharmacology . 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 and the techniques that are available to study them. 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 and research methodology are discussed and provide students the skills necessary for the assessment and interpretation of animal population data. The Pathology, Parasitology and Pharmacology identified element explain the basic pathologic processes in animals and describe parasitic diseases of ruminants and horses. Pharmacology provides the students with the principles for pharmacological intervention within the context of veterinary practice. Veterinary Career Development 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

• 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
• describe the diagnosis, pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment and control of parasitic diseases of ruminants and horses
• describe the principles of research methodology with special reference to experimental studies and apply the basic statistical skills needed for the correct analysis and interpretation of experimental studies
• explain how the characteristics of the major group of viruses and bacteria impact on host-pathogen interactions
• identify the normal gross anatomy of the horse, goat, cow, dog and cat through a topographical approach and according to clinical relevance and describe the normal body structure (anatomy) of the mammalian and avian body systems and the embryo development and function (physiology) of the mammalian and avian urinary, reproductive (genital) and endocrine systems

Subject Assessment

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

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  TV2002

Availabilities