ANSC30150
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Academic Year 2025/2026
Animal Physiology II (ANSC30150)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Kieran Meade
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : Blended
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This is a module for students with a keen interest in the science underpinning livestock health from a molecular, cellular, tissue and systems perspective. Optimal physiological function is a key enabling principle of sustainable animal production systems. \ \ The purpose of this module is to build on the knowledge acquired in the preceding Animal Physiology I Module; specifically concentrating on the physiological systems that support the development of optimal function, growth and health. \ \ The module content begins with exploring the concept of homeostasis and it's relevance across physiological systems. Growth and lactation physiology will then be outlined in detail. A specific focus of the module will include the evolution of the immune system, before outlining the main cellular and molecular components of the innate and adaptive immune response. Critical to optimal health is optimal immune function at mucosal surfaces and the module will outline the major components of mucosal immunity, particularly as they relate to the developing immune system in the neonate and via their interactions with the microbiome. Tissue specific aspects of immune function of relevant to optimal physiological function (e.g. mammary gland, respiratory tract, digestive tract and reproductive tract) will be included. Other integrated components including the lymphatic and the endocrine systems are also discussed.\ \ A principle focus of the module will be on the establishment of core principles of immunity, and preparing students to relate dysregulation of these processes to specific diseases in subsequent modules. \ \ This module is a 7 week module and will be examined during the Spring Break in March.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should have a deep systems level understanding of the integrated nature of cellular functions that support the establishment and maintenance of health in livestock.\ \ Students should be able to:\ 1. Explain the concept of homeostasis, and understand how it is established and maintained (including the role of the lymphatic system)\ 2. Describe the role of nutrient metabolism in cell growth and immune function (including the role of the endocrine system in growth)\ 3. Appreciate the role of the microbiome in health and disease\ 4. Understand the relevance of the evolution of the immune system and how the physiology of modern livestock has changed \ 5. Discuss specific properties and functions of the cells and major molecular components of the immune system, as well as elaborate the process of inflammation\ 6. Explain the relevance of systemic and local immunity to livestock diseases of relevance\ 7. Discuss the differences between innate and adaptive immunity and explain the principal concepts of vaccination.\
Indicative Module Content:
- Introduction to homeostasis and it's relevance across physiological systems and in relation to resilience\
- Endocrinology - hormone signaling and mechanisms of action\
- Growth physiology and nutrient partitioning\
- Lactation physiology\
- Evolution of the immune system and how selection pressures have influenced the physiology of modern livestock\
- Cellular and molecular components of the innate and adaptive immune system\
- Mucosal immunity\
- Ontogeny and lifetime immunity (including critical periods like weaning and in the transition cow)\
- Inflammation and pathophysiology \
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 |
| Laboratories | 0 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 71 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 101 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Learning approaches used in this module include lectures incorporating short animations, peer and group work and in class polling.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:\
If you do not have the required module listed but have passed an equivalent module, please contact the module co-ordinator.
Learning Recommendations:\
ANSC30170
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:\ ANSC30170 - Animal Physiology I\ \ Incompatibles:\ ANAT20040 - Neurosciences, MDSA20040 - Neurosciences\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): Terminal MCQ exam (March Spring Exam) consisting of 80 questions. Negative marking does not apply. | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 60 | No |
| Participation in Learning Activities: Poll everywhere will be used to engage student in in-class group activities | Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 15 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: MCQ in-class consisting of 40 MCQ questions | Week 5 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 | No |
\
Carry forward of passed components
Yes
\
What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Summer | Yes - 2 Hour |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment\ • Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\ • Peer review activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Feedback from Module Coordinator will be delivered pre -assessment on group projects in-class and out of class. Rubrics are made available for the projects. Group projects are presented to peers and feedback from peers is collated. Post assessment feedback will be delivered online through the VLE. Students may request private meeting to discuss progress.
Reading List
Physiology of Domestic Animals: Sjaestad, Hove & Sand, Scandinavian Veterinary Press\ Principles of Anatomy & Physiology (14th Edition): : Tortora & Derrickson, Wiley. \ Veterinary Immunology: An Introduction by Ian R. Tizard\
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Professor Trudee Fair | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Stafford Vigors | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Thurs 10:00 - 12:50 |
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 | Tues 10:00 - 12:50 |