ANSC30170
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Academic Year 2025/2026
Animal Physiology I (ANSC30170)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Trudee Fair
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module is for students interested in the physiology (a study of the integrated structure and function of all systems of the body) of domesticated animals. \ The purpose of this module is to give students foundation knowledge of cell and tissue types, organization and function. Specific emphasis is placed on the physiology of homeostasis, the nervous system and the special senses, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the urinary system and lactation. Consideration is given to the overarching relationships between structure and function and the regulating mechanisms that maintain the internal environment of the body (homeostasis).
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to: \ Explain the relationship between the structure and function of various tissues in animals\ Explain the function and regulation of body organs at a cellular and molecular level\ Discuss the mechanisms by which molecules are transported in to, out of and through cells\ Describe the structure and functions of the nervous system and the special senses and explain how animals perceive their internal and external environment and apply their knowledge to explain how the body receives, interprets and acts on sensory stimuli.\ Explain the structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems and demonstrate an advanced understanding of how the molecular, physiological, metabolic and endocrine factors regulating these basic physiological processes contribute to homeostasis in farm animals\ Explain the development of the mammary glands during different physiological stages; Discuss the regulation of milk synthesis; Discuss the comparative aspects of lactation in domestic animals.\ \ On completion of this module students should be able to: Analyze, interpret, and summarize information on a systems physiology topic.
Indicative Module Content:
Cellular level of organization:\ Components of the cell: cytoplasm and nuclear organelles.\ Cell membrane: structure & function, mechanisms of membrane transport and cell to cell communication\ \ Tissue level of organization:\ Tissue Types: Structure, function, location and properties of Epithelial, Connective, Muscle and Nervous tissues\ Structure, function, development and regulation of Skin, Cartilage, Bone, Muscle, Blood, \ \ Systems: \ Nervous system and the special senses: Structure, function and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous system and the special senses; vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch. \ Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Systems: Structure, function and integrated physiology of the tissues and organs of these systems\ Lactation: Mammary gland development, structure and regulation of milk production\ \ Adaptation of tissues and systems by various animals species.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 36 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 70 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 106 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures will be delivered face to face in the classroom. \ The content will be delivered primarily by powerpoint presentation; key concepts will be further elaborated using animations, videos, blackboard and chalk drawing and discussion in class. Students will have opportunities for in class discussion, debate and presentations and are encouraged to reflect on the course content and to ask questions.\ Handouts will be available in advance of each lecture, whereas, pre-recorded material will be available following delivery of the relevant live lectures.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:\
Students should have taken a basic course in Biology before attempting this module.
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
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): Multiple Choice Questionnaire: End of Semester Multiple Choice Questionnaire, including Matching Set questions and labelled diagrams, approximately 75 questions. | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 | No |
| Exam (In-person): Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): In semester Multiple Choice Questionnaire, including approximately 30 questions comprised of single and Matching Set questions and label the diagram. | Week 9 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 | No |
| Participation in Learning Activities: Continuous Assessment: Classroom activities, including online short quizzes, crosswords, group activities and oral reports. The activities can be compiled as a revision workbook at the end of term. | Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Spring | 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\ • Online automated feedback\ • Self-assessment activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Feedback is delivered through different approaches including feedback in class, or at student's request, out of class in a private meeting. In term assessment feedback will be communicated online through BrightSpace.
Reading List
Physiology of Domestic Animals: Sjaestad, Hove & Sand, Scandinavian Veterinary Press\ Principles of Anatomy & Physiology (14th Edition) Tortora & Derrickson, Wiley. (Earlier editions by Tortora and Grabowski are also fine).\ \
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.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Thurs 09:00 - 09:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Wed 09:00 - 10:50 |