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VET20080

Academic Year 2024/2025

Integrated Physiological Communication (VET20080)

Subject:
Veterinary Medicine
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Veterinary Medicine
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Daniel Crean
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module integrates and develops understanding of how cell-cell and tissue communication is important to animals of veterinary significance. The endocrine system is used as an exemplar of coordinated signalling which incorporates feedback patterns, hormones and hormone receptors, cellular responses and disturbed function (pathologies are used to illustrate selected points).This module also develops the principles of signalling by endogenous substances to the actions of exogenous molecules (drugs, toxins, xenobiotics). This way of thinking is developed into an introduction of pharmacology and specifically, how normal signalling systems lend themselves to regulation by drugs (pharmcodynamics).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1) Compare and contrast cell signalling systems (neuronal, humoral, circulating and immune).
2) Review endocrine principles and interpret the role(s) of i) adrenal glucocorticoids ii) thyroid hormones iii) growth hormone using veterinary examples.
3) Describe endocrine control of metabolism (carbohydrates/lipid metabolism, tissue and bone growth and calcium balance) in domestic species.
4) Develop, with examples, an awareness of how xenobiotics (drugs) can be used both as a tool with which to study normal physiological function and also as therapeutic agents for cancer, central nervous system and intestinal disease treatment in veterinary medicine.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

2
Autonomous Student Learning

99
Lectures

18
Small Group

4
Computer Aided Lab

6
Total

129

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning;
group work;
lectures;
critical writing;
reflective learning;
lab/studio work;
enquiry & problem-based learning;
discussions / debates

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
VET10080 - Cell and Whole Body Metabolism

Incompatibles:
VET30380 - Homeostasis & fluid balance


 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: PhysioEx Week 3, Week 4, Week 5 Other No

10

 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Study group Week 6, Week 7, Week 8 Other No

15

 Yes
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Vascular rings Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 Other No

10

 Yes
Exam (In-person): 2 hour End of Trimester Exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Other No

65

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback from continuous assessments will be relayed to the class as a group. Students will also be given the option to contact the module coordinator for specific individual feedback as required.

Name Role
Prof. Emeritus Alan Baird Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor David Brayden Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Daniel Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Fiona McCartney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alison Reynolds Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sinead Ryan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Deirdre Campion Tutor
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Margot Labberté Tutor
Ms Michelle Purcell Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor
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