VET30400 Digestive physiology and integrated metabolism

Academic Year 2022/2023

Most of the organic material in the feed consumed by animals consists of macromolecules which must be broken down into smaller molecules before they can be utilised to maintain energy-requiring processes or serve as building blocks for cells and tissues. This module will describe the structure/function relationships and metabolic and regulatory mechanisms controlling the function of GI tract, including liver and pancreas, in animals of veterinary importance including farm animal species as well as the dog and cat. Specific clinical examples (starvation, overfeeding) will be used to describe the role of intermediatory metabolism.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module the student should be able to:Explain the function of gastrointestinal tracts and their associated glands in domestic species. Relate the gross and microscopic structure of the GI tract to function. Explain the extrinsic and intrinsic regulation of gastrointestinal function, including adaptation to nutritional, evolutionary and ecological factors.Describe the metabolic and regulatory mechanisms involved in controlling the function of the GI tract.Describe the post-absorptive fate of nutrients.Demonstrate the ability to apply basic knowledge of intermediary metabolism to clinical veterinary scenarios.Demonstrate the ability to apply basic knowledge of digestive structure and function to clinical veterinary scenarios.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

22
Practical

12
Specified Learning Activities

6
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; tutorials; practicals 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students attending this module should have a strong foundation in biological sciences


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
VET30330 - Cells, Tissues, Organs & Dev, VET30440 - Abdomen & pelvis anatomy

Additional Information:
Students require these modules or must demonstrate equivalent prior learning.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment: PhysioEx Week 9 n/a Other No

5
Examination: Short Answer Essay Exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Other No

75
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Mid Semester MCQ Unspecified n/a Other No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual student feedback is organised within 2 weeks of each assessment

Name Role
Professor Alan Baird Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Deirdre Campion Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Daniel Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jane Irwin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Fiona McCartney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Fiona Mccarthy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Hannah M Brown Tutor
Dr Gina Duggan Tutor
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Elise O'Byrne-White Tutor
Ms Michelle Purcell Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor