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VET30400

Academic Year 2025/2026

Digestive physiology and integrated metabolism (VET30400)

Subject:
Veterinary Medicine
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Veterinary Medicine
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Colm Reid
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

*** Please check and be aware if this module is a prerequisite (Academic Regulation 3.27(a)) for any future modules.

About this Module

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
Specified Learning Activities

6
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Tutorial

22
Practical

12
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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Short Answer essay and MCQ exam. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Other No
75
 No
Exam (Online): Mid trimester MCQ. Week 9 Other No
20
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Assignment: Physio Ex. Week 9 Other No
5
 No

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 Deirdre Campion Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Daniel Crean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jane Irwin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Gina Duggan Tutor
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Fri 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 33 Fri 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 30, 33 Tues 14:00 - 15:50
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