VNUR20190 Anatomy & Physiology for Vet Nursing II

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module covers the anatomy and physiology of species commonly seen in veterinary practice.

In addition, biochemistry underpinning normal function will be included.

Content: the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the reproductive and urinary systems. Anatomy and physiology of these systems including overall regulation, basic metabolism and basic biochemistry.

Two weeks of the module will focus on exotic animals.

The module includes lectures, practicals, problem classes, conversation classes and self-directed learning.

Pre-practical classes are an important step to prepare students for practicals and should be completed prior to attending at the practical class.

Students are expected to attend at all practicals and the module co-ordinator must be informed if a student cannot attend.

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

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, the student will:
have a greater understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive and urinary systems in veterinary species* and should be able to:
-explain the normal structure and function of these systems
-describe the basic anatomy and physiological concepts of these systems
-identify the major anatomical subdivisions within the the body and their components
-demonstrate anatomical location in a living animal and an anatomical specimen
-explain the physiological mechanisms taught
-explain basic biochemistry underpinning metabolism, fluid balance and nutrition
-appreciate comparative anatomy and physiology
* veterinary species refers to small animals (e.g. dog, cat) and large animals (e.g. horse, cow)

Indicative Module Content:

Comparative anatomy and physiology of the following systems in commonly seen veterinary species and exotics:
-Respiratory system
-Cardiovascular system (including circulation)
-Urogenital systems
-Digestive system of ruminants and non-ruminants.

Basic Biochemistry Principles and those underpinning
-Nutrition, fluid balance and metabolism.
-Problem-based learning

Practicals and ePracticals
-Structure, function and location of the systems covered in the module
-Histology of selected systems covered in the module

Conversation classes
-To discuss a paper on the topics covered in the module

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Conversation Class

2

Practical

10

Specified Learning Activities

2

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Online Learning

6

Total

124

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
22 Lectures

4 practical classes (2 hours each)

4 online epracticals (1 hour each)

4 conversation classes

2 problem based classes (biochemistry)
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

Students cannot be awarded credit for this module if they have already achieved similar educational outcomes in higher, further or secondary education.

Learning Recommendations:

Students should have attended CHEM00020 Introductory Chemistry.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
VET10050 - Comp Topog Anat of Ab & Pelvis, VET20160 - Exotic Species


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Exam (In-person): 1-hour mid-term exam on all content from weeks 1 - 6.
Mix of MCQ and short answer questions.
n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

25

Quizzes/Short Exercises: Complete short quizzes/exercises/reflections online on BrightSpace after each of the 5 practical classes.
n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

15

Exam (In-person): End of term exam.
Part A: 20 MCQs
Part B: Biochemistry Questions: Answer 2 of 3 questions: approx 1-page answer
Part C: Anatomy/Physiology Questions: Answer 3 of 5 questions: approx 1-page answer
n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60


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, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Week 8: Group/Class feedback will be provided to the students on the mid-term exam in week 7. The answers will be given to all of the questions and pointers on where students struggled/lost marks (in general). Personal feedback will be offered to the whole class and those who failed and got D grades will be encouraged to meet with lecturers to learn how to improve their grades. Continuous Assessment During the trimester. Once practical continuous assessments quizzes have been submitted, the answers will be provided to all students who submitted the assessment. This includes answers to longer written questions, so students understand the standard of answer required for the end of term assessment. Individual feedback will be provided on request.

Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Textbook (3rd Edition)
Authors: Victoria Aspinall, Melanie Cappello
Paperback ISBN: 9780702057359

Clinical Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technicians (3rd Edition)
Authors: Thomas Colville, Joanna Bassert
Paperback ISBN: 9780323227933

Pain-Free Biochemistry : An Essential Guide for the Health Sciences
Authors: Paul C. Engel
Paperback ISBN: 9780470060469
Name Role
Professor Alan Baird Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jane Irwin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr David Kilroy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Fiona McCartney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alison Reynolds Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Jane Brennan Tutor
Mr Maurice Kinsella Tutor
Ms Margot Labberté Tutor
Ms Catherine McCarney Tutor
Mr John Wyatt Tutor