Outline

Overview

Effective metabolic function is critical for animal health and wellbeing. Key concepts include the comparative differences between animals and humans (eg ruminant metabolism), common disruptions in metabolism and endocrine regulation in companion animals, as well as the impact of metabolic dysfunction in animal production systems (eg bovine ketosis and ovine pregnancy toxaemia). This unit of study begins with an introduction to the metabolic processes of cells, tissues and whole animals by examining the structure ie the cytological and histological characteristics, of animal tissues in the physical context of whole animals. An integrated view is explored of the role of hormones in homeostatic control as dynamic metabolic regulators in wellbeing and the consequences of dysregulation. Students will apply knowledge of animal nutrition and animal structure and function to determine the underlying basis of metabolic disease and disorders and, how to alleviate or mitigate the dysfunction. This will be done by utilising an understanding of adaptive metabolism in animals to interpret biochemical data and identify disruptions to metabolism and homeostatic mechanisms. Clinical veterinary medicine examples of disruption to metabolism are used to emphasise normal metabolic processes. Students will develop key skills in microscopy, cytology and histology for broad application in the sciences.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	AVBS2005
Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	VETS1032
Prerequisites ?	AVBS100X or BIOL1XXX
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Knowledge and concepts from BIOL1XX7
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Paul Sheehy, paul.sheehy@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Final Examination Final Examination	55%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Computer based self-tests Canvas quizzes	0%	Ongoing	Variable
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Practical class 1 preparation quiz. Canvas quiz	0%	Week 02 Due date: 11 Mar 2021 at 00:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Practical class 2 preparation discussion board submission Discussion board on Canvas	0%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Mar 2021 at 00:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Practical class 3 preparation quiz Canvas Quiz	0%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Mar 2021 at 00:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
In-semester test (Record+)	Mid Semester Examination Mid Semester Examination	25%	Week 07 Due date: 22 Apr 2021 at 12:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Cytology group assignment Written assignment	20%	Week 08 Due date: 30 Apr 2021 at 23:59	See Canvas for agreed rules
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case study report form submission See Canvas for more details	0%	Week 12 Due date: 28 May 2021 at 23:59	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = Type B final exam ? = Type B in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

Cytology group assignment: This assignment is designed to develop the skills to describe, analyze and identify cells and sub-cellular components in histological slides in the context of veterinary and animal science.
Mid semester examination: A mid-semester examination will be conducted to cover all lecture material up to the date of the examination. Additional details will be provided but the exam will consist of a series of MCQ and short answer questions which is the same format as the final written examination in June.
Final written examination: The final examination will consist of a series of MCQ and short answer questions. This exam will cover all material discussed in lectures and tutorial classes including case study discussions.
Formative assessment: Students will be asked to investigate 3 case studies provided through LMS (Canvas) and answer questions on the case study report forms provided. Please note that one of the short answer examination questions in the June final examination will be based on these cases studies.
Computer based self-tests: These MCQ questions can be revised anytime during the semester and are similar in format to those in the final written examination.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. General introduction; 2. Cytology 1; 3. Cytology 2; 4. Cytology 3	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 02	1. Cytology 4; 2. Cytology 5; 3. Cytology 6	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Microscopy	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Small molecules, energy & biosynthesis 1; 2. Small molecules, energy & biosynthesis 2; 3. Small molecules, energy & biosynthesis 3	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Tissue preparation	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Small molecules, energy & biosynthesis 4; 2. Macromolecules 1; 3. Macromolecules 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Cells	Science laboratory (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Macromolecules 3; 2. Enzyme catalysis; 3. Enzyme kinetics; 4. Metabolism 1	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 06	1. Metabolism 2; 2. Protein metabolism 1; 3. Protein metabolism 2; 4. Revision/summary	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 07	1. Carbohydrate metabolism 1; 2. Carbohydrate metabolism 2; 3. Lipid metabolism 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	1. Lipid metabolism 2; 2. Citric acid cycle; 3. Nitrogen metabolism; 4. Oxidative phosphorylation 1	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 09	1. Oxidative phosphorylation 2; 2. Cellular metabolism in context; 3. Endocrine physiology 1; 4. Endocrine physiology 2	Lecture (4 hr)
Week 10	1. Endocrine physiology 3; 2. Endocrine physiology 4; 3. Endocrine physiology 5	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Diagnostic biochemistry	Science laboratory (1 hr)
Week 11	Endocrine physiology tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Endocrine physiology 6; 2. Endocrine physiology 7	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Cell signaling	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	1. Endocrine revision; 2. Revision and case studies	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Referencing guidelines: The default referencing style recommended is Harvard-Flinders: http://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/content.php?pid=160012&sid=1513431.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. outline the biochemical basis of animal cellular metabolism as it applies to individual cells, tissues and whole animals, with particular focus on companion and production animals
LO2. explain the underlying cellular basis of abnormal metabolism or metabolic disease in animals through a thorough understanding of normal metabolic processes
LO3. interpret biochemical data from biological samples (e.g. analysis of blood and urine or other biological fluids or specimens) to infer metabolic status of an animal and suggest interventions that may facilitate maintenance of homeostasis
LO4. relate the commonly occurring disturbances to a hormones production, or action, to the effect on internal homeostasis
LO5. identify cellular/histological structures on stained histological sections of animal tissues and utilizing an understanding of normal histological tissue preparation and artifacts to identify possible histopathology
LO6. work with colleagues in groups to coordinate the investigation and written reporting of the histological features of a prepared sample.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes are made annually in response to student feedback.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

AVBS2005: Animal Energetics and Homeostasis

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect