Skip to main content
Unit of study_

AVBS2007: Animal Structure and Function

2024 unit information

Animals kept for food and companionship, are diverse and beautifully complex. In this Unit, you will develop an understanding of the structure and function of domestic animals with an emphasis on the systems relevant to animal scientists. The unit begins with the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals cell and basic tissue structure and an overview of homeostatic control systems. This is followed by a more in-depth study of the other body systems. An understanding of the normal functioning of these systems allows identification of how these systems can be influenced by animal management and the animals' environment. At the completion of this unit you will develop; a rich understanding of the relationships between body systems and structure, broad skills of critical thinking and communication, appreciating the links between structure and function and their relevance to abnormal function and animal disease that will be further developed in applied studies in animal nutrition, animal behaviour, welfare and ethics and animal reproduction. In this unit, there is a risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Vaccination against Q fever is a requirement to attend anatomy practical classes on campus. In exceptional circumstances where this is not practical, specific Personal Protective Equipment must be utilised.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations

Code AVBS2007
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
AVBS100X or BIOL1XXX
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
ANSC3103 or ANSC3104
Assumed knowledge:
? 
None

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

  • LO1. Explain and apply appropriate terminology.
  • LO2. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
  • LO3. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the digestive system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis,
  • LO4. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the cardio-respiratory system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
  • LO5. Describe the basic anatomy of the nervous system and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
  • LO6. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the urogenital system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
  • LO7. Describe the basic endocrine control of the reproductive system and the important events leading to and during pregnancy.
  • LO8. Describe the basic mechanisms of the immune system, including responses to infection and vaccination.
  • LO9. Work co-operatively as part of a group and communicate results in written and/or oral form.
  • LO10. Collate, analyse and evaluate animal research articles and present findings in an appropriate written and/or oral form.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Remote

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.