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Unit of study_
VETS6104: Foundations of Veterinary Science A
2026 unit information
In this unit, the basic gross anatomy, histology (microscopic anatomy) and physiology of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems of domestic mammals are considered. The dog is used as the main anatomical exemplar, although some comparative anatomical detail, particularly for the digestive system, is included. Clinical material is used both to illustrate normal structure and function, and to provide the anatomical, histological and physiological knowledge that underpins the clinical examination and investigative techniques of these systems, such as auscultation, palpation and haematology. The material in this unit will underpin the acquisition of relevant skills in the unit of study Professional Skills 1A. Examples of disease in animals created by structural abnormalities and dysfunction are used to illustrate the application of this knowledge. This unit will provide a thorough basis for more advanced applied, regional and comparative anatomical and physiological learning in later years of the DVM in paraclinical and clinical disciplines. The body systems studied in this unit provide a framework of the mammalian body that will be further developed in Foundations of Veterinary Science B. Risk assessments are regularly conducted for units that require the completion of compulsory learning activities that may expose students to zoonotic diseases. These assessments aim to identify appropriate risk mitigation controls, such as vaccination against vaccine- preventable zoonoses. Vaccination against Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is an inherent requirement for students enrolling in this unit of study. Students must be vaccinated against Q fever before commencing the unit or no later than week two of the enrolled teaching session. Q fever vaccination is only available in Australia with the vaccination process taking three weeks to complete. Students must also submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration upon enrolment. Students who fail to receive vaccination by the specified deadline and/or submit a Q fever Vaccination Declaration are precluded from practical learning activities and will not be able to satisfactorily complete relevant units of study and/or progress in their course more generally. Please refer to the University’s website https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/q-fever-vaccinations.html for more information on student vaccinations.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 12 |
|
Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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VETS6111 and VETS6113 |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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One semester of study in each of general chemistry, biology and biochemistry Note: Departmental permission required for enrolment |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Define, identify and integrate normal anatomic and histologic structure and physiologic function of the mammalian integument, musculoskeletal, digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems relevant to common veterinary procedures
- LO2. Compare and contrast the important structural and functional components of integument, musculoskeletal, digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems of dogs with common domestic species
- LO3. Integrate understanding of normal anatomic and histologic structure and physiologic function to identify, explain, and predict common disorders of structure and function of integument, musculoskeletal, digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- LO4. Relate the three-dimensional anatomic relationships of anatomic structures in different body regions and apply this to evaluation of gross anatomy and diagnostic imaging
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 ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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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.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.