Outline

Overview

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. 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

Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	One semester of study in each of general chemistry, biology and biochemistry Note: Departmental permission required for enrolment
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Marianne Keller, marianne.keller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Glenn Shea, glenn.shea@sydney.edu.au
	Caroline Marschner, caroline.marschner@sydney.edu.au
	Penelope Hansen, penny.dobson@sydney.edu.au
	Marianne Keller, marianne.keller@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Susan Hemsley, susan.hemsley@sydney.edu.au
	Athena Ktenas, athena.ktenas@sydney.edu.au
	Eva Tang, eva.tang@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	End of semester exam - Theory Written Exam	55%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Practical Class Quizzes Online quizzes see Canvas for dates	15%	Multiple weeks	Each quiz is 15 mins, up to 10 quizzes
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	In class test Written test	5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2025 at 10:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	In semester test Written test	25%	Week 07 Due date: 09 Apr 2025 at 08:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

One small in class quiz (5%) and one in semester test (25%) will be held in class time. Each test, which will cover all material taught in the unit up to the test time.
There will be up to 10 Practical Class Quizzes held at various times throughout the semester. See Canvas for details.
There is a final theory examination for the unit of study, which will cover the entire unit including practical class content. This will be a two-hour written exam worth 55% of the final mark.

NOTE: If a second replacement final exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Note: An overall result of >50% is required to pass this unit of study.

All assessments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Time, unless an approved Special Consideration application or an academic plan with an adjusted submission date has been granted.

Attendance and class requirements

DVM students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes and activities to achieve learning outcomes. This includes arriving on time and staying for the duration of each class.

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

In accordance with the DVM attendance provisions, DVM students are required to complete all Required Learning Activities (RLA’s) and assessment tasks. If absent for any reason, students must notify the UOSC and apply for a special consideration at the earliest opportunity.

Classes identified as a RLA will be available on the Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

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 guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with the University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: 1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. 2) 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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to homeostasis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introdcution to Histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anatomy 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology of Epithelia and Glandular tissue	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Dissection	Practical (2 hr)
	Introduction to body water	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Physiology flipped tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Introduction to microscopy	Practical (1 hr)
	SKeletal Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Muscle Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology of Muscle, ligaments and tendons	Lecture (1 hr)
	Muscle Physiology 1 excitable cells	Lecture (1 hr)
	Imaging Modalities and Introduction to Imaging	Online class (1 hr)
Week 02	Histology of connective tissue, cartilage and bone	Lecture (1 hr)
	Extrinsic Pectoral Muscles Anatomy Practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Joints	Lecture (1 hr)
	Proximal Pectoral Limb Anatomy Practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Hip Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology of Epithelia, glandular tissue and muscle	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Stifle	Lecture (1 hr)
	Proximal Pelvic Limb Anatomy Practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Distal Pelvic Limb Anatomy Practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Muscle Physiology 2 contraction	Lecture (1 hr)
	Oral Cavity Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anatomy Distal Limb Tutorial	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Histology of Connective tissue, cartilage and bone	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Dentition	Lecture (1 hr)
	Abdominal Wall, Inguinal Canal, Diaphragm Anatomy Practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Salivary Glands/Pharynx	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anatomy Spine	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Muscle Physiology Tutorial	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology Mouth Teeth Oesophagus	Lecture (1 hr)
	Oesophagus, Monogastric stomach anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ruminant/complex stomach anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Limb and Spine Radiology	Online class (1 hr)
Week 05	GIT Physiology motility and control	Lecture (1 hr)
	Head and Neck (L&P), Dentition (GIT) Anatomy Practical	Practical (2 hr)
	GIT Physiology secretion and absorption	Lecture (1 hr)
	Head and Neck (GIT) Anatomy Practical	Practical (2 hr)
	Integrated Histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Carnivore anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Liver and Pancreas	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ox and pig anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Histology Gastrointestinal tract	Lecture (1 hr)
	GIT Carnivore	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology Mouth Teeth Oesophagus	Practical (2 hr)
	GIT Physiology fermentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology Liver and pancreas	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Horse Intestine	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ox and pig intestine	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology Gastrointestinal tract	Practical (2 hr)
	Histology liver and pancreas	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular anatomy 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Case Based tutorial GIT	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Spine tutorial	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 08	Cardiovascular Anatomy 2 Heart	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Liver, Pancreas and Horse GIT	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular Physiology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Heart	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular Anatomy 3 Embryology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Vessels of the thorax	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular Anatomy 4 GIT	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Cardiovascular histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular Anatomy 5 Lymphatics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Haematology 1 and 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Test feedback session	Lecture (1 hr)
	Radiology Head and Abdomen	Online class (2 hr)
Week 10	Cardiovascular Physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Vessels of the abdomen	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular Physiology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Haematology	Practical (2 hr)
	Cardiovascular Anatomy 6 Limbs	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory anatomy 1 and 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Case Based Tutorial Cardiovascular	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Respiratory Physiology 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Vessels of the Pelvis and hind limb	Practical (2 hr)
	Respiratory Histology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Vessels of the forelimb	Practical (2 hr)
	Respiratory Anatomy3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiaratory physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular Anatomy 7 head and neck	Practical (2 hr)
	Respiratory Anatomy 4	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Respiratory Histology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Vessels Head and Neck	Practical (2 hr)
	Respiratory Physiology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integument 1 and 2	Lecture (2 hr)
	Case based tutorial respiratory	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integument 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory Histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Integument 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Integument anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Integument histology	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

It is expected that students will participate in all activities provided and contribute to discussions and activities where required.

All assessment tasks are a compulsory part of the course. Where an assessment is missed a special consideration application must be submitted.

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney School of Veterinary Science has established attendance guidelines to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.

The DVM Attendance Provision 2024 is available on the University of Sydney policy register.

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Dyce, K.M., Sack, W.O. & Wensing, C.J.G. 2010. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. Fourth Edition. Saunders Elsevier, St Louis. (ISBN: 978-141606607-1)
Evans, H.E. & de Lahunta, A. 2013. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. Fourth Edition. Saunders Elsevier, St Louis. (ISBN: 978-143770812-7)
Eurell, J.A. & Frappier, B.L. 2006. Dellmann's Textbook of Veterinary Histology. Sixth Edition.
Blackwell, Ames. (ISBN: 978-078174148-4)
Sjaastad, Ø.V., Sand, O. & Hove, K. 2016. Physiology of Domestic Animals. Third Edition.
Scandinavian Veterinary Press, Oslo. (ISBN: 978-829174341-7)

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.

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

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 25. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues, and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience and context. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 15. Perform a systematic, gross postmortem examination, with attention to personal and staff safety, and report findings. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (D1Cs) - 10. Safely perform sedation and general and regional anaesthesia; implement chemical methods of restraint. 11. Perform routine procedures, including surgeries, identifying associated indications and contraindications and adjusting the procedures as indicated. 12. Assess and triage animals in an emergency, perform first aid to stabilise the patient, and refer promptly to appropriate colleagues as needed. 3. Perform a complete clinical examination relevant to presentation and context. 4. Identify and prioritise problems to develop differential diagnoses and a diagnostic plan, then interpret clinical and diagnostic evidence to establish a diagnosis. 6. Develop appropriate treatment and preventive plans and administer appropriate treatments 7. Tailor the diagnostic, treatment, preventive, and control plans when providing veterinary services, considering animal welfare, client expectations and economic contexts. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.8. Animal welfare

Responding to student feedback

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

This unit has been modified based on student feedback from 2024 and as part of the School's curriculum review. Teaching material and assessments have been updated accordingly.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

WHS requirements

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 (2) 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 here for more information on student vaccinations.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

VETS6104: Foundations of Veterinary Science A

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links