Outline

Overview

Understanding normal structure and function of the animal body is critical to understanding disease and dysfunction and as such, principles of preventative and therapeutic intervention. The overarching purpose of this unit of study is to provide an advanced understanding of the normal structure and function of the major co-ordinating Systems of the mammalian body and preliminary contextual understanding of the important concepts of pathophysiology and general pathology. The unit of study is underpinned by an understanding of basic concepts and the frameworks of structure and function achieved in the Foundations of Veterinary Science A. This Unit of Study will provide the foundation for advanced learning in DVM year 2 of systemic pathology, pathophysiology and aetiopathogenesis in the setting of the major organ systems in the context of clinical scenarios of companion and production animals.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	VETS6108
Academic unit	School of Veterinary Science Academic Operations
Credit points	12
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	VETS6101 and VETS6102 and VETS6103 and VETS6104
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	2 semesters of chemistry, 1 semester of biology, 1 semester of biochemistry
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Marianne Keller, marianne.keller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Simon de Graaf, simon.degraaf@sydney.edu.au
	Bianca Waud, bianca.waud@sydney.edu.au
	Merran Govendir, merran.govendir@sydney.edu.au
	Glenn Shea, glenn.shea@sydney.edu.au
	Mark Krockenberger, mark.krockenberger@sydney.edu.au
	Marianne Keller, marianne.keller@sydney.edu.au
	Roslyn Bathgate, roslyn.bathgate@sydney.edu.au
	Peter White (Vet Science), p.white@sydney.edu.au
	Corinna Klupiec, corinna.klupiec@sydney.edu.au
	Penelope Hansen, penny.dobson@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Practical exam ?	Final exam - Practical In person examination using a range of specimens	20%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised exam ?	Theory Exam MCQ and Short Answer Questions	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Active participation in all RLAs 100% active participation in anatomy practical classes	0%	Ongoing	Entire duration of scheduled class
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	Mid-semester test MCQ and Short Answer Questions.	25%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2023 at 13:00	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group report Group preparation of report	15%	Week 13 Due date: 30 Oct 2023 at 23:59	3-5 pages
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Final exam: If a second replacement 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

The completion of all assessment tasks is compulsory. Failure to submit will result in an absent fail grade (AF) for the unit.

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.

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.

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:

Late submission 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.

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 02	Introduction to VETS6108	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to metabolism & excretion	Lecture (1 hr)
	Comparative anatomy of kidneys and relationship with regional structures	Lecture (1 hr)
	Anatomy of the urinary system	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology of the kidney	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology of the kidney	Practical (2 hr)
	Comparative anatomy of the kidneys and urinary system	Practical (2 hr)
	The renal system's role in maintaining homeostasis 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	The renal system's role in maintaining homeostasis 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Renal acid-base physiology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Renal acid base physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathological processes - cell injury, pigmentations & tissue deposits	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bilirubin metabolism and jaundice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	The pathological basis of disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Liver and kidney and their role in metabolism and excretion (Pharmacology 1)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Pathological processes - cell injury, pigmentations & tissue deposits [liver]	Practical (2 hr)
	Liver and kidney and their role in metabolism and excretion (Pharmacology 2)	Lecture (1 hr)
	Connections between GIT & kidney and implications [anatomy]	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Connections between GIT & kidney and implications [pharmacology]	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Pathological processes - cell injury, pigmentations & tissue deposits [urinary system]	Practical (2 hr)
	Revision - summation of metabolism & excretion	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Reproduction overview and introduction to endocrinology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Male reproductive system anatomy 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Male reproductive system anatomy 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Female physiology - oestrus cycles	Lecture (1 hr)
	Male dog anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Unknown hormone	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Female genital tract/mammary gland anatomy 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Male physiology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Semen assessment	Practical (2 hr)
	Comparative male anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Female genital tract/mammary gland anatomy 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Spey anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Male reproductive system histology [part 1: Testes]	Lecture (1 hr)
	Male reproductive system histology [part 2: genital tract]	Lecture (1 hr)
	Female reproductive system/mammary histology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Male physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Male reproductive tract histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Female dog anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Female physiology - puberty and senescence	Lecture (1 hr)
	Female physiology - gametes and fertilisation	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Female reproductive tract histology	Practical (2 hr)
	Comparative female anatomy	Practical (2 hr)
	Placental anatomy 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Placental anatomy 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Obstetrics 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Obstetrics 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Female physiology - Gestation and parturition	Lecture (1 hr)
	Placental anatomy [part 1]	Practical (1 hr)
	Placental anatomy [part 2]	Practical (1 hr)
	Placental Anatomy [part 3]	Practical (1 hr)
	Female physiology - Lactation and juvenile growth	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproduction and obstetrics module summation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Endocrine histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology of endocrine system	Practical (2 hr)
	Overview over the urogenital system	Practical (2 hr)
	Endocrinology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Endocrinology of reproduction	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Revision endocrinology module	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to neurology and neuroscience & divisions of the NS	Lecture (1 hr)
	Afferent nervous system & autonomic nervous system	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Histology of the NS - cells, CNS and PNS	Lecture (1 hr)
	Divisions of the nervous system; head & neck	Practical (2 hr)
	Reflexes, UMN & LMN, receptors & the neurological examination	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cranial nerves	Lecture (1 hr)
	Brachial plexus & innervation of forelimb	Practical (2 hr)
	Overview of neural control	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Consciousness, behaviour, sleep and learning	Lecture (1 hr)
	The efferent NS part 1 - somatic nerves & movement	Lecture (1 hr)
	The efferent NS Part 2: The autonomic NS	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lumbosacral plexus and innervation of hindlimb	Practical (2 hr)
	How to perform a neurological examination & case studies	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Histology of eye & ear	Lecture (1 hr)
	Histology practical CNS	Practical (1 hr)
	Autonomic nervous system, spinal nerves and neural control of urination	Practical (2 hr)
	Application of MRI in neuroscience	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Sensory physiology:Introduction, Touch,.. [Part 1]	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sensory physiology; vision, hearing, balance [part 2]	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sensory physiology: Pain [Part 3]	Lecture (1 hr)
	CNS, cranial nerves, ear & eye	Practical (2 hr)
	Neurological examination: Case studies presentation	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
	Case studies of neural dysfunction: ANS, pain, behaviour	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Histology practical: PNS and Eye	Practical (2 hr)
	Revision of nervous system anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to immunity & inflammation / assessment task	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immunology, inflammation & repair overview	Lecture (1 hr)
	Ontogeny of the immune system	Lecture (1 hr)
	Innate immunity	Lecture (1 hr)
	Innate immunity / Acute Inflammation 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Passive immunity	Lecture (1 hr)
	Innate immunity / acute inflammation	Practical (2 hr)
	Information DVM2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Morphological diagnosis / innate immunity / acute inflammation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Review innate pathology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Adaptive immunity / chronic inflammation 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Adaptive immunity / chronic inflammation 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Adaptive immunity / chronic inflammation 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Adaptive immunity / chronic inflammation 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Morphological diagnosis/Adaptive immunity/chronic inflammation	Practical (2 hr)
	Adaptive Immunity	Lecture (1 hr)
	Assessment task workshop	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Adaptive immunity / chronic inflammation 5	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immunodiagnostics [infectious disease]	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Review adaptive immunity / chronic inflammation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Concepts of repair & wound healing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Repair as an extension of adaptive immunity / chronic inflammation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Enhancing repair through surgical principles	Lecture (1 hr)
	Modulation of adaptive immunity: Vaccination	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Modulation of adaptive immunity: Vaccination	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immunodiagnostics [immune mediated disease]	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Pathology revision practical	Practical (2 hr)
	FVS-B summary anatomy practical	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

It is the general expectation that students attend at least 90% of all lectures, tutorials and practical classes.

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.

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. identify and describe features of the gross and microscopic structure of the hepatobiliary system, urinary tract, male and female reproductive tracts, endocrine system, the central and peripheral nervous systems and the lymphoid system; including major species differences
LO2. describe the physiological features of the urinary, hepato-biliary, reproductive, endocrine, neurological and immune systems and their role in the maintenance of homeostasis
LO3. integrate anatomical, histological and physiological principles to explain normal function, abnormal function and procedures
LO4. compare and contrast the major anatomical structural and functional differences in common domestic species
LO5. apply the general principles of the basic pathological processes of cell injury, degeneration & necrosis; inflammation & repair; circulatory disturbances; tissue deposits & pigments to explain fundamental features of disease
LO6. analyse the role of innate and adaptive immunity in diseases of animals
LO7. apply concepts of host-pathogen-environment interactions (HPEI) to understand inflammatory diseases of animals.

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 Attributes - 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.3. The structure, function and behaviour of animals and their physiological and welfare needs, including healthy domestic animals, captive wildlife and laboratory-housed animals.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.3. The structure, function and behaviour of animals and their physiological and welfare needs, including healthy domestic animals, captive wildlife and laboratory-housed animals.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species American Veterinary Medical Association - 2. comprehensive treatment planning including patient referral when indicated European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.3. The structure, function and behaviour of animals and their physiological and welfare needs, including healthy domestic animals, captive wildlife and laboratory-housed animals.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.3. The structure, function and behaviour of animals and their physiological and welfare needs, including healthy domestic animals, captive wildlife and laboratory-housed animals.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species American Veterinary Medical Association - 8. ethical and professional conduct; communication skills including those that demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to how clients’ diversity and individual circumstance can impact health care European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.5. The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disorders that occur in the common domestic species. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.11. Communication skills
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species American Veterinary Medical Association - 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.5. The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disorders that occur in the common domestic species.
	Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Attributes - 2. The normal structure, function and development of animals, their interactions with their environment and the factors which may disturb these 3. The underlying basis of health and disease in a broad range of species American Veterinary Medical Association - 7. understanding of health promotion, and biosecurity, prevention and control of disease including zoonoses and principles of food safety European Coordination Committee for Veterinary Training (EECVT) Day One Competencies - 2.5. The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disorders that occur in the common domestic species. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Day One Competencies - 2.11. Communication skills

Responding to student feedback

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

Based on student feedback, content and delivery of lectures, tutorials and practical classes were revised where appropriate. All feedback provided will be considered as part of the formal Curriculum Review.

Additional information

SSVS student portal

Work, health and safety

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.

Students in the DVM must have a valid Q‐fever vaccination and/or an appropriate record of testing for Q‐fever.

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

VETS6108: Foundations of Veterinary Science B

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect