Musculoskeletal system: Axial and appendicular skeleton, functions of the skeleton, structure of bone and joints, location of main bones, tendon and ligament, anatomy of the skull, overview of the three muscle types including structure and function, location of major locomotory muscles, including origin(s), insertion(s) and specific functions, muscle physiology, sliding filament theory of muscle contraction, comparative anatomy of the skeleton, movement, the equine foot.

Nervous system: Structure of the brain and spinal chord, functions of the nervous system including detail of each of the parts of the brain, nerve types, transmission of nerve impulses along a neuron and across synapses.

Detoxification and excretory systems: Gross and microscopic anatomy of the kidneys and bladder, functions of the urinary system, urine production, structure and function of the liver, functions and production of bile.

Cardiovascular system: Structure of the heart, valves and major blood vessels, functions and composition of blood, myogenic contraction of the heart and transportation of blood around the body.

Respiratory system: Gross structure of the respiratory system, functions of the respiratory system, gas exchange, the process of breathing, respiratory volumes in a range of species.

Endocrine system: Location and function of the main endocrine glands, the control of hormone release through negative feedback.

Homeostasis: The role of the nervous and endocrine systems in the maintenance of homeostasis, homeostatic control of blood glucose, electrolyte balance, water balance.

Cytology: Cell membranes and transport across cell membranes, including osmosis, diffusion, active transport, endocytosis and exocytosis, water pressure, the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, important cellular processes including mitosis, meiosis and the cell cycle, the structure and function of cellular organelles.

Histology: Tissue classification, structure and function of the different tissues types, the formation of tissues from cells, the joining of tissues to form organs, growth and repair of tissues.

This module will be delivered via 15 x 4 hour classroom sessions that will deliver theory via a range of methods such as traditional lectures, group activities, guest speakers, individual tasks, questioning, role play, modelling, kinaesthetic activities and short research tasks to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding, 2 x 4 hour tutorial and seminar sessions to promote and encourage discussion and debate of topical issues and 7 x 4 hour practical sessions involving laboratory experiments and dissections, animal observations and on or off site field work.

On top of this it is expected that students will partake in at least 204 hours of independent learning for this module. This will include, but is not limited to, preparation for classroom sessions (~24hrs), extending classroom and practical notes via extended reading and research (~72 hrs), completion of tasks leading from classroom sessions and VLE based tasks (~48hrs) and research, planning and production of assignments (~60 hrs)

Students will have access to an appropriate virtual learning environment (VLE) where they can access a range of sources to support their studies through this module.

Group teaching rooms
Internet linked PCs
Learning resource centre
Laboratory access
Virtual Learning Environment
Animal Centre

Alberts, B., Johnson., A., Walter, P., and Lewis, J. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th Ed. Garland Publishing

Randall, D., Burggren, W & French, K. (2001) Animal Physiology; Mechanisms and Adaptations. 5th Ed. W.H. Freeman and Company

Totora, G. J., and Derrickson, B. H. (2009) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 12th Ed. Wiley and Sons, Inc

NONE

This module will be assessed by three elements.

The first will be a 750 word laboratory report providing evidence of the successful completion of a laboratory based activity (25%). LO1

The second will be a 750 word laboratory report providing evidence of the successful completion of a laboratory based activity (25%). LO 4

The third will be a 2 hour end of module examination (50%). LOs 2 and 3 (FINAL)

The module will also involve a range of formative assessment techniques to assess learning and progress throughout the module including practical assessments, self, peer and tutor evaluation, targeted questioning and critical analysis of techniques and skills.