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.

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 cord, 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. Hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads

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

This module will be assessed by three elements.

The first will be a 500-word laboratory report providing evidence of the successful completion of a laboratory based investigation into cytology and histology (25%). LO 1

The second will be a 500-word laboratory report providing evidence of the successful completion of a laboratory based investigation into skeletal systems and locomotion (25%). LO 2

The second will be a 1 hour end-of-module examination (50%). LOs 3 and 4

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.

Although this intended as a face to face delivery module, there is opportunity and expectation that there is flexibility in the delivery of the theory elements and use of online and remote learning will be available as required

This module will be delivered via classroom sessions (60 hours over two semesters) 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, short research tasks and tutorials and seminars to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding which will include practical sessions involving laboratory experiments, animal observations and on and off site field work.

On top of this it is expected that students will partake in at least 140 hours of independent learning for this module. This will include, but is not limited to, preparation for classroom sessions (20hrs), extending classroom notes via extended reading and research (50 hrs), completion of tasks leading from classroom sessions and VLE based tasks (30hrs) and researching, planning and producing assignments (40 hrs).

Technology enhanced learning: All module material will be made available electronically on a Microsoft Teams based virtual learning environment. This will include the ability for students to access some lectures remotely - either live or via asynchronous delivery of voiced over slides, screen capture demonstrations or in house produced training videos. This will also allow formative tasks and in class exercises to be completed and reviewed live. It will allow the linking of technology based supplementary material including, but not limited to, journal links, live seminars and conferences, you tube videos, animal live webcams at zoos and wild areas, online software such as Google Map layers and MINITAB. Use of collaborative learning platforms (e.g. Google whiteboard), Quizizz and other interactive learning, progress and assessment tools and the internet in general will also be used to enhance learning. The college has bookable laptops for student use in all teaching blocks for students that do not have their own hardware to access this material in classroom based sessions. Students will also have their own ProPortal page that can be used to monitor and track their pastoral and academic progress, career development and personal targets and is managed by the tutor through ProMonitor.
Work placements are logged and tracked through Grofar, within which, students, tutors and placement mentors can communicate and track learning.

1. Discuss the basic principles of cytology and histology.

Knowledge and understanding
Learning

2. Identify the components of the skeletal system and recognise how the skeleton has adapted for the locomotory requirements of different species of animals.

Knowledge and understanding
Analysis
Communication

3. Outline the role of the neuroendocrine system in the maintenance of homeostasis.

Knowledge and understanding

4. Review the structure and function of the five main physiological systems in the body.

Knowledge and understanding
Analysis

ITC Facilities with internet access
Staffordshire University Library
Well-equipped classroom facilities
Rodbaston Animal Zone
~150 hectare managed college owned estate of mixed arable and livestock farmland, ancient woodland, wetlands, ponds, pools and grasslands
Appropriately equipped laboratory
Virtual Learning Environment
Learning Support Centre
Industry Links

Essential Reading

Rutland, C & Kubale, V (2019) Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology. IntechOpen. Open Access [https://directory.doabooks.org/handle/20.500.12854/62029]

Recommended Reading

Lawson, R. (2015) Anatomy and Physiology of Animals. Open Textbook Library

Hildebrand, M; Goslow, G. (2001) Analysis of Vertebrate Structure 5th Ed. John Wiley and Sons Inc.

Alberts, B., Johnson., A., Lewis, J, Morgan, D, Raff, M, Roberts, K. & Walter, P. (2014) Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th Ed. Garland Publishing

Hill, R., Wyse, . & Anderson, M (2017) Animal Physiology. 4th Ed. Oxford University Press USA

Journals
Journal of Cell Biology
Zoology