Outline

Overview

Animals kept for food and companionship, are diverse and beautifully complex. In this Unit, you will develop an understanding of the structure and function of domestic animals with an emphasis on the systems relevant to animal scientists. The unit begins with the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals cell and basic tissue structure and an overview of homeostatic control systems. This is followed by a more in-depth study of the other body systems. An understanding of the normal functioning of these systems allows identification of how these systems can be influenced by animal management and the animals' environment. At the completion of this unit you will develop; a rich understanding of the relationships between body systems and structure, broad skills of critical thinking and communication, appreciating the links between structure and function and their relevance to abnormal function and animal disease that will be further developed in applied studies in animal nutrition, animal behaviour, welfare and ethics and animal reproduction. In this unit, there is a risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Vaccination against Q fever is a requirement to attend anatomy practical classes on campus. In exceptional circumstances where this is not practical, specific Personal Protective Equipment must be utilised.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	AVBS100X or BIOL1XXX
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ANSC3103 or ANSC3104
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Bianca Waud, bianca.waud@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Wendy Muir, wendy.muir@sydney.edu.au
	Roslyn Bathgate, roslyn.bathgate@sydney.edu.au
	Simon de Graaf, simon.degraaf@sydney.edu.au
	Bianca Waud, bianca.waud@sydney.edu.au
	Brandon Velie, brandon.velie@sydney.edu.au
	Peter White (Vet Science), p.white@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam MCQs, Matching and Short Answer Questions. Compulsory assessment task.	30%	Formal exam period	80 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quiz 1 Canvas quiz	2.5%	Week 04 Due date: 15 Mar 2023 at 20:00	12 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quiz 2 Canvas quiz	2.5%	Week 06 Due date: 29 Mar 2023 at 20:00	12 Minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	Mid-Semester Test MCQs, Matching and Short Answer questions. Compulsory assessment task.	20%	Week 07 Due date: 03 Apr 2023 at 09:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual assignment Written Report Compulsory assessment task.	25%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Apr 2023 at 23:59	max. 4 pages, excl references
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quiz 3 Canvas quiz	2.5%	Week 09 Due date: 26 Apr 2023 at 20:00	12 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group assignment Group preparation of video presentation. Compulsory assessment task.	15%	Week 11 Due date: 14 May 2023 at 23:59	max. 8 min
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quiz 4 Canvas quiz	2.5%	Week 13 Due date: 24 May 2023 at 20:00	12 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Online Quizzes: Four online quizzes will become available throughout the semester. Each quiz contains 10 questions and contributes 2.5% to the final mark of this unit. Quizzes will open at 8am on the due date.
Individual Assignment: The individual assignment will require you to research current literature and write a brief essay on a topic provided in week 1 of the semester.
Group Assignment: The group assignment will involve small groups of three or four students presenting an assignment. Failure of a student or a group to comply with the rules outlined for this group assignment may result in additonal penalties being applied to the final mark awarded for this task. Topics will be provided in week 1 of the semester.
In-Semester test: The in-semester test will cover all material covered in the Introdution Module, Musculoskeletal Module, and Digestion Module.
Final Exam: The final in class exam will concentrate on material from weeks 5 to 13 but may also cover material assessed in the in-semester test.

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.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All assessment tasks in this unit are compulsory (excl. Online Quizzes) and to pass this unit of study, a student must attempt all assessment tasks. A failure to submit a compulsory assessment task will result in an Absent Fail (AF) for this 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.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at an exceptions standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit of study at an exceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	Awarded when you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

No late submissions.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 01	Introduction to AVBS2007	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Anatomy and Histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Homeostasis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Assessment writing 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Introduction to Physiological Processes	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Muscle anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Skeletal Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Muscle Physiology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Assessment writing 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Muscle Physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Muscle Physiology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Joint Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Musculoskeletal Anatomy	Practical (3 hr)
	Muscle physiology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Digestion Anatomy Carnivore	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestion Anatomy Herbivore	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestion Physiology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Digestive Physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardiovascular Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestion Anatomy	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Cardio-Respiratory Physiology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardio-Respiratory Physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardio-Respiratory Physiology 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestive Physiology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Cardio-Respiratory Physiology 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cardio-Respiratory Anatomy	Practical (3 hr)
	Cardio-Respiratory Physiology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Immune System 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immune System 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immune System 3	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Immune System 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nervous System 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immune system	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Nervous System 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nervous System 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nervous System 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nervous System	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Urinary anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproductive Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproduction - The Male	Lecture (1 hr)
	Urogenital Anatomy	Practical (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Reproduction - The Female	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproductive Endocrinology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Reproduction - Pregnancy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Sperm & Egg	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Urinary Physiology 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Urinary Physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Revision	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

While students are encouraged to attend all tutorials and practical classes, attendance is not compulsory.

To pass this unit of study, a student must attempt all assessment tasks (excl. online quizzes).

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Explain and apply appropriate terminology.
LO2. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
LO3. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the digestive system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis,
LO4. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the cardio-respiratory system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
LO5. Describe the basic anatomy of the nervous system and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
LO6. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the urogenital system in domestic animals at a basic level, related its structures to function, and discuss its contribution to the maintenance of internal homeostasis.
LO7. Describe the basic endocrine control of the reproductive system and the important events leading to and during pregnancy.
LO8. Describe the basic mechanisms of the immune system, including responses to infection and vaccination.
LO9. Work co-operatively as part of a group and communicate results in written and/or oral form.
LO10. Collate, analyse and evaluate animal research articles and present findings in an appropriate written and/or oral form.

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Based on student feedback the following changes have been considered: - an additional practical class, covering the urogenital anatomy - refinements to the newly developed individual assignment - additional tutorial to support students with writing the individual assignment in this unit - additional formative quizzes, including a mock intra-semester test - due dates for the individual and group assignment have been move to Sunday, 11:59pm

Additional information

Students have the opportunity to undertake a guided dissection during the practical class on the Musculoskeletal System.

Interested students need to bring their own dissection kit.

Dissection kits can be purchased in the University shop in the Wentworth Building, just make sure it has the correct scalpel handle size – No 4, as the blades we provide (size 24) won't fit otherwise.

Work, health and safety

Q-fever vaccination and completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

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.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

Eating or drinking is not allowed in any laboratory
A laboratory coat, gloves, and closed-toe non-fabric shoes are mandatory for all anatomy practical classes
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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

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

AVBS2007: Animal Structure and Function

Semester 1, 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

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