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	Hamutal Mazrier, hamutal.mazrier@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Peter White (Vet Science), p.white@sydney.edu.au
	Wendy Muir, wendy.muir@sydney.edu.au
	Roslyn Bathgate, roslyn.bathgate@sydney.edu.au
	Hamutal Mazrier, hamutal.mazrier@sydney.edu.au
	Simon de Graaf, simon.degraaf@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Exam MCQs, Matching and Short Answer Questions. Compulsory assessment task.	40%	Formal exam period	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quiz 2 Canvas quiz	0%	Ongoing	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quiz 3 Canvas quiz	0%	Ongoing	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online In-Semester practice test MCQs; SAQs Canvas practice test	0%	Ongoing	30min
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online Quiz 1 Canvas quiz	5%	Week 04 Due date: 13 Mar 2024 at 20:00	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflective Report Group preparation of reflective report related to practical class..	10%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Mar 2024 at 23:59	max. 2 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	In-Semester Test MCQs, Matching and Short Answer questions. Compulsory assessment task.	25%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Apr 2024 at 09:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual assignment Written Report submitted on Canvas	20%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2024 at 23:59	max. 4 pages, excl references
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Online Quiz: One online quizzes will become available in Week 4 of the semester. Each quiz contains 15 questions and contributes 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.
Group Assignment: The group assignment will involve small groups of students working on reflective assignment related to the practical classes. 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.
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.

To pass this unit of study, a student must attempt the In-Semester Test and End-of-Semester Exam, but encouraged to attempt all assessment tasks (incl. online quiz, Group Task and Individual Task).

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 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 2023. 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 AVBS2007	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Anatomy and Histology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Homeostasis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Assessment writing 1	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)
	Introduction to Physiological Processes	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	Cardiovascular Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Respiratory Anatomy	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestive Physiology 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Digestion Anatomy	Practical (2 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	Nervous System 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nervous System 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Individual Task Queries / Self-learning	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Nervous System 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nervous System 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immune System 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nervous System	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Immune System 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immune System 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immune System 4	Lecture (1 hr)
	Immune system	Tutorial (1.5 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 the In-Semester Test and End-of-Semester Exam, but encouraged to attempt all assessment tasks (incl. online quiz, Group Task and Individual Task).

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 some changes have been considered: - To better reflect the student workload, a slight change in the assignments weighting was done - due dates for the individual and group assignment have been moved to better spread the workload during the semester - To support students with preparation toward the exams in this unit formative quizzes, including a mock intra-semester test were set

Additional information

Students have the opportunity to undertake a small dissection during their practical classes.

Interested students need to bring their own dissection kit. Dissection Kits can be purchased from the University Shop in the Wentworth Building.

NOTE: Students are encourage to use scissors instead of scalpel blades. However, you may consider to purchase the kit containing the scalpel handle No. 4, in case you use scalpel blades in future anatomy dissections

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

Support for students

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, 2024 [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

Support for students

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