Skip to main content

Unit information: Veterinary Anatomy 2 in 2023/24

Unit name Veterinary Anatomy 2
Unit code ANAT20007
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Ms. Reece
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

ANAT10008 Anatomical Science 1A & ANAT10009 Anatomical Science 1B

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

This unit forms part of the compulsory year 2 structure adopted by BSc Applied Anatomy.

Units you may not take alongside this one

N/A

School/department School of Anatomy
Faculty Faculty of Health Sciences

Unit Information

Why is this unit important?

You will gain a greater understanding of anatomy relating to the major body systems in a range of domestic and exotic species. You will work individually and collaboratively as a part of a team, to learn comparative anatomy from multiple perspectives and apply your knowledge in different contexts. By appreciating the diversity in anatomical morphology and function among vertebrate organ systems, studies in Veterinary Anatomy 2 will allow you to consider the applications of animal anatomy in areas such as veterinary nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, ecology, conservation and wildlife in greater depth.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study

This unit will provide you with an opportunity to explore comparative anatomy in greater detail as it builds on the knowledge and skills you developed from Anatomical Sciences units in year one. Veterinary anatomy units complement other units in second year and allows you to develop an appreciation of the diversity in anatomical morphology and function. This unit uses real-world examples to show how knowledge is applied. It will encourage you to reflect on your own values, interests, and skills which can inform future thinking and specialisation.

Your learning on this unit

An overview of content

This unit will provide you with an overview of comparative anatomy of the major body systems, with a focus on specific adaptations of different taxa that enable them to thrive in their environments. It will give you a thorough understanding of vertebrate functional, applied and clinical anatomy, and provide you with insight into the form-function relationship of body systems.

How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit

This unit will allow you to develop a range of essential skills that are valuable for your future careers and studies. By studying and exploring the musculoskeletal system between different taxonomic groups of animals, you will be able to relate the anatomical adaptations of vertebrates to their environments. In your study of comparative anatomy, you will use your observational and critical thinking skills to better understand evolutionary relationships and processes, providing you with a deeper appreciation of the link between form and function. The unit will encourage you to work with your peers and build a community of learning and sharing which will allow you to problem solve more efficiently and effectively, develop your communication skills, and nurture teamwork.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

  1. Develop a critical understanding of morphological and functional adaptations of major organ systems of the vertebrate body.
  2. Compare and contrast fish, amphibian, reptile, avian, and mammalian anatomies, focusing on the organ systems demonstrating key functional and anatomical differences between these taxonomic groups.
  3. Recognise the role of evolution in the development of key anatomies in living vertebrates.

How you will learn

The unit is taught by a blended approach which include online and in-person. You will learn via a variety of methods from our expert staff who are active in anatomical research and pedagogical techniques related to anatomical education. You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, online learning opportunities and complementary practical sessions. During your practical sessions, you will gain access to a large number of prosected anatomical specimens which is crucial to your understanding of the 3D nature of anatomy.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which do not count towards your mark but help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):

A formative exam will be scheduled during the teaching block.

You will also have several formative quizzes scheduled across the year to enable you to check your learning and understanding of the teaching materials.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

One extended spot examination 90% [ILO 1-3]

In-class quizzes 10% [ILO 1-3] (During practical sessions)

When assessment does not go to plan

When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ANAT20007).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

Feedback