Unit information: Animal Health Science in 2022/23

Unit name	Animal Health Science
Unit code	VETS10019
Credit points	0
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Brennan
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	None
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	VETS10300 Animal Management 1, VETS14000 Professional Studies 1
Units you may not take alongside this one
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Unit Information

This unit explores the integrated structure and function of body systems progressing from cells as a unit of life, through tissues, to organ systems and the whole body, focusing on the cardiovascular, respiratory, alimentary, reproductive, renal and endocrine systems.The unit starts by providing students with a basic understanding of the foundations of Animal Health Science, progressing from cells as a unit of life, through tissues, to organ systems and the whole body. The unit aims to:

• Provide students with knowledge of healthy body structures and their function
• Enable students to understand mechanisms which govern the functions of body systems and control
• Link the underpinning science of animal health to pathological processes and clinical cases as appropriate
• Develop students’ capacity for lifelong learning and to foster an understanding of the importance of basic science in clinical practice

Your learning on this unit

By the end of the unit students will:

• Have an overview of body organisation
• Have an understanding of cell biology, cell growth and division
• Be able to describe how specific tissues are related to their function
• Appreciate how cells communicate with one another and their environment
• Be able to demonstrate a knowledge of basic body control systems involved in homeostatic mechanisms
• Have integrated their knowledge of the structure and function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, alimentary, renal, reproductive and endocrine systems, for common domestic species and will appreciate the relationships between the systems, the clinical relevance of this knowledge and the application to the live animal
• Understand the structure and function of the cardiovascular system
• Understand the structure and function of the respiratory system and have a basic knowledge of the principles of cellular respiration
• Understand the structure and function of the alimentary tract and have an appreciation of the basic principles underpinning animal nutrition
• Understand the processes of digestion, energy homeostasis and metabolism
• Understand the structure and function of the renal system and its role in homeostasis
• Understand the principles of communication via hormones including the production and effects of hormones
• Have an understanding of reproductive processes, the development of the mammalian body and genetics

How you will learn

Online synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning

Practical classes

Facilitated small and large group activities

Individual and groupwork on directed self education (DSE) task (s)

Use of Virtual learning environment (Blackboard)

How you will be assessed

Formative assessment

At the end of the foundation teaching (in term 1) students will sit a formative written/computer-based examination to test the knowledge and understanding of the material covered. Students will also undertake a group-based integrated directed self education (IDSE) task on which formative feedback will be provided.

Students will sit a formative mid-sessional examination in January consisting of a written/computer-based examination to test knowledge, understanding, data interpretation and problem-solving skills. Students will receive guidance and feedback on coursework, including eBiolabs and DSE tasks.

Summative assessment

End of unit examination

Students will sit an examination at the end of the year consisting of two written/computer-based papers. These will test knowledge and understanding of material covered in the Animal Health Science 1 elements as well as interpretation and problem-solving skills. Additionally, there will be two summatively assessed DSE tasks (related to review of clinical and scientific evidence) and pre- and post-practical tests in eBiolabs. Assessments will examine all the intended learning outcomes.

Overall unit mark is made up of:

• End of Unit Written/computer-based 1 - 45%
• End of Unit Written/computer-based 2 - 45%
• DSE - 10%
• eBiolabs - must pass

Passing AHS is a requirement for progression to Year 2.

There will be an opportunity to re-sit the examinations in July. A resit opportunity for eBioLabs tasks will be provided. Marks for coursework will be carried forward to the resit examination.

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. VETS10019).

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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.