212-358 Animal Physiology

Note:

Coordinator:

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Objectives:

To establish a knowledge of normal function of domestic animals and to introduce students to well-established and current concepts in physiological research. The lecture course is supplemented by practical classes that illustrate the lecture series and which are designed to assist students to develop certain manipulative skills, to handle experimental animals, to sample tissues and body fluids and to analyse these using a variety of physiological techniques.

On completion of the program, students should know and understand: the terminology of physiology; the principles and essential information regarding the functions of different cell types, their interactions in organs and tissues; the mechanisms by which the organ systems are controlled and coordinated in the normal animal body; a working knowledge of nutritional, reproductive, lactation and growth physiology; differences in animal productivity related to nutritional, endocrine and physiological factors; how to analyse data from class experiments and to validate the data against published information; and how to synthesise observations and experimental data in forms suitable for oral and written presentations.

Content:

Introduction to Cell Physiology. Molecules of the cell membranes. Movement of molecules across cell membranes. Nervous system and information transfer; contraction of muscle. Lymphocytes and the immune system. Physiology of the Digestive, Cardiovascular, Renal, Respiratory and Reproductive systems. Endocrinology. Lactation. Pre- and post-natal growth and development.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Frandson R. D., Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, 5th ed. 1992.
• Sherwood, L., Human Physiology from Cells to Systems, 2nd ed. 1993.
• Cunningham, J. G., Textbook of Veterinary Physiology, 1992.
• Currie, W. Bruce, Structure and Function of Domestic Animals, 1988 Butterworths.