212-358 Animal Physiology

Note

This course involves the use of animals in experiments. Students should be aware that these experiments are an essential part of the course and exemption from this component is not possible.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

212-220 Animal Science 1

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The aim of this subject is to establish a knowledge of normal physiological function of domestic animals. 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; and how to analyse data from class experiments and to validate the data against published information.

Subject content includes: introduction to cell physiology, molecules of the cell membranes, and movement of molecules across cell membranes; nervous system and information transfer, and contraction of muscle; lymphocytes and the immune system; physiology of the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and reproductive systems; endocrinology; lactation; and pre- and post-natal growth and development.

Assessment

A 3-hour written examination. Practical work and participation in tutorials and discussion groups will be assessed. The timetable and weighting for each component will be published at the start of the course.

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.