Course coordinator
Dr Danielle Fitzgerald
Consultation is by appointment.ﾠTo make an appointment to see me, please email d.smith8@uq.edu.au
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course builds on the on the first year Applied Animal Biology course and introduces students to the workings of the body from a holistic perspective. It will cover the physiology of the major systems of the body such as nervous, endocrine, locomotor, cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems.
This course was last offered in external mode in 2025.
This course builds on the first year Applied Animal Biology course and introduces students to the workings of the body from a holistic perspective. It will cover the physiology of the major systems of the body such as nervous, endocrine, locomotor, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive and reproductive systems. You will learn how the functioning of these systems are related to the environments in which the animals live and how differences in physiology are connected to different environmental conditions.
In this course students will be guided by lectures and practical sessions.
At the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge-sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold students and staff accountable for actively contributing to establishing a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have completed one of the following courses: AGRC1021; ANIM1020.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
AGRC1021 or ANIM1020 or AGRC1041 and VETS1060
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANIM2052
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
Associate Professor Elham Assadi Soumeh
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Face-face lectures run concurrently with live Zoom sessions.ﾠRecordings will be made available post-lecture.ﾠ
Some practicals are assessed and with extensions to be formally applied for, if absent (please refer to the assessment task description for specific practical dates and instructions).
If you have any concerns regarding your official timetable or course allocations, or there are no suitable class times available, contact Faculty of Science Timetable science.mytimetable@uq.edu.au for advice.
If you have any questions about missing class activities, please contact your course coordinator.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to provide you with knowledge of basic physiological principles and the ability to use this knowledge to critically analyse physiological phenomena.At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to identify and describe the function of internal physiological systems and how they relate to the whole animal.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the theory of homeostasis and its role in animal survival, including the importance of the cellular environment, cellular communication, and the integration of cellular responses of integrative physiological systems of animals.
LO2.
Describe the function of physiological systems.
LO3.
Solve physiological problems related to animal form and function by applying theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
LO4.
Critically analyse physiological phenomena to identify anomalies in cell, tissue and organ function of animals.
LO5.
Effectively demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of integrative physiological systems in animals.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Sequential In Person Practical Submissions 1 - 4
|
20% Each practical submission contributes 5% towards the sequential practical assessments (total 20%) |
Prac submission 1) - submitted in practical class 17/03/2026 - 18/03/2026 Prac submission 2) - submitted in practical class 31/03/2026 - 1/04/2026 Prac submission 3) - submitted in practical class 21/04/2026 - 22/04/2026 Prac submission 4) - submitted in practical class 5/05/2026 - 6/05/2026
There are four identical sessions of each practical, each with 3-hour duration. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
25% |
In-semester Saturday 28/03/2026 - 2/05/2026 |
| Poster | Poster | 20% |
15/05/2026 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Sequential In Person Practical Submissions 1 - 4
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20% Each practical submission contributes 5% towards the sequential practical assessments (total 20%)
- Due date
Prac submission 1) - submitted in practical class 17/03/2026 - 18/03/2026
Prac submission 2) - submitted in practical class 31/03/2026 - 1/04/2026
Prac submission 3) - submitted in practical class 21/04/2026 - 22/04/2026
Prac submission 4) - submitted in practical class 5/05/2026 - 6/05/2026
There are four identical sessions of each practical, each with 3-hour duration.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
- There will be a pre-lab quiz which you are expected to complete BEFORE the practical to ensure that you have read the accompanying material.
- Students must complete the assessment within their practical session and must actively participate during the practical.
- If you cannot participate you should submit an extension request (see below) with appropriate evidence to access online practical resources.
- Once you have completed the experiment you will be required to complete a laboratory report which will be submitted via Blackboard and graded. Marks are allocated for answering specific questions and completions of activities (e.g. graph plots) outlined in the practical handout (available through Lt Kuracloud).
- Students are required to complete their group practical on Lt within the 3-hour practical session (unless otherwise advised).
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To obtain a mark for the practical classes students must participate and complete the associated exercises (downloading then submitting the practical report via Blackboard). If you do not participate in a practical class, or do not provide evidence of your attendance (i.e. signing attendance sheet, scanning student ID card on entry to the lab), your report will not be marked.
If you are unable to complete your timetabled practical session that relates directly to the Practical Submissions 1-4 (see Due Dates) because of circumstances beyond your control (e.g., illness) you must submit an assessment extension request on my.UQ > myRequests immediately, accompanied by acceptable supporting documentation.
The Practical sessions are timetabled activities, and if students miss any of the four assessment-related practical sessions and request access to online material to complete the relevant practical submission, they must provide documentation that shows they were unable to attend the practical on the relevant day (that is, the date of your timetabled practical session). Documentation for ongoing conditions, such as Student Access Plans, are not acceptable evidence for missing any practical sessions associated with the sequential practical submission assessment items.
Submission guidelines
The practical is completed in Lt Kuracloud and submitted to a Blackboard submission link within the 3-hour practical session. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
Students complete this assessment item as a group during the practical session due to the limited availability of computers for students use. Students who apply for and are approved for an extension, will complete this assessment item as an individual submission, accessing the materials from your own laptop/device.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
In-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
28/03/2026 - 2/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
This exam will run as a Centrally timetabled Saturday In-Semester Examination.
This in person exam will cover theory and practical material from weeks 1-5.
This exam is Closed book no written materials permitted and no calculators.
The exam will be an on-campus exam, at a scheduled on-campus session on a scheduled* date to be arranged, please refer to your exam timetable. Please ensure you arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes prior to this. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in-person.
You will receive a personalised exam timetable from Examinations with the venue identified closer to the examination date.
*For Saturday exams, please note a Saturday in-semester exam may be scheduled on 1 of 3 possible dates each semester. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for possible dates.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Additional Course Grading for more information.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Poster
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
15/05/2026 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
You will be given an environment/habitat and tasked with choosing a vertebrate that inhabits that environment.
You will need to describe the physiological attributes that vertebrate has and how they function allowing it to successfully occupy the environment. You can include diagrams, photos and text.
The poster should be formatted as A0 size as if you were going to print it for a conference or in-person presentation so please ensure that font size (at least 26 point) and poster design are such that it is legible for someone standing approximately 1 m away.
Think about the following and how the answers may affect the physiology of the animal:
Is the animal nocturnal/diurnal?
How does it maintain its core body temperature?
Is it aquatic/semi-aquatic/terrestrial?
What does it eat and how does it obtain its food?
Does it need any adaptations for the diet it consumes?
Are there any structural or behavioural adaptations?
Please include references in the following format: APA 7th
Marking (10 marks):
Introduction (2 marks)
Physiological adaptations (6 marks)
Format of poster, including spelling errors (1 mark)
References (1 mark)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Poster PDF link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
This in person exam will cover theory and practical material from weeks 6-13.
This exam is Closed book no written materials permitted and no calculators.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in-person.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Additional Course Grading for more information.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35% - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% OR failure to meet the identified assessment hurdle below. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles
- Students must obtain a passing mark in the combined cumulative result for In-Semester and End-of-Semester Examinations in order to pass the course, in addition to an overall pass mark in the course.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and both examinations and the student does NOT score a pass mark in the combined cumulative result for the In-Semester and End-of-Semester Examinations, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
TurnItIn Assignments
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.
Release of marks
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability for progressive assessment will be announced via the course Blackboard site.
Feedback in this course
Feedback is welcome in this course as any information on how students find this learning experience is constructive.
Please use the evaluation form provided to you at the end of semester - or if you are enrolled in In Person, a course evaluation process will occur in the last few weeks of semester.
Re-mark Applicationsﾠ- refer to theﾠUniversity's Re-mark Policyﾠto check your eligibility
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ANIM2057 Course Blackboard Site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. | |
| ANIM2057 Course Profile | Provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also informs you of the assessment for this course, including weighting and due dates. | |
| Laboratory coat | Laboratory coat for practicals | own item needed |
| Safety glasses | AS/NZS 2243.3 2022 rated safety glasses | own item needed |
| Enclosed non-permeable shoes | Enclosed non-permeable shoes that will protect from liquid spills during practicals | own item needed |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series Two lectures will be given face to face weekly. Recordings will be made available after the lecture. For specific list of lecture topics and timetable please see the course Blackboard site. Sub-activity: Chapter 1 Animals and Environments: Function on the Ecological Stage (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 2 Molecules and Cells in Animal Physiology (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 5: Transport of Solutes and Water (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 12: Neurons (Dr Anne Beasley) Chapter 13: Synapses (Dr Anne Beasley) Chapter 14: Sensory Processes (Dr Anne Beasley) Chapter 16: Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Physiology (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 22: Introduction to Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Physiology (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 23: External Respiration: The Physiology of Breathing (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 24: Transport of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Body Fluids (with an Introduction to Acid-Base Physiology) (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 25: Circulation (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 27: Water and Salt Physiology: Introduction and Mechanisms (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 29: Kidneys and Excretion (with Notes on Nitrogen Excretion) (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 6: Nutrition, Feeding and Digestion (Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh) Chapter 19: Control of Movement (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 20: Muscle (Dr Danielle Fitzgerald) Chapter 17: Reproduction (Dr Andres Gambini) Chapter 10: Thermal Relations (Dr Angela Lees) Immune System (Dr Anne Beasley) - Ahmed, S. A., & Schurig, G. G. (2020). 54 - Antigens and Innate Immunity. In B. G. Klein (Ed.), Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology (Sixth Edition) (pp. 608-616). St. Louis (MO): W.B. Saunders. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Practical classes Seven practical classes are included in this course. There will be four identical sessions of each practical, each of 3 hours duration. Please see course Blackboard site for timetable and location of each class as well as specific topic by week. Practical classes will cover; the nervous system, cardiac system, endocrine system, sensory physiology and exercise physiology. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: