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Course profile

Digestion, Metabolism & Nutrition (VETS1003)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
Gatton
Coordinating unit
Veterinary Science School

Anatomy of the oral cavity, gastro-intestinal tract, liver & pancreas. Cellular, organ & whole body regulation of carbohydrate, lipid & amino acid metabolism in mammals. Elimination of waste products. Nutrient-endocrine & nutrient-gene interactions. Food & feed composition & nutritive value. Development, sites & mechanism of digestion & absorption in different species, diet & nutrient profiles for tissue use.

This course explores the relationship between anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and nutrition in the major animal species of veterinary importance.ᅠ This course will build on the information provided in first semester courses around basic chemistry and biology of cell processes and serves as an introduction to the second-year course in animal nutrition, which describes the requirements and allocation of nutrients for animal health.

Course requirements

Assumed background

English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry to Year 12 level.ᅠ Introductory Biochemistry (BIOC1011) and Animal & Veterinary Biologyᅠ(VETS1060).

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

VETS1060 or ANIM1060

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ANIM1023

Restrictions

Enrolment restricted to Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) students only.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the timetable throughout the semester and so it is important to check VETS1003 Blackboard site regularly. Students will be notified of changes to the timetable via Blackboard Announcements.

Aims and outcomes

To integrate an understanding of normal gastrointestinal function with recognition of normal gastrointestinal structure, which will provide the foundation for the development of logical, inferential, and problem-solving capabilities needed to diagnose and manage veterinary patients.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Identify the microscopic and gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals and differentiate these among the different species.

LO2.

Identify key structures and landmarks associated with the abdominal and pelvic cavities.

LO3.

Describe the normal physiology of digestion in domestic animals.

LO4.

Identify the basic nutritional requirements of domestic animals.

LO5.

Explain the normal metabolism of digestion in domestic animals.

LO6.

Label physical structures of the gastrointestinal tract in domestic animals.

LO7.

Apply acquired anatomical, physiological, nutritional and biochemical knowledge of the gastrointestinal tract to solve clinical problems in domestic animals.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Integrated Assessment Sequence
  • In-person
  • Online
20%

9/08/2024 5:00 pm

15/08/2024 5:00 pm

22/08/2024 5:00 pm

29/08/2024 5:00 pm

5/09/2024 5:00 pm

19/09/2024 5:00 pm

Quiz Quiz - Equine Teeth and Aging
  • In-person

18/10/2024

Examination Digital Practical Exam
  • In-person
  • Online
20%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Examination Anatomy/Physiology/Biochemistry/Nutrition Theory
  • In-person
  • Online
60%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Assessment details

Integrated Assessment Sequence

  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
20%
Due date

9/08/2024 5:00 pm

15/08/2024 5:00 pm

22/08/2024 5:00 pm

29/08/2024 5:00 pm

5/09/2024 5:00 pm

19/09/2024 5:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

The Integrated Assessment Sequence will consist of five quizzes that will be scheduled during the semester. The quizzes will be open during the practical class and will remain open for a duration of ONE (1) week. It will most likely be conducted within practical classes and will likely run through the Inspera platform. Dates for each quiz will be noted on the class timetable made available through Blackboard. Quizzes will test gross and topographical/clinical anatomy content taught in practicals.  Although five quizzes will be conducted through semester, the best four (4) results for quizzes attained by each student will be used to calculate the final mark for this assessment item.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Quiz - Equine Teeth and Aging

  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Due date

18/10/2024

Task description

Appropriate aging of horses according to their dentition. Quiz will be on campus and invigilated.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Digital Practical Exam

  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
20%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

The exam can assess all practicals in anatomy and histology.   This will likely be an on-campus invigilated examination run through the Inspera platform.  

The exam may include multiple response, text entry, matching/pairing, true/false, drag and drop, composite, hotspot and matching, short-answer, multiple choice short essay, and inline choice questions. 

 Students are required to use their own device for this exam.  

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 60 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Anatomy/Physiology/Biochemistry/Nutrition Theory

  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
60%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

The end of semester Anatomy/Physiology/Biochemistry/Nutrition theory exam will be worth 60% of the total marks and its duration will be 120 minutes (with 10 minutes planning time).  All lecture material will be covered in the exam.  The exam will be conducted as a centrally scheduled Inspera exam held on campus, unless advised otherwise.  Students are expected to use their own device to complete this exam.  

 

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 Inspera
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: 0-29%

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 30-44%

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: 45-49%

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

To pass VETS1003, a student must attain a minimum mark of 50% 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

For INSPERA exams, the summary page shows a ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button that students must click to submit their answers. After submission, students will receive a confirmation on the dashboard that they have submitted and can no longer edit responses. For all End of Semester exams with durations of 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes you will receive an additional 10 minutes of planning time to read the examination questions and plan your responses, but you may commence working if you wish. It’s essential that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the LibraryGet familiar with Inspera provides the most up to date information for students about using Inspera. Power outlets will not be available during exams.

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

Find the required and recommended resources for this course 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
Gumboots Required own item needed
Overalls Required own item needed
Safety Glasses Required own item needed

Additional learning resources information

Ensuring work-life balance and seeking help at an early stage are key attributes for successful study at university. UQ Student Servicesᅠand the Student Union (UQU) provide many resources for students studying at UQ. Student Services provide a range of mindfulness programs and counselling services to help improve confidence and overall wellbeing. UQU also provide a range of student support, welfare and wellbeing resources.

If immediate help is needed, please call the 24/7ᅠUQ Counselling and Crisis Line 1300 851 998 


The Blackboard site for VETS1003 has a downloadable copy of the Anatomy Study Guide.

The Blackboard site for this course should be visited regularly for announcements about the course and for posting of additional learning material.ᅠ

The Anatomy Museum (Room 204, Veterinary Teaching Laboratories, Building 8106) has an extensive range of preserved specimens relating to this course. Students are encouraged to make use of this facility.ᅠ Please follow University recommendations for social distancing while using this and other university facilities.

Swipe card access to the Pot Room, including the door to Building 8106 next to the Pot Room, is activated for each 1st year BVScᅠstudent at the beginning of Semester 1 each year.ᅠ However if you are unable to obtain access to the Pot Room with your student card, please email vetenquiries@uq.edu.au for this to be rectified.

A dissection kit is required for anatomyᅠpracticals although usually only one kit is required among five students in each class. ᅠKits can be purchased through UQVSA schemes or from the School Locker on Campus. ᅠThe School Locker sells theᅠ Modified Veterinary Dissection kit for Veterinary Students (code: ᅠDkbog4-1).

Content for VETS1003 is accessibleᅠon VetCloudᅠfor revision and SDL: https://vets.uqcloud.net/

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 6
(22 Jul - 01 Sep)

Lecture

Gastrointestinal anatomy

Structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract including: oral cavity and salivary glands, teeth, stomach and secretory glands, intestines and distal tract (rectum & anus), mesenteries, embryological development, liver and gall bladder, pancreas, histology of the GIT and comparative anatomy (pig, ruminants, horse).

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 12
(29 Jul - 20 Oct)

Practical

Gastrointestinal anatomy

Structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract including: oral cavity and salivary glands, stomach and secretory glands, intestines and lower tract, mesenteries, liver and gall bladder, pancreas, histology, comparative anatomy and evolution. Dissection of abdominal musculature and organs of abdomen and pelvis. Histology practical classes may employ VIRTUAL MICROSCOPY, BEST, and SLICE as learning tools.

Multiple weeks

From Week 6 To Week 8
(26 Aug - 15 Sep)

Lecture

Gastrointestinal Physiology

The process of digestion and absorption in ruminants and monogastric animals, including control, motility, secretions, and digestive and absorptive processes.

Multiple weeks

From Week 9 To Week 10
(16 Sep - 06 Oct)

Lecture

Nutrition in domestic animals

Nutritional strategies and adaptations of different animals. Nutrient requirements, the provision of nutrients, regulation of nutrient supply and its utilisation. Feed composition and evaluation and why nutrition is relevant in performance and in disease.

Multiple weeks

From Week 12 To Week 13
(14 Oct - 27 Oct)

Lecture

Nutritional metabolism (biochemistry)

Mechanisms that animals use to control, regulate, and integrate metabolism to meet their varying needs, from times when nutrients are plentiful such that energy reserves can be replenished, through periods of fasting and scarcity when these reserves must be mobilised.

Additional learning activity information

Ensuring work life balance and seeking help at an early stage are key attributes of high performing students and veterinarians. UQ Student Services and Student Help on Campus (SHOC) provide resources to students throughout the BVSc Program. Student Services provides a range of mindfulness programs and counselling services to help improve confidence and overall wellbeing. If immediate help is needed, please call the 24/7 UQ Counselling and Crisis Line 1300 851 998.

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:

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: