Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
Structure & functional anatomy & physiology of movement & locomotion in domestic animals. The gross & histological structure & function of the equine and bovine hoof.
This course is designed to provide a clear understanding of the structuralﾠand functional anatomy of movement and the locomotory system in domestic animals. This essentially means an in-depth study of the muscles, bones, tendons, ligamentsﾠand jointsﾠof the limbs, trunk and neck using the dog and horse as model species.ﾠVascularﾠand nervous supply to the muscles isﾠincluded. The gross and histological structure and function of the equine hoof will also be covered.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students will have successfully completed the following courses: VETS1060 Animal & Veterinary Biology, and BIOC1011 Molecular Basis of Life.
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) students only.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Michael Noad
Tutor
Miss Elisa Wardle
Teacher
Emeritus Professor Christopher Pollitt
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest Timetable information.
Please note that unexpected changes to the Timetable may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates to the timetable will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to teach students the fundamental elements of the anatomy of the musculo-skeletal systems of model domestic animal species. The informationﾠis presented in a stimulating way by relating structure to function. The lectures will deliver information content but it is in the practical classes that students will have the chance to assimilate the information and achieve deep learning through the prosections of dog and horse cadavers, in association with adjunct learning resources.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the basic principles of movement in vertebrates including the differences between different limb design types and how they evolved.
LO2.
Describe in detail the main components of the locomotory system (muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints) and how each is adapted to function.
LO3.
Describe in detail the muscles, bones and joints of the limbs, back and neck of the dog and horse including the origin, insertion and innervation of major muscles and muscle groups.
LO4.
Describe the major blood vessel and nerves of the limbs of the dog and horse.
LO5.
Identify individual muscles, blood vessels, joints, bones, ligaments, nerves and other structures in dissected specimens of dogs and horses.
LO6.
Describe specialised structures of the equine locomotory system including the stay apparatus, the structure of the horse's hoof and the shock absorbing mechanisms of equine limbs.
LO7.
Describe the principal features of the limbs of the cow (ox) and pig compared with the horse.
LO8.
Describe the natural gaits of the dog and horse and how conformational defects in the horse may affect its gait.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment Sequence: Anatomy Quizzes
|
10% 2% each |
(Quiz 1) 18/08/2025 12:00 pm (Quiz 2) 1/09/2025 12:00 pm (Quiz 3) 22/09/2025 12:00 pm (Quiz 4) 13/10/2025 12:00 pm (Quiz 5) 20/10/2025 12:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Exam: Canine Locomotory Anatomy
|
20% |
9/09/2025 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Exam: Equine Locomotory Anatomy
|
15% |
28/10/2025 |
| Examination |
Theory Exam: Locomotory Anatomy (including hoof)
|
55% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
Assessment Sequence: Anatomy Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10% 2% each
- Due date
(Quiz 1) 18/08/2025 12:00 pm
(Quiz 2) 1/09/2025 12:00 pm
(Quiz 3) 22/09/2025 12:00 pm
(Quiz 4) 13/10/2025 12:00 pm
(Quiz 5) 20/10/2025 12:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This sequence includes 5 quizzes related to lecture materials that are held approximately after each anatomy block (see Blackboard for more information). Each quiz is worth 2% of the final course mark (10% in total). Each quiz will be made available for completion for one week (see Blackboard for dates), and will have a duration of 30 minutes and will be completed via Inspera.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
Practical Exam: Canine Locomotory Anatomy
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
9/09/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This examination will consist of a mix of dissected dog cadavers, bones and pots. Each specimen will be at a separate station and students will progress from one station to the next spending 1.5 mins at each station. Individual stations usually have two or three questions relating to the material at that station.
In the event that practical exams cannot be held on campus, the practical examination may be conducted via Inspera on the student’s own laptop. Details about Inspera Assessment including an introduction to Inspera functionality and where to go for support are available Safe Exam Browser for Inspera - Library - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au). Further information will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course. The exam will incorporate a range of questions available in the Inspera examination platform.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
Practical Exam: Equine Locomotory Anatomy
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
28/10/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This examination will consist of a mix of horse limbs, bones, distal limb models and pots. Each specimen will be at a separate station and students will progress from one station to the next spending 1.5 mins at each station. Individual stations usually have two or three questions relating to the material at that station.
In the event that practical exams cannot be held on campus, the practical examination may be conducted via Inspera on the student’s own laptop. Details about Inspera Assessment including an introduction to Inspera functionality and where to go for support are available Safe Exam Browser for Inspera - Library - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au). Further information will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course. The exam will incorporate a range of questions available in the Inspera examination platform.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
Theory Exam: Locomotory Anatomy (including hoof)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
The Final theory exam will be held in the final examination period and covers content from all lectures and practical sessions in Semester 2.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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
To pass VETS1021 students MUST achieve 50% in this exam to pass this course.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 | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the Course Coordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).
If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances prevented you from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supporting documentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.
Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.
Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.
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 VETS1021
- a student must achieve a combined (total) course mark of not less than 50% and
- no less than 50% in the End of Semester Theory exam.
Grade Calculations
When rounding final marks for grade calculations, part marks of <0.5 will be ROUNDED DOWN to the nearest whole number, and part marks of >/= 0.5 will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole number
Work Integrated Learning
A passing grade must be attained in ALL Year One courses prior to the commencement of the Animal Husbandry & Pre-Clinical Work Integrated Learning (WIL) milestone.
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
Assessment using the Inspera platform
Students must click the ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button on the summary page to submit their answers. After submission, a confirmation will appear on the dashboard indicating that the answers have been submitted and can no longer be edited.
For all exams lasting 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes, an additional 10 minutes of planning time is provided to read the questions and plan responses, though students may start working immediately if they choose.
It’s crucial to ensure your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments before the exam. If you don’t have a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Check Get Familiar with Inspera for the most up-to-date information about using the platform. Note that 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gumboots | Required | own item needed |
| Dissection Kit | Required | own item needed |
| Safety Glasses | Required | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services
Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).
The Hub
The Student Clinical Skills Hub is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), Room 101) with two main areas and an online resource community available for all SVS students.
The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visual resources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and a debriefing space.
The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competences beyond the scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.
If you cannot access the community or have any other questions, please contact the Hub Coordinator via svs-hub@uq.edu.au or ext 15046.
SVS BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech Student Support
The 2025 School of Veterinary Science Student Support Blackboard Site can be found by visiting [SCIE0586] Student Support for BVSc & BVetTech programs 2025 SCIE0586_7520_00101
This site contains links to valuable resources and information for all BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students. Here you will find information on topics such as:
- Orientation and new student information
- Mental health and wellbeing
- OH&S
- Program rules and requirements
- Study planners
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Study help and support
- Useful SVS staff contacts –
- Academic Student Mentors, International Student Mentor, Peers Support Network, SVS Academic Progression and Integrity Officer, SVS Chief Examiner, SVS Director of Students and Admissions, etc.
- SVS Student Information Resource Handbook
The site also offers a way for you to share your valuable feedback directly with the School about your experiences as a student. We welcome and encourage your input, as it helps us continually improve our processes. If you have a formal grievance regarding academic or teaching standards, please refer to the Student Grievance Resolution Policy to understand your options and the steps you can take.
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 |
Practical |
Pracs 2 - 7 Dissection of the limbs, neck and back of the dog. |
Practical |
Pracs 8 - 12 Dissection of the limbs of the horse. |
|
Lecture |
Lectures 1-5 Introduction to locomotion - bones, joints and muscles. |
|
Practical |
Prac 1 Introduction to the anatomy lab; bones, and joints. |
|
Lecture |
Lectures 5 - 10 Muscles, bones, joints, vessels, nerves and associated structures of the fore and hind limbs of the dog. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 10 - 15 Back and neck of the dog. |
|
Lecture |
Lectures 15 - 20 Locomotory anatomy of the horse. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 21 Locomotory anatomy of artiodactyls. |
|
Lecture |
Lectures 22 & 23 Gait and conformation of the horse. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 24-26 Equine and bovine hoof - integument. |
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
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: