Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Veterinary Science School
Anatomy & physiology of cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic & nervous systems of production & other animals; pain & behaviour neurobiology.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the structure (microscopic and gross) of the various body systems and relate this to function. ﾠStudents will gain an understanding of what each organ and organ system looks like and how this relates to other organs within the body. ﾠStudents will be concurrently taught the physiological basis of the function of each organ. ﾠThis will provide a grounding of normal structure and function of the mammalian body.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course covers anatomy and physiology of the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and lymphatics systems.ﾠBasic understanding of animal cell physiology and cell to cell communication is expected, as taught in AGRC1041 or equivalent course. Some gross mammalian anatomy of the systems to be studied is desirable.ﾠAn understanding of microscopic structure is also desirable.ﾠ VETS1060 and AGRC1041 are pre-requisiteﾠcourses that must be completed before enrolling in VETS2011.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
AGRC1041, VETS1060
Restrictions
Enrolment restricted to Veterinary Science students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Werdi Pratiwi
Dr Cristina Rosales
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
The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of normal structure and function in the mammalian body. Students will require this knowledge to understand disease processes in later courses and for surgery.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the main functions of the central nervous system of mammals in terms of anatomical structures, cellular mechanisms and integrated systems responses.
LO2.
Explain the main functions of the autonomic nervous system in terms of the overall anatomical arrangement of the autonomic nervous system and the pathways and mechanisms involved in the nervous control of the organs and tissues of the body, other than skeletal muscle.
LO3.
Explain the main functions of the cardiovascular system in terms of its anatomical structure and how the heart and blood vessels function in the supply of adequate amounts of blood to the various body tissues.
LO4.
Explain the main functions of the respiratory system in terms of its anatomical structure and how the respiratory system operates to provide appropriate gas exchange between the environment and blood.
LO5.
Explain the anatomy of the lymphatic system in domestic species.
LO6.
Describe and list the gross and microscopic anatomy of domestic animals.
LO7.
Explain and demonstrate the applied aspects of physiology.
LO8.
Explain and apply the principle of nervous signal detection, conduction, integration and response and apply those principles to different sensory systems.
LO9.
To apply principles of the neurophysiological basis of behaviour (neuroethology) to animal interactions and responses.
LO10.
To work collaboratively and productively in a team environment.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment sequence: Physiology Practical Quizzes
|
10% |
7/03/2025 - 23/05/2025 |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Neuroanatomy Assignment | 5% |
24/03/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-Semester Theory Exam
|
25% |
31/03/2025 10:00 am
This will be a 60 min exam run during the allocated lecture time (10 am - 12 noon). |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
In-Semester Practical Exam
|
15% |
1/04/2025 1:00 pm
further information and groupings will be circulated closer to the date of the examination. |
| Examination |
End of Semester Anatomy Practical Exam
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Theory Exam
|
25% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Assessment sequence: Physiology Practical Quizzes
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
7/03/2025 - 23/05/2025
Task description
Covering physiology practical class material and will be assessed progressively during each practical class. The assessment will involve short mastery questions for a total of 10%: this is broken into neurophysiology, autonomic nervous system (ANS) and respiratory/cardiac physiology. Assessment for the physiology practical classes will consist of a short quiz which will be submitted at the end of each practical class to review what was learned.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Complete the online Quiz as directed.
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.
Neuroanatomy Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
24/03/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Neuroanatomy short answer assignment handout, consisting of case scenarios and other integrative questions. Questions are handed out in week one. Full details of the assessment and marking will be provided on the assignment sheet itself.
You have been allocated FIVE weeks to do this assessment. I wish to provide feedback to the rest of the class and cannot do so until all assignments have been marked and handed back. Please do not leave it to the last weekend to do this.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.
Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin, please name your file in the following way:
For example, SMITH Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Essay1
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty or, after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time.
If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.
In-Semester Theory Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
31/03/2025 10:00 am
This will be a 60 min exam run during the allocated lecture time (10 am - 12 noon).
Task description
This exam will cover the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology theory component of VETS2011.
This will be a paper-based invigilated examination, if this is not possible it will be an online examination.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| 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.
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.
In-Semester Practical Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
1/04/2025 1:00 pm
further information and groupings will be circulated closer to the date of the examination.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
In-Semester practical examination, covering the anatomy of the nervous system, 60 minutes in duration and involving practical identification of dissected specimens, histology and skeletal specimens (worth 15%).
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
The deferred practical exam will occur during the Supp/Def period after the semester has been completed.
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.
End of Semester Anatomy Practical Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
End of semester anatomy practical examination, covering aspects of anatomy taught in VETS2011, 60 minutes in duration and involving practical identification of dissected specimens.
This will be an on-campus invigilated examination, if this is not possible it will be an online examination.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
The deferred practical exam will occur during the Supp/Def period after the semester has been completed.
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.
End of Semester Theory Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
Written theory examination covering anatomy and physiology lectures. Note that this will cover the cardiovascular, respiratory and lymphatic anatomy and physiology. The exam will be 60 minutes in duration and comprising of short answer/diagram or multiple choice questions.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| 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.
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: Overall mark of 0-29% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 30-44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Overall mark of 45-49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 50-64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 65-74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall mark of 75-84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overrall mark 85-100% |
Additional course grading information
To pass VETS2011
- All students must achieve a pass (50%) for the practical assessment (i.e. an overall mark of at least 50% for the combined two anatomy practical exams and the physiology practical).ﾠ
- Students must also achieve a pass (50%) for the Theory examinations (MSE and EoS exams combined).ﾠ
If a student fails VETS2011 and is awarded a Supplementary Examination (see below), the supplementary examination will only be for theﾠassessment component/s failed (theory and/or practical),ﾠbut will include material from the whole course (and NOT just the material covered in the end of semester examination).ﾠ
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.
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
All assessment items have to be completed at the Gatton campus unless otherwise specified.ﾠ
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.
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.
Blackboard
This course will be supported by a Blackboard website.ﾠThis will need to be accessed in order to complete some course assessment tasks and some learning materials.ﾠBlackboard can be accessed from the University's eLearning website - https://learn.uq.edu.au/.ﾠ You will need to log on using your UQ username and password (same as mySI-net, my.UQ and student email).
Blackboard can also be assessed via my.UQ but your time may run out after 30 minutes if you enter via this route.
You need a recent browser to access Blackboard - Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are recommended.
For further information on Blackboard, students should refer to the following website: https://www.library.uq.edu.au/ask-it/getting-started
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 |
Lecture |
Neuroanatomy lectures A series of 17 lectures on the mammalian nervous system by Paul Mills, including cranial nerves, the eye and ear, central and peripheral nervous systems |
Lecture |
Neurophysiology lectures Physiological aspects of nervous tissue and function will be provided by Stephanie Bond in 12 lectures, plus an additional 3 lectures concerning the autonomic nervous system |
|
Practical |
Anatomy practical classes These will be undertaken throughout the semester and generally follow the lecture material so that students have some knowledge of the different systems before dissection to consolidate learning. This will be achieved during anatomy practical classes where students will dissect out each system covered in the lectures and will be provided with similar organs from other species for comparison. Students will also attend histology classes to learn microscopic structure. |
|
Practical |
Neurophysiology practical classes These will also be undertaken throughout the semester and consolidate the physiology lecture material. These will illustrate by practical experimentation or problem solving some of the physiological principles described in the associated lecture course. |
|
Lecture |
Respiratory anatomy 9 lectures on respiratory anatomy presented by Mike Noad |
|
Lecture |
Respiratory physiology A series of 6 respiratory physiology lectures presented by Stephanie Bond |
|
Lecture |
Cardiovascular anatomy The structure and basic function of the heart and cardiovascular system presented in 7 lectures by Paul Mills |
|
Lecture |
Cardiovascular physiology A series of 10 cardiovascular physiology lectures presented by Werdi Pratiwi |
|
Lecture |
Lymphatic anatomy an investigation of the anatomy of the lymphatic system in domestic animals |
|
Lecture |
Exercise physiology integration of cardiorespiratory physiology in an applied function. |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.