Module Catalogue

NES1004 : Introduction to Animal Physiology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Miguel Velazquez
  • Lecturer: Dr Andrew Beard, Dr Abdul Chaudhry, Dr Jessica Martin
  • Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The overall aim is to develop students’ understanding of mammalian physiology with particular reference to domestic animals (farm and companion animals). The module will illustrate the contribution of various organ systems to the maintenance of the internal environment of the body of animals. The physiological mechanisms that allow body systems to perform their functions in animals and the link of form (e.g. anatomy) with function will be examined in lectures.

Outline Of Syllabus

•The importance of studying animal physiology.
•Homeostatic circuits.
•Feedback mechanisms.
•Mechanisms of cell membrane transport.
•Intercellular signalling.
•Membrane potential.
•Thermoregulation
•Components, organization and main function of organ systems:
-Nervous system.
-Cardiovascular system.
-Respiratory system.
-Digestive system.
-Endocrine system.
-Muscular system.
-Skeletal system.
-Immune system.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Preparation of written exercise
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion115:0015:00Revision and completion of Semester 2 examination
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture181:0018:00PiP - Introduce the vocabulary of physiology and principles of physiology in domestic animals.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study130:0030:00Background reading on module topics
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study127:0027:00Writing up lecture and practical notes
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture material provides the basic subject knowledge required by students to understand the underlying principles of animal physiology. The lecture material describes the specific role of various organ systems within the body and the mechanisms involved in these functions. The written exercise allows students to develop investigative skills by researching a topic on animal physiology.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination1202A100Final exam as MCQ and simple answer questions in the Inspera system
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise2MGroup exercise on a physiological topic
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The MCQ examination assesses the knowledge and understanding of information delivered in lectures (knowledge outcomes) under time constraints. The group task assesses the students’ skills in researching scientific topics, critical discussion and presentation of information in academic format while working as a team (skills outcomes).

Reading Lists

Timetable