NES1004 : Introduction to Animal Physiology
NES1004 : Introduction to Animal Physiology
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Miguel Velazquez
- Lecturer: Dr Abdul Chaudhry, Dr Andrew Beard
- 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 | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
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.
•Components, organization and main function of organ systems:
-Nervous system.
-Cardiovascular system.
-Respiratory system.
-Digestive system.
-Endocrine system.
-Muscular system.
-Skeletal system.
-Immune system.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will be able:
•To use the basic terminology of physiology.
•To explain the link between anatomical form and physiological function at a number of levels from tissues to the whole organism.
•To describe the mechanisms involved in basic physiological processes such as muscle contraction, the transmission of nerve impulses and nutrient absorption.
•To explain fundamental physiological concepts such as homeostasis and feedback systems.
This knowledge will provide students with a foundation that will facilitate their understanding of how animal health can be disrupted through various challenges (Content of module NES1003).
Intended Skill Outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
•To apply individual investigative skills to complement information provided in lecture material by reviewing specialised literature (articles from academic journals) on physiological topics.
•To write a short document in academic format.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 12:00 | 12:00 | Preparation of written exercise |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Revision and completion of Semester 2 examination |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | PiP - Introduce the vocabulary of physiology and principles of physiology in domestic animals. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 27:00 | 27:00 | Writing up lecture and practical notes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Background reading on module topics |
| Total | 100:00 |
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.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 100 | Final 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 exercise | 2 | M | Group 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).
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES1004's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES1004's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.