VM0053, Advanced anatomy, histology and physiology, 30.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2025-04-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2027 (2027-01-18)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Veterinary Medicine

Grading Scale

Pass / Fail

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course provides the basis for further understanding of the structure and function of the body systems of the most common domestic animal species.

Its content is significant to the student’s subsequent studies and future career.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• describe, using both Swedish and Latin, and demonstrate a deepened understanding of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system, including clinical applied and comparative anatomy using dogs and horses as model animals;
• describe and identify the structure of organs and tissues at microscopic level (histology);
• describe the various functions of the respective body systems (physiology) and together as a whole body, and demonstrate a deepened understanding of the way the systems interact and are regulated;
• describe and demonstrate a deepened understanding of the components and internal relation (topography) of the internal organs, including clinically applied and comparative anatomy as well as gestation and foetal development;
• practically apply basic handling methods for horses and dogs;
• reflect upon the impressions gained from practical exercises and auscultation;
• provide an account of natural and unnatural behaviours in domestic animals, including factors that may affect them, and use ethological methods to observe and describe the behaviours of domestic animals.

Content

The course provides in depth studies of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs, including topography from applied and clinical perspectives, as well as gestation and foetal development.

The course also includes histology and physiology relating to the nervous system and sensory organs, the endocrine system, circulatory and respiratory systems, urinary systems, reproductive organs, skin and the digestive system.

Integrated aspects of the body’s basic physiological mechanisms are also addressed (integrative physiology).

Professional development is included through educational activities significant to both students’ university studies and their future careers. Practical components involving live animals, auscultation and subsequent reflection are also included.

Independent placements enable students to practise practical agricultural work and provide them with an insight into the conditions in agriculture.

Ethology comprises the natural and unnatural behaviours of domestic animals together with influential factors. The students will reflect upon cases from clinical and practical conditions.

Implementation:

The course comprises theoretical components based on lectures, group discussions and independent study. Practical activities include dissections, microscopy, and other exercises. There is also teaching with live animals, as well as study visits and auscultation in animal husbandry or veterinary clinic settings.

The course focuses on the following general skills:

Information literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, scientific methods, digital competence, technology use, oral communication, written communication, collaboration, time management.

The following components are compulsory:

Auscultation, certain exercises and group discussions as well as certain professional and introductory activities.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

-

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Animal Biosciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Veterinary Medicine programme

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
The locomotor apparatus	6.0	0001
The nervous system, sensory and endocrine organs	3.5	0002
: Physiology of circulation and respiration	2.5	0003
Skin and physiology of the urogenital organs	3.0	0004
Physiology of the digestive tract	3.0	0005
Histology of the organ systems	3.0	0006
Integrative physiology	4.5	0007
Adapted anatomy	2.0	0008
Ethology for veterinarians part 2	1.0	0009
Professional development – animal handling, continued	1.5	1010

The Course Replaces

VM0111 + VM0128 + VM0118

Other Information

Teaching in English may occur.

Students may incur costs for elements of external placements and auscultation, such as travel and accommodation.

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.