VM0052, Basic anatomy, tissue histology and biochemistry, 30.0 Hp
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Syllabus

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 teaches the basics of the structure and function of animal bodies, including embryology, cell processes, metabolism and the tissues of vertebrates. The course also provides a general introduction to the veterinary medicine programme and the tools necessary for university studies.

The course provides the foundation for continued studies within the veterinary medicine programme and imparts the knowledge essential for professional veterinarians.

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

• describe and practically identify the anatomic components of various body systems, including their place and relationships inside the body (topography) based on dissection materials or other preparations, using anatomic terminology in both Swedish and Latin and applied to the most common domestic animals;
• briefly account for the early embryonic development of mammals, the development of body systems and the structure of the fetal membranes;
• describe the structure and function of various tissues as well as the molecules and cells they comprise;
• describe the metabolism of cells and the whole body and discuss this in relation to different physiological states;
• provide a basic account of animal husbandry and handling livestock and companion animals;

describe how animal husbandry affects animals’ natural behaviour.

Content

Subject-related content

The course begins with information about the veterinary medicine programme and an introduction to studies at university level, together with general information about the exercises involving live animals, cadavers, organs and tissue materials.

Anatomy involves anatomical and medical terminology and the components of an animal’s body systems and their relationship to each other.

Histology comprises the composition of epithelial, connective, nervous and muscular tissues, as well as blood and haematopoiesis.

Embryology comprises the early development stages, the various germ layers that form the basis of the development of the organ system and the fetal membranes. An overview of the placenta is also included.

Biochemistry and cell biology comprise the structure of the eukaryote cell, molecular mechanisms, functional characteristics and the cells’ interaction with their surroundings, as well as metabolism of the cell and the whole body and metabolic regulation.

Professional development takes place through lectures on topics such as the role of the professional veterinarian, ethical perspectives, scientific approaches and sustainable studying. Practical components and auscultations are also included.

Ethology comprises descriptions of how animal husbandry affects the natural behaviour of animals, thus providing students with the chance to understand how this affects animals. The students are introduced to methods used to assess animal behaviour and they will reflect upon cases taken from clinical and practical conditions.

Implementation

The course includes theoretical components based on lectures, introductory activities, group discussions and independent study. Practical activities include dissections, microscopy, laboratory sessions and other exercises. There are also teaching activities 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, use of technology, oral communication, written communication, collaboration, time management.

The following components are compulsory:

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

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written, oral and practical examinations as well as approved participation in compulsory components.

•  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

• Veterinärprogrammet

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Basic Anatomy	3.5	0401
Anatomy - Visceral organs	4.0	0402
Anatomy - osteology and locomotion	2.0	0403
Tissue histology	3.0	0404
Embryology	2.0	0405
Biochemistry and cell biology, part 1	6.0	0406
Biochemistry and cell biology, part 2	7.5	0407
Professional development - animal handling, basic	1.5	0408
Ethology for veterinarians part 1	0.5	0409

The Course Replaces

VM0127 + VM0110 + VM0111 + VM0118

Other Information

Teaching may be given in English. Students may incur costs for elements of external placements and auscultation, such as travel.

• 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.