Animal Digestion and Nutrition is a unit of study that consists of an integrated series of lectures, practical classes and tutorials focusing on the comparative structure and the function of the digestive system along with classes exploring the principles and practice of nutrition and interactions between nutrients that influence health and production.

This Unit of Study presents an introduction to those aspects of genetics and statistics that are relevant to veterinarians. The genetics section covers the creation and use of genetic maps; single-locus disorders; chromosomal abnormalities; non-Mendelian familial disorders; immunogenetics; pharmacogenetics; genetic variation in pests, parasites and pathogens; genetic and environmental control of inherited diseases; relationship and inbreeding; heritability; breed history and structure; selection and crossing. The biometry section covers biological variability; descriptive statistics (numerical and graphical summaries); probability concepts; samples and populations; the normal distribution; hypothesis tests (one-and two-sample tests); confidence intervals; analysis of variance; regression and correlation; experimental design (basic principles, specific design types); and contingency tables.

This unit provides opportunities for the student to understand and apply basic principles in veterinary practice management. The focus is upon small animal practice and this is enhanced through continued Education Support Practice visits. In addition, students will further explore professional practice themes of animal welfare, communication and personal development. During this unit of study, students are also required to successfully complete an Independent Learning Project which must be submitted by the end of semester teaching.

This unit has been designed to extend knowledge obtained during Year 1 units in Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology and explore more mechanisms of animal dysfunction. It also deals with some new topics in animal structure and function, particularly the nervous system, and covers the anatomy of common domestic bird species, with an emphasis on the chicken. The unit focuses on the nervous system and senses, mechanisms by which dysfunction of body systems leads to disease, and development of skills used to recognize normal and abnormal animals. Students will learn through inquiry and problem solving in groups and will be assessed on ability to apply and use their knowledge and development of generic skills. Neurophysiology and neuroanatomy are integrated, and students will learn how neural function is determined by the neural structures and their connections. Students will apply the principles covered in these topics to examine, describe, interpret and explain how animals perceive their environment, process and store information and respond with voluntary and involuntary activities. The primary focus will be on normal animals, however specific lesions will be used to demonstrate the role of components of the nervous system in normal function. The skills and knowledge acquired during this unit will be further used and developed in units of study in years 2-5 of the course. For example the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuropharmacology component of this Unit will provide students with a basis for analysis and management of animals with abnormal neurological function in clinical medicine. The unit also covers aspects of applied cardiovascular and exercise physiology, thermoregulation and integument. Tutorials and formative assessments on webct will be used to assist learning.

In this unit of study, the topographic and regional anatomy of the horse, a large domestic animal, is studied by sequential dissection of entire preserved horses. This unit of study also involves integration of knowledge of systemic anatomy, acquired from VETS1014, 1020, 2010 and 2011, allowing the student to develop an understanding of the regional anatomy of a domestic mammal, knowledge necessary for surgery units of study in later years. Clinically relevant regions are emphasized, and the relevance illustrated by reference to common clinical conditions.

The overarching theme for this unit of study is the concept of the interaction between the host, the agent of disease and environmental factors to produce disease effects (ie structural and/or functional changes). There is a strong emphasis on diseases encountered in veterinary practice to illustrate these concepts. Previous subjects including anatomy, histology, physiology and cell biology, lay the groundwork for this unit of study because it is essential to understand normal structure and function before we can recognize and understand the implications of the disease state. Successful completion of VETS2013 Principles of Disease is a prerequisite for VETS3011 Veterinary Pathology, VETS3040 Veterinary Microbiology, VETS3041 Veterinary Parasitology and VETS3013 Veterinary Pharmacology.

Veterinary Conservation Biology covers the identification, anatomy, and physiology of Australia’s unique native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The second section of this course details the threatening processes that are impacting Australia’s environment and ecosystems. Processes discussed include climate change, urbanization, drought, agricultural practices, bush fires, invasive animal species, and disease. The last section of this course focuses on the roles that veterinarians and biologists can play in in situ and ex situ conservation of Australian wildlife. Experts in each of these fields will contribute to the teaching so that students can learn from people with first hand experiences in each specialty.

Topics studied in this unit of study include the gross anatomy, histology and physiology of the reproductive system and mammary glands of domestic animals, fertility, pregnancy, parturition and prenatal and postnatal development. Students are introduced to clinically relevant material. Classes other than lectures will include tutorials, laboratory work, library research and small group projects. Incorporated into this unit are two sessions on the surface anatomy of the horse and cow - the focus is on clinically relevant structures.