Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
VE22340
Module Title
Form and Function (Year 2)
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1.5 Hours   In-Class Test  Written test comprising 30 MCQs and 3 SAQs, covering any LOs up until time of assessment  20%
Semester Assessment Oral assessment  20 minutes oral assessment covering any LOs up until time of assessment  20%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   SAQ paper  Exam period assessment covering all LOs  30%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   MCQ paper  Exam period assessment covering all LOs  30%
Supplementary Assessment 1.5 Hours   In-Class Test  Written test comprising 30 MCQs and 3 SAQs, covering any LOs up until time of assessment  20%
Supplementary Assessment Oral assessment  20 minutes oral assessment covering any LOs up until time of assessment  20%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   SAQ paper  Exam period assessment covering all LOs  30%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   MCQ paper  Exam period assessment covering all LOs  30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Describe the basic vertebrate body design, including use of standard anatomic terminology, and show understanding of comparative differences in common domestic species with particular emphasis on the musculoskeletal system in the veterinary context.

Discuss the normal developmental and adult anatomy of the heart, great vessels and respiratory system in the common domestic species.

Describe the physiology and anatomy (both gross- and ultrastructural-) of the various tissues of the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, integumentary and nervous systems, and their interactions with other body systems, in both normal function and examples of dysfunction (disease)

Describe the structure of the integument in veterinary species, relate structure to function, and begin to develop skills and knowledge in the examination and recognition of abnormal skin structure.

Present an overview of the anatomy and development of the central and peripheral nervous system, eye and ear in domestic animals.

Describe the generation of nerve signals and the integration of inputs and outputs of the nervous system to allow the animal to sense and control its internal and external environment, communicate, and move properly

Be able to demonstrate how module content can be applied to clinical settings and how it integrates with other modules

Describe the development, structure, function and control of the major endocrine glands e.g. pituitary, thyroid, adrenal etc.

Discuss the pathological basis, diagnostic changes and treatments related to common endocrine diseases under examination conditions.

Describe the major pathways involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in the mammalian body. This includes tissue-specific events, with emphasis on energy metabolism and its regulation by hormonal and other mechanisms, especially where these apply to disease processes using diabetes mellitus of the cat as an example.

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system and apply this to the diagnosis and treatment of relevant of diseases and the manipulation of reproductive processes.

Provide an overview of the way in which the urinary system participates in the close regulation of the volume and composition of interstitial fluid, including the influence of drugs on the processes.

Demonstrate how the module content can be applied to clinical settings and how it integrates with other modules

Brief description

This module builds upon the basic anatomical and functional understanding covered in your first year and explores the form and function of the body’s major systems in more depth, including in the context of dysfunction (using common disease examplars). Understanding of the normal structure and function will enable appreciation of the signs and effects of dysfunction in disease, and the principles of treatment. This module will also address the linkages between each of the body systems.

Content

Combining practical anatomy classes with lectures and small group teaching, this module examines in greater depth the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems, both in normal function and in the context of common conditions of these systems encountered in veterinary general practice.
Building on Form and Function (Year 1), the normal structure and function of body systems will be revisited in greater depth, with exploration of the signs and effects of dysfunction and injury.
This module is arranged into body system strands, comprising: 1/ Cardiovascular & Respiratory, 2/ Locomotor (musculoskeletal), 3/ Integument (skin), 4/ Neurology, ophthalmology and special senses, 5/ Endocrine, 6/ Reproductive and urinary, 3/ Alimentary. This module builds on knowledge gained in Form and Function in Year 1, exploring the systems in greater depth and complexity via a spiral curriculum structure. Together, the Year 1 and Year 2 modules deliver the basis of the ‘Vet Capability’ Domain of RCVS Day One Competencies, which describes the clinical competences, and encompasses the practical skills, techniques and underlying veterinary scientific knowledge that veterinary surgeons must possess upon graduation.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others Team working and co-ordination skills developed during Directed Learning and Anatomy classes where students work in small groups.
Critical and analytical thinking Problem- and case-based Directed Learning sessions
Professional communication Students develop professional communication throughout the course, used in scenarios like oral exams and as part of EMS to communicate with professional colleagues
Subject Specific Skills During the module, students will gain and build knowledge of veterinary anatomy, physiology, pathology, terminology and other vocation-specific knowledge required of a veterinary surgeon.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5