Unit of Study VBIO1001 Anatomy and Physiology 1 (2026)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Pre-requisites

ANIM1001 - Animal Husbandry, Handling and Behaviour

Enrolment information

1. To pass the unit, students must submit all assessment tasks 2. Attendance: It is important to recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Please take advantage of all classes and engagement activities as it will increase your opportunity for learning, progression in the course, and success as a veterinarian. For units with practicals and other learning activities that directly relate to developing AVBC day one competencies that are required for veterinary accreditation, attendance is required. These will be identified within each unit and attendance requirements clearly communicated to students.

Unit description

This unit aims to provide veterinary students with a fundamental understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the musculo-skeletal and integumentary systems. It first provides an introduction to anatomical terminology, the basis of body plans, and topographical anatomy. Students will also be introduced to essential laboratory and clinical hygiene protocols. The anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, its structure, function, and clinical significance in animal movement and health is delivered through a combination of online materials, tutorials, and hands-on practical sessions. Students will develop the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to identify, describe, and analyse key components of the skeletal and muscular systems across different species by engaging with skeletal models, microscopic examinations, dissections, and preserved specimens. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships between bones, joints, and muscles, and the biomechanical basis of movement, disease, and injury. The unit will also describe the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, including the structure and function of the skin and related structures such as hair, hooves, nails, glands and sensory apparatus.

Unit content

Introduction to anatomical terminology and topographical anatomy
Skeletal system – structure and function
Muscular system – anatomy and function
Classification and clinical relevance
Integration of musculoskeletal system in movement and health
Integumentary system – structure, function, and variation

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term3	N/A

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

recognise and classify normal anatomical structures of the musculoskeletal system in species commonly encountered in veterinary practice.

explain the fundamental principles of movement in vertebrates, describing how respective musculoskeletal structures relate to function, including at the ultrastructural level

compare and interpret the diversity of skeletal and muscular systems across animal types, and extrapolate clinical inferences, including diagnostic imaging

examine and relate the structure and physiology of the animal integumentary system, reflecting on how form relates to function and reflects different animals' needs.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Tutorial 3 hours (Weekly)

Practical 3 hours (Weekly)

Assessment
Workbook	40%
Portfolio	60%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

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