Unit of Study VTEC1001 Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technologists (2026)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Enrolment information

1. To pass the unit, students must complete and satisfy requirements for all assessment tasks. 2. Attendance: We recognise the relationship between attendance, participation, student success and retention. Any engagement opportunity missed, regardless of the reason, can decrease the opportunity for learning. It is expected that students will attend and participate in all scheduled classes and activities for this unit. Whilst many learning sessions may not include direct assessment, many will be linked to a summative assessment task in some way.

Unit description

This unit introduces concepts in anatomy and physiology using a body systems approach across a range of animal species, with an emphasis on the domestic species most commonly encountered in veterinary practice. Students will develop a foundational understanding of the structure and function of animal body systems and practical skills in dissection and histology.

Unit content

Getting started - core concepts, skin and musculoskeletal system
Muscles, bones and brains - musculoskeletal system and nervous system
Transport and defence - cardiovascular, immune and lymphatic systems
Breathing and feeding - respiratory and digestive systems
Fuel and filters - digestive system, metabolism, endocrine and urinary systems
Reproduction and waste - urinary system and reproductive system

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term3	Term3

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:

use knowledge to describe and discuss the gross and tissue anatomy of body systems in various veterinary species using correct terminology

use knowledge to describe and discuss the normal physiology of body systems in various veterinary species using correct terminology

demonstrate practical skills in tissue dissection and histology

demonstrate reflective practice in applying foundational knowledge of animal systems to the clinical setting.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Tutorial 1 hour (3 Per Week)

Practical 3 hours (Weekly)

Assessment
OSCE	45%
Portfolio	40%
Quiz	15%

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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