Fundamentals of Veterinary Biology

Abstract

This subject provides a brief introduction to taxonomy and phylogeny and basic science and measurement concepts, then introduces cell biology incorporating applied aspects of basic cell structure and function including aspects of introductory organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell physiology with particular emphasis on biochemical and genetic functions of cells. It provides foundations in membrane transport and cell signalling. This subject will prepare students for advanced study in physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology and histology. Previous basic knowledge of chemistry and biology is assumed.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Introduction to taxonomy and phylogeny: Structure and classification of living organisms;Science and Measurement;Major classes of biological molecules important for cell function;Structure and function of nucleated cells and major differences between plant and animal cells;Biological membranes, cellular signalling and transmembrane transport processes, cellular signalling … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Introduction to taxonomy and phylogeny: Structure and classification of living organisms;
Science and Measurement;
Major classes of biological molecules important for cell function;
Structure and function of nucleated cells and major differences between plant and animal cells;
Biological membranes, cellular signalling and transmembrane transport processes, cellular signalling and action potentials;
Control of the cell cycle;
Flow of genetic information, control of gene expression, gene families and cancer;
Recombinant DNA technology and its application to animal and veterinary sciences;
Structure, function and classification of micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi; and
Culturing micro-organisms and control of microbial growth.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

use phylogenetic and taxonomic principles to explain major differences between eukaryote and prokaryote organisms including microbes, plant and animal cells;

describe and apply concepts of thermodynamics, solution, diffusion, equilibrium and normality to physiological systems;

describe the families of biological molecules essential for life (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids) and outline the relationships of their anabolic and catabolic pathways;

describe the basic structure of cells, including various subcellular structures in relation to their function and tissue types;

explain the structure and functions of cell membranes and their integral proteins and describe the role these play in cellular communication, including chemical transport and detailed explanations of development of membrane potential and the action potential;

describe cell information storage and regulation using DNA and its control of the cell cycle, explaining how recombinant DNA technology & neoplasia change function, giving examples in animal health and production;

demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure, function and pathogenicity of various classes of micro-organisms, and to culture and identify them; and

utilise principles of research, measurement and analysis to demonstrate an awareness of scientific method and an emerging ability to communicate research findings and conclusions appropriately.

Assumed knowledge

Basic chemistry and biology.

Enrolment restrictions

Only students in

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) Integrated Honours