Overview

This course uses a series of clinical problems to provide students with a veterinary medical context for understanding the structure and function of the major body systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, nervous, and reproductive, etc. Students will be guided through the process of applying foundational scientific principles in the solving of common clinical cases using a problem-based learning format.

Students will be asked to work in teams to explore and explain learning issues needed to solve each week’s clinical case. The learning process will be supported with the provision of a series of short, online micro lectures. Students will also be encouraged to develop adaptive learning and information literacy competencies in developing cooperative learning resources, crowd coursing visual representations and executive summaries of the learning topics.

Each week the student learning will be scaffolded and assessed using low stakes quizzes, and group participation. One final exam will be assessed for a final grade in the class.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify anatomical structures in different body systems and summarize similarities and differences between species.
Identify and explain normal physiological systems in domestic animal species.
Predict which body systems are abnormal with case-based discussions.
Develop professional attitudes, outlooks, and competencies in teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, and information management, specifically:
discuss and collaborate with others in solving animal health and disease problems.
formulate scientific questions that inform problem-solving.
identify personal and team deficits in knowledge and understanding.
actively search and use micro lectures and other appropriate evidence-based resources to acquire information and knowledge that can help promote effective problem solving.
formulate newly acquired knowledge in a way that can cultivate and optimize team-based problem solving effectiveness.

Course Topics

Module 1: Respiratory System Structure and Organization
Respiratory System Structure and Organization
Cardiovascular Structure and Organization
Respiratory Physiology
Cardiovascular Physiology and Accessory Organs
Comparative Cardiovascular Physiology
Comparative Pulmonary Physiology
Module 2: Gastrointestinal System
Introduction to Gastrointestinal Tract Structure and Function
Regulation of Gastrointestinal Function
Functions and Motility of Organs of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
Lower Gastrointestinal Function and Secretion
Comparative Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Physiology
Module 3: Renal System
Renal Structure and Organization
Glomerular Filtration Rate and Reabsorption
The Regulation of NaCl and Water Reabsorption
Comparative Renal Anatomy and Physiology
Module 4: Nervous System
Introduction to the Nervous System
The Neuron and Its Support
Forebrain Structure and Function
Midbrain Structure and Function
Hindbrain Structure and Function
Parasympathetic Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System
Reflexes, Balance, and Movement
Comparative Neuroanatomy and Physiology
Module 5: Reproductive System
Overview of the Structure of the Reproductive Tracts
The Male Reproductive Tract
Reproductive Cyclicity
Female Reproductive Tract
Hormones of the Reproductive System
Comparative Reproductive Biology
Module 6: Integumentary
Integumentary Form and Function
Integumentary Structures
Integumentary Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
Module 7: Metabolism and Endocrine
Introduction to Endocrine Homeostasis
Endocrine Glands – Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Pancreas
Energy and Electrolytes

Recommended Prerequisites

None