Overview

The learning activities will train students to use a systems-based approach to explain how each organ system detects and responds to health challenges. Students will be asked to apply their knowledge of structure and function of the major body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, immune, nervous, metabolic, and reproductive, etc.) and to explore the cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways by which the body detects, communicates, regulates, and corrects pathophysiologic perturbations. Each sphere of host health homeostasis will be studied through a series of short video lectures, required readings and reference materials. Students will be encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the course content by solving clinical case examples, participating in group activities and by contributing to weekly discussion boards. Weekly quizzes, discussion boards, group participation, and exams will be assessed for a final grade in the class.

Learning Objectives

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

Use a systems-based approach to describe host homeostatic responses to specific health challenges
Compare and contrast the associations between normal physiology and pathophysiology in altered health states
Understand the pathophysiological basis for disease manifestation and progress in the body, and in primary and secondary organ systems
Characterize the basic concepts of homeostasis and pathophysiology at the cellular and molecular level relate to fluid/electrolyte, respiratory, nutrient, mucosal, and reproductive health, and for behavior and movement.

Course Topics

Module 1
Applying a systems-based approach to describe host homeostasis
Regulation of host health status
Homeostasis during different life cycle stages
Module 2
Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis
Respiratory homeostasis
Module 3
Metabolic/Nutrient homeostasis
Mucosal homeostasis
Module 4
Reproductive homeostasis
Importance of movement and behavior to host homeostasis
Overview of movement
Module 5
Problems with fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis
Problems with respiration and gas transport homeostasis
Module 6
Problems with metabolic/nutrient homeostasis (e.g. ketosis, hypocalcemia, impaired growth)
Problems with mucosal homeostasis
Module 7
Problems with reproductive homeostasis
Problems with movement and behavior

Recommended Prerequisites

VCM 507: Veterinary Form and Function, VCM 509: Biology of Veterinary Pathogens