Veterinary Gastrointestinal System 1

Code

VETS2011

School

Veterinary Medicine and Science

Level

2

Credits

40

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This course considers:

•    Structure and function of the gastrointestinal system and body wall.
•    Development of the gastrointestinal system.
•    Regulation and adaptation of the gastrointestinal system.
•    Digestion and metabolism, including biomechanical processes within the body.
•    Pharmacology of the gastrointestinal system.
•    Microbiology, immunology and parasitology of the gastrointestinal system.
•    Methods for clinical evaluation of the gastrointestinal system - including ultrasonography, radiography and clinical exam.
•    Nutrient utilisation.
•    Animal nutrition.

Target Students

Students registered on the BVMedSci/BVMBVSprogramme only.

Classes

A mixture of lectures, practical sessions, seminars and self-directed study.

Assessment

• 10% Practical: OSPE Exam. this element of the assessment must be passed before progression to year 4 of the BMVBVS programme.
• 45% Inclass Exam 1 (Written) (1-hour-40-minute): MCQs, EMQs, hot spots and fill in the blanks
• 45% Inclass Exam 1 (Written) (1-hour-40-minute): MCQs, EMQs, hot spots and fill in the blanks
• 45% In-class Exam 2 (Written) (2-hour): Online short answer paper

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

At the end of this course the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The main components of the gastrointestinal system including their role and integration with other systems

• The functional and topographical anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract and the abdomen, including an understanding of their integration with other systems

• The topographical anatomy of the body wall

• The development of the gastrointestinal systems, including common developmental abnormalities

• The processes of digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins

• The regulation and control of digestion and metabolism

• The physiological adaptations and changes that occur during digestion and metabolism

• The roles of vitamins, trace elements and other key feed components in nutrition

• The adaptations of the gastrointestinal tract in different species – in particular ruminant herbivores and aves

• The major concepts of gastrointestinal microbiology and parasitology and discuss specific key organisms and life cycles

• Methods of investigating and imaging the gastrointestinal system - via ultrasonography and radiography

• Performing and interpreting simple laboratory techniques that evaluate the gastrointestinal system and associated organisms

• Developing the major concepts of hepatic and other toxicoses
   

• Performing and interpreting simple laboratory techniques to investigate parasite infestations

Intellectual skills:

At the end of this course the student should be able to demonstrate:
 

• An ability to explain the role of the gastrointestinal system in digestion

• An ability to recognise the main features of the gastrointestinal system on gross and histological specimens, and images

• An ability to assess normal and abnormal gastrointestinal function in domestic animal species

• An ability to identify potential sites for pharmacological intervention of the gastrointestinal system

• An ability to identify a gastrointestinal problem in a patient
   

Professional practical skills:

At the end of this course the student should be able to demonstrate:
 

• Clinical examination of the gastrointestinal system, including the oral cavity

• Practical animal handling skills, basic surgical and dissection skills

• Correct use of anatomical nomenclature and terminology

• Use of different methods for investigation of gastrointestinal function, including biopsy, endoscopy, radiography, clinical biochemistry and faecal analysis

• Examination techniques for faeces components

• Examination techniques for gastrointestinal parasites

• Understand the use of different methods for investigation of gastrointestinal function, including biopsy, endoscopy, clinical biochemistry and faecal analysis

• Perform basic ultrasonography and radiographic positioning for the gastrointestinal system
   

Transferable (key) skills:

At the end of this course the student should be able to demonstrate:
 

• Learning and study techniques which promote life-long learning

• The ability to search for, select and use information for problem-solving and decision‑making

• Appropriate interpersonal skills and team-working ability

• Multi-tasking, including time and resource management

Conveners

• Dr Davide Messina
• Mrs Georgina Bladon
• Mrs Julia Bennett
• Mr Phillip Hammond