Warning! This subjects requires on campus attendance. Refer to Special Requirements for more information.

Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. use standard histological methods to prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination
  2. explain the structure and function of the major organ systems in mammals (nerve, kidney, circulation functions, etc)
  3. identify many animal specimens to phylum, order or lower levels of classification
  4. understand much of the terminology used to describe animal structure in widely divergent animal groups
  5. dissect, examine and remove organs in a wide variety of animal organisms
  6. identify organs and determine function of organs in a wide variety of animal organisms.
    • Tissues and organs/Anatomical nomenclature
    • Evolution/Embryology
    • Respiration
    • Circulation
    • Kidneys & water balance
    • Immune system
    • Locomotion / Muscle
    • Digestion
    • The nervous system
    • The endocrine organs
    • Sex & reproduction
    • Hormones & reproduction

  • Study resources

    • Online materials

      • Printable format materials
      • Quizzes

    • Other materials

      • Practicum

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this subject:

Special requirements

  • AttendanceDetails - Mandatory Practicals of five half days in Melbourne
This subject is an introduction to animal structure and function. It provides an overview of the structure, function and reproduction of the vertebrates, with emphasis on humans. Topics include: the physiology of muscles; nerves; digestion; respiration; excretion; circulation; reproduction; and endocrine systems. A brief overview of methods for histological preparation of tissues for microscopic examination will be provided. Practical components include understanding cells and tissues and vertebrate dissections (fish, amphibians, birds and mammals). Physiology computer simulations are undertaken in students own time with an open book/fixed time examination during the practical week. 

A pass mark in the final exam is not a hurdle. Attendance at the practicals is the hurdle.

Please note the dates below for the compulsory requirements for this subject to attend laboratory classes at RMIT University's City Campus in central Melbourne:

2019, Study Period 3:

  • Nov 18 - 22, 2019 1:30pm - 5:30pm*

*More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Blackboard.

  • Lecture Test (20%)
  • Invigilated exam (40%)
  • Laboratory practicals (24%)
  • PhysioEx Computer simulation (16%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

undergraduate RMI-SCI-DEG-2019

Bachelor of Science Applied Sciences