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

Undergraduate RMI-SCB130-2023

Animal Structure and Function

Get to know the structure and function of animals with a focus on mammals and people. Chart the reproduction cycle of major vertebrate groups. Compare anatomy of mammals with other animals from excretion to endocrine systems. Learn to examine tissue.

From

$1,987 $2,237

Your upfront cost: $0

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Duration

13 weeks

Study method

Online & on-campus

Available loans

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Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Required

Start dates

27 Feb 2023

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2023

Subject details

What you'll learn

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

use standard histological methods to prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination;
explain the structure and function of the major organ systems in mammals (nerve, kidney, circulation functions, etc);
identify many animal specimens to phylum, order or lower levels of classification;
understand much of the terminology used to describe animal structure in widely divergent animal groups;
dissect, examine and remove organs in a wide variety of animal organisms;
identify organs and determine function of organs in a wide variety of animal organisms.

Topics covered

- 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

Entry requirements

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

RMI-SCB110-Cell Structure and Function

Additional requirements

Attendance requirements - Mandatory lab practical's are scheduled to run for this subject at the RMIT City Campus (Melbourne, Australia) for THREE days to be advised.

Description

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.

Assessments

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

Textbooks

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).