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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.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Start dates
- 27 Feb 2023
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Animal Structure and Function
About this subject
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.
- 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
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.
- Lecture Test (20%)
- Invigilated exam (40%)
- Laboratory practicals (24%)
- PhysioEx Computer simulation (16%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
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.
Study load
0.125 EFTSL
This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.