Enrolments for 2019 have closed.
This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Animal Structure and Function
Undergraduate | RMI-SCB130 | 2019
Course information for 2019 intake
View information for 2020 course intakeGet 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
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- 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.
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%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
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 Practicals of five half days in Melbourne
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.
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