Animal Anatomy and Physiology Course

Course overview

Mammals, birds, fish and reptiles are all examined in this comprehensive course, which focuses in particular on the most common animals seen within veterinary practice. By looking at the ways in which body systems work, you will be able to appreciate the differences and similarities between a wide range of species, including their musculoskeletal systems, tissues, cardiovascular systems, senses, nervous systems, respiration and reproduction. Throughout the course you will examine the biological mechanisms of mammals and other species, learning about the structure and function of the various body systems and how to identify the unique characteristics of specific species. This is both a valuable stand-alone course and an excellent foundation for further study of animal health and welfare.

Syllabus

Lesson One
- Introduction/ Taxonomy/ Biological Systems within the Body/
  - Starting on the Outside
  - Kingdom Animalia
  - Homeostasis
  - Musculoskeletal System
  - Nervous System
  - Respiratory System
  - Cardiovascular System
  - Digestive System
  - Urinary System
  - Immune System
  - Reproductive System
  - Integument and Skin
  - Functions of the Skin
  - Structure of the Skin
  - Colouration
  - Conclusion
Lesson Two
- The Musculoskeletal System
  - The Skeleton
  - The Structure and Function of Bone
  - The Mammal Skeleton
  - The Bird Skeleton
  - The Fish Skeleton
  - The Reptile Skeleton
  - Connective Tissue
  - Joints
  - Joint Movement
  - Muscles
  - Muscle Cells in Skeletal Muscle
  - How Movement is Produce
Lesson Three
- The Nervous System/ The Senses and the Sense Organs
  - Introduction
  - Structure and Function of the Central Nervous System
  - The Brain and Spinal Cord
  - Structure and Function of the Peripheral Nervous System
  - The Eyes and Vision
  - The Skin, Integument and Touch
  - The Ears, Hearing and Balance
  - The Mouth and Nose – Taste and Sme
Lesson Four
- The Respiratory System of Vertebrates
  - Introduction
  - Mammals
  - Birds
  - Reptiles
  - Fish
  - Gas Exchange and Diffusion
  - Cellular Respirat
Lesson Five
- The Circulatory System
  - Introduction
  - Functions
  - Structure
  - The Heart
  - Fish
  - Reptiles
  - Birds and Mammals
  - Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation
  - Coronary Circulation
  - The Heartbeat
  - Blood Vessels
  - Blood
  - Blood Clottin
Lesson Six
- The Digestive System/ The Urinary System
  - Introduction
  - Digestion
  - Birds
  - Fish
  - Reptiles
  - Mammals
  - Carbohydrate, Fat and Protein Metabolism
  - Introduction
  - Birds and Reptiles
  - Fish
  - Mammal
Lesson Seven
- The Reproductive System and Mating Behaviour
  - Introduction
  - Egg-layers and Live-bearers
  - Birds
  - Sperm Production and Storage
  - Egg Production
  - Copulation
  - Fertilisation
  - The Egg
  - Fish
  - Hermaphroditism
  - The Eggs
  - Reptiles
  - Egg Production
  - Copulation
  - Mammals
  - Male Reproductive Organs
  - Female Reproductive Organs
  - Egg Production and Fertilisation
  - Gestation
Lesson Eight
- Homeostasis/ The Immune System/ The Endocrine System
  - Variables
  - Osmoregulation
  - Thermal Relationships
  - The Lymphatic System
  - Other Cells that Help with Immunity
Lesson Nine
- Animal Cells and Cellular Replication
  - Introduction
  - Cells
  - Cell Membrane
  - Organelles
  - The Cell Cycle
  - Proteins and Protein Synthesis – The Building Blocks of Lif
Lesson Ten
- Evolutionary Mechanisms/ Effects of Evolution
  - Introduction
  - Natural Selection and Adaptation
  - Polymorphism
  - Extinction
  - DNA and Genes
  - Sexual Reproduction and Genetic Variation
  - Meiosis
  - Gene Flow
  - Genetic Drift
  - Genetic Mutation
  - Symbiosis
  - Population Dynamics and Keystone Species
  - Population Bottleneck
  - Ecological Dependence and Co-evolution
  - Speciation
  - Niches

Practical training

No practical training is required to complete this course.

Prerequisites

You do not need to have any additional qualifications before studying this course.

Level

On successful completion of this course, you have received training designed as either a foundation qualification leading to further studies to attain a practitioner level, or professional development to gain additional skills and knowledge to expand the practice of the existing therapist. It has also been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme and graduates will receive the QLS Certificate of Achievement as above. This course has been designed by BSY to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

Certification

On successful completion students will receive dual awards: Award 1- The professional BSY Animal Anatomy & Physiology Diploma.

Award 2- Certificate of achievement at QLS Level 3 from Quality Licence Scheme. Registration through BSY is essential with this course.

How the course works

Upon enrolment you receive your first course lessons.

You can study in your own time, at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home. If you have any questions, or would like feedback or encouragement about your course or your studies then you can contact our friendly tutors by phone, email or post.

At the end of each lesson are a set of questions. Completing these can aid your learning and help you master each step before moving on to the next. Your next lesson will then arrive for you to continue when it suits you. This allows us to continually assess understanding and competence of the subject.

Having progressed through each lesson you can take your final examination at home, and at a date and time that suits you. Then, on successful completion you will be awarded your BSY certificate.

Support

Your tutor will mark your lessons, giving valuable, constructive feedback - helping you to master each step before moving on to the next. You can contact them for support or advice throughout your studies.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.