Module Identifier RS30710  
Module Title EQUINE PERFORMANCE PHYSIOLOGY  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Meriel J S Moore-Colyer  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Sebastian D McBride  
Pre-Requisite Biology 'A' level, minimum grade D (or equivalent)  
Course delivery Lecture   14 Hours 14 x 1 hour lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   24 Hours Attendance at 2-day 'Advances in Equine Science' Conference at Gregynog  
Assessment Semester Assessment   Assignment   100%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Re-presentation of assignment   100%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Discuss regulation of bone remodelling
2. Identify and describe microscopic anatomy of muscle and factors influencing muscle contraction
3. Describe the microscopic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system
4. Discuss the nervous system in terms of control of posture and goal directed movement
5.   Describe physiological and biochemical responses to athletic conditioning
6.   Indentify the suitability of methods for monitoring fitness and prdicting performance potential
7.   Follow and understand current areas of research in equine performance physiology.

Brief description

This module will consist of 20 lectures, 2 tutorials and supporting practicals which will consider various aspects of applied equine performance physiology. Initial lectures will concentrate on muscular contraction and aspects of neuromuscular function before considering the effects of exercise, training and detraining on the structure and function of the equine athlete. The tutorials will provide a means by which students can begin to develop knowledge through self-study and to critically assess research work done.

Aims

The module aims to:

provide a knowledge of the microscopic structure and physiology of bone, nerve and muscle tissue, and their function in relation to animal movement; and to provide an understanding of the physiological responses which occur during the athletic conditioning of the horse.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
An essay assignment will offer a variety of titles to develop a greater understanding across a range of learning outcomes. This will be undertaken on an individual basis and will develop skills related to independent project work

.2 IT and information handling
The essay will be in typed format, requiring students to use Word ™ or other similar word processing software packages.

.4 Writing in an academic context
Skills related to academic writing will be developed and assessed through the assignment which requires an element of literature review.

.7 Self-management
Self management will be developed through the provision of reading lists and assessed by responses to examination questions and the assignment.

.8 Group activity
Not assessed.

Reading Lists

Books
Frandsen R D. (1992) Anatomy and physiology of farm animals. 5th. Lea and Febiger
Hodgson D R and Rose R J. (1994) The athletic horse. W B Saunders & Co
Jones W E. (1989) Equine sports medicine. Lea and Febiger