Module Identifier RD15010  
Module Title ANIMAL SCIENCE  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Michael T Rose  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   2 x 1 hour lectures per week  
  Practical   4 x 3 hour practicals during semester  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Animal welfare essay Outcomes assessed: 4  40%
Semester Exam1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  60%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to re-take the element that led to failure of the module  100%

Learning outcomes

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

Outcome 1
Explain the relevant components of the structure and function of the animal body as far as they apply to domestic farm animals.
Performance criteria:
a. Structure and function of appropriate areas of the animal body are explained.
b. Appropriate physiological mechanisms and events are identified.
Ranges:
Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and urinary systems; animal tissues; and nervous and hormonal control systems.
Structure and function of blood and tissue fluid.
Structure and function of the udder.
The hormonal control of lactation.

Outcome 2
Describe the processes of reproduction in domestic livestock and select appropriate techniques for the manipulation of reproductive performance.
Performance criteria:
a. The structure of the reproductive tract is described.
b. The physiological control of reproductive processes is outlined.
c. Methods of manipulating reproductive processes are explained in relation to physiological controls.
Ranges:
One of either cattle, sheep or pigs.

Outcome 3
Explain the inter-relationship between environment, health and management in the expression and control of disease in farm animals.
Performance criteria:
a. Describe the type and origin of pathogenic organisms.
b. Explain the reaction of the animal body to disease.
c. Identify the principles of disease control, prevention and treatment.
Ranges:
Common pathogenic micro-organisms involved in disease in farm animals.
Cellular and humoral responses.
Vaccination, disinfection, hygiene procedures, legislation.
Alternative medical treatments - homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal remedies.

Outcome 4
Outline the current areas of concern involving animal welfare issues.
Performance criteria:
a. The ethics of animal welfare are discussed.
b. Current areas of welfare concern are identified.
c. Possible approaches to the enhancement of animal welfare are identified and described.
Ranges:
Cultural and ethnic differences in the perception of animal welfare.
Intensive animal production systems, genetic engineering and welfare, live animal transport and slaughter.
Main areas of current animal welfare legislation.

Brief description

This module aims to provide the underpinning scientific knowledge which is appropriate to an understanding of effective livestock production. It provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of animal science in as far as they relate to the relevant areas of anatomy, physiology, reproduction, structure and function of the udder, the hormonal control of lactation, animal health and issues concerned with animal welfare.

Module Skills

Research skills Developed by the assignment, which requires the research of welfare issues in novel situations.  
Communication Developed by the assignment, requiring writing for both an academic and lay audience.  
Information Technology Developed by the assignment, which requires the use of word processing and image manipulation software.  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Frandson R D (1992) Anatomy and physiology of farm animals Lipincott, Williams and Wilkins 0781733588
Gordon I (1997) Controlled reproduction in farm animals CABI 0851991181
Pond K and Pond W (1999) An introduction to animal science Wiley 0471170941

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4