Unit information: Veterinary Anatomy 1 in 2025/26

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name Veterinary Anatomy 1
Unit code ANAT20001
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Duggan
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

ANAT10008 Anatomical Science 1A, ANAT10009 Anatomical Science 1B.

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

This unit forms part of the compulsory year 2 structure adopted by BSc Applied Anatomy.

Units you may not take alongside this one

N/A

School/department School of Anatomy
Faculty Faculty of Health Sciences

Unit Information

Why is this unit important?

This unit will allow you to gain a greater understanding of anatomy relating to the musculoskeletal system in a range of domestic and exotic species of vertebrates. You will work individually and collaboratively as part of a team, to learn comparative anatomy from multiple perspectives and apply your knowledge in different contexts. By appreciating the diversity in the musculoskeletal morphology and function among vertebrates, studies in Veterinary Anatomy 1 will allow you to consider the applications of animal anatomy in areas such as veterinary nursing, veterinary medicine, veterinary physiotherapy, functional morphology, zoo-archeology, ecology, conservation and wildlife in greater depth.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study

This unit will provide you with an opportunity to explore comparative anatomy in greater detail as it builds on the knowledge and skills you developed from Anatomical Sciences units in year 1. The Veterinary Anatomy 1 unit complements other units in second year and allows you to develop an appreciation of the diversity in anatomical morphology and function. In this unit you will apply your comparative anatomy knowledge into real world scenarios, for example clinical scenarios and evolutionary adaptations. This unit will also encourage you to reflect on your own values, interests, and skills which can inform future thinking and specialisation.

Your learning on this unit

An overview of content

This unit will provide you with an overview of comparative anatomy with a focus towards the skeletal and muscular systems. It will give you a thorough understanding of vertebrate functional, applied, and clinical anatomy, and provide you with insight into the form-function relationship of the musculoskeletal system.

How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit

This unit will allow you to develop a range of essential skills that are valuable for your future careers and studies. By studying and exploring the musculoskeletal system between different taxonomic groups of animals, you will be able to relate the anatomical adaptations of vertebrates to their environments. In your study of comparative anatomy, you will use your observational and critical thinking skills to better understand evolutionary relationships and processes, providing you with a deeper appreciation of the link between form and function. The unit will encourage you to work with your peers and build a community of learning and sharing which will allow you to problem solve more efficiently and effectively, develop your communication skills, and nurture teamwork.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

  1. Identify animals as belonging to a specific taxonomic group based on aspects of skeletal structure and function.
  2. Correlate skeletal structures with associated soft tissue structure and function.
  3. Describe how active muscular control and passive support from ligamentous and tendinous structures contribute to function of the vertebrate locomotor system.
  4. Apply anatomical knowledge, understanding and problem solving skills to anatomical tissue, models, and imaging in a practical laboratory environment.

How you will learn

The unit is taught through a mix of in-person and online delivery. You will learn via a variety of methods, such as lectures, seminars/workshops, online learning opportunities and practical sessions, delivered by our expert staff who are active in anatomical research and pedagogical techniques related to anatomical education. During your practical sessions, you will gain access to a large number of prosected anatomical specimens which is crucial to your understanding of the 3D nature of anatomy.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which do not count towards your mark but help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):

A practice (formative) exam will be scheduled during the teaching block. Additionally, a range of other formative opportunities will be provided across the unit to check your learning and understanding of the teaching material.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

One summative extended spot examination: 90% [ILO 1-4]

Quizzes: 10% [ILO 1-4]

When assessment does not go to plan

When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ANAT20001).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.

The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.