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Vet Bioscience: Locomotion (VETS90129)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject continues the integrated and inter-disciplinary approach to the study of body system function and dysfunction in animals that was introduced in year one of the DVM course. Building on students’ prior knowledge of body system function and dysfunction and their experience of scientific and clinical reasoning, this subject introduces students to the structure and normal functioning of those body systems that contribute to locomotion. Dysfunction and the consequences of dysfunction will also be explored. Studies will encompass the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and those elements of the integumentary system that contribute to locomotion. The development and organisation of the nervous system will be introduced in this unit, and the focus will then turn to those elements of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system essential for locomotory control. Students will be introduced to the clinical disciplines of gait analysis and lameness assessment, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging and anatomic pathology as they relate to these systems. Using case-based teaching approaches, they will apply their understanding of system structure, function and dysfunction to authentic situations that enhance the development of integrative clinical reasoning abilities.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Apply knowledge of microscopic, developmental and gross anatomy of the structures that contribute to locomotion in order to explain how the locomotory structures enable animals to stand and move
  • Apply knowledge of locomotory anatomy to the identification of normal structures in animals, tissues and diagnostic images, and to differentiate between abnormal and normal structures
  • Apply an understanding of pathological changes in the locomotory apparatus to predict the clinical manifestations of locomotory diseases, and to distinguish between the commonly caused diseases of bones, muscles, joints, spinal cord and peripheral nerves
  • Work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and apply an understanding of locomotory structure and function in order to analyse and interpret clinical problems related to this system in animals

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should:
• Have a broad knowledge of science across a range of fields, with an in-depth understanding in one scientific discipline
• Understand the scientific method, and the history and evolution of scientific concepts
• Be intellectually curious and apply a rigorous, critical and logical approach to enquiry
• Be able to communicate ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats to both specialists and non-specialists
• Reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
• Be efficient managers of information
• Be able to apply technology to the analysis of biological problems.

Last updated: 31 January 2024