Key facts
UNE unit code: ANSC201
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Develop knowledge about animal physiology and hone scientific skills that have applications across a range of biological science disciplines.
Studying this unit will provide you with an essential foundation in knowledge of the structure and function of the major body systems of mammals including the nervous, sensory, muscular, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and immune systems.
Although the emphasis of the unit is on domesticated mammals, you will also explore systems and functions relating to birds and other species. This unit will provide you with the skills to solve complex physiological problems in diverse contexts.
Practical work is designed to enhance your technical skills, whilst applying your knowledge to the study of both human and animal subjects. You will have opportunities to develop an appreciation for the fundamentals of physiological principles.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe the anatomy and normal physiological function of the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, defence and urinary systems in domestic animals;
- demonstrate and understand how nutrition, environment, health and management of the animal affects an animal’s physiological function to maintain homeostasis;
- analyse, interpret and suggest solutions to the unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in animal physiology;
- critique scientific literature and utilise this information to communicate an understanding of physiology and how it affects animal function; and
- demonstrate personal and professional responsibility through the implementation of practical laboratory tasks in handling and experimenting with biological specimens.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Mid Trimester Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 35% | All offerings | The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Mid Trimester Examination - Assurance Task, and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. To pass this unit you must attend all practicals and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. | |
| Practical Assessment | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Scientific Review - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Animal Physiology: From Genes to Organisms
ISBN: 9780840068651
Sherwood, L., Klandorf, H. and Yancey, P.H., Brooks/Cole 2nd ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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