STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION A - 2026/7

Module Overview

This module will equip students with the knowledge and understanding of how animals function, across scales ranging from the molecular level, to the whole animal. The fundamental concepts of molecular and cellular biology will be explored within the context of veterinary species, after which the student will gain knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal, neurological, special senses and endocrine body systems.

Cases will underpin the presentation of this material to provide context and integration between the disciplines of cellular biology, anatomy, histology, physiology and embryology. Students will use dissection and laboratory sessions to develop their technical competencies. Problem-based learning cases will be used to underpin knowledge acquisition and to enhance team learning and the development of independent learning skills.

Module provider

School of Veterinary Medicine

Module Leader

BASU Christopher (Vet Med)

Number of Credits: 45

ECTS Credits: 22.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

• Introduce students to the normal structure and function of the cell within a multicellular organism 
• Understand fundamental anatomy, physiology and development of the musculoskeletal system, neurological system, special senses and endocrine system in core veterinary species, as well as considerations in small mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. 
• Assessment and understanding of animal behaviours relating to these body systems. 
• Assessment and understanding of nutrition relating to these body systems.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Problem Based Learning - the alternative assessment to the group oral presentation, taken in the LSA period, is an individual oral presentation.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the laboratory components, PBL, content knowledge and integration of the various components of practical materials. 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• In-class test - 10% 
• PBL assessment - 10%
• Individual presentation - 10% 

• Content knowledge examination - 70% 

   

Formative feedback is available throughout the module in the form of verbal feedback during practical sessions, and students are encouraged to engage with their peers and lecturers to use these learning opportunities.

Module aims

• Provide an understanding of cells and how they work.
• Provide students with a basic knowledge of physiological principles
• Develop basic laboratory and skills
• Acquire an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal, neurological, special senses and endocrine system, in core veterinary species as well as small mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.
• Apply the above anatomical and physiological concepts to key principles of clinical examination in healthy animals.
• Understand how these body systems relate to behaviour and nutrition of core veterinary species.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

• Integrate students' knowledge and develop a deep understanding of veterinary structure and function across multiple body systems. 
• Enhance the students technical skills using dissection practicals and handling of prepared anatomical specimens. 
• Apply knowledge and practical skills to physical examination.
• Introduce the problem based learning format and team learning.

The learning and teaching methods include: 

• Lectures
• Flipped classroom
• Small group discussions
• Practicals involving dissection, microscopy
• Review of common imaging modalities
• Clinical examination of core veterinary species 
• Problem-based learning cases

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: VMS1009

Other information

The Surrey Framework consist of the attributes: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability and resourcefulness and resilience. This module includes the following key topics which further develop one or more of the attributes as indicated. The problem-based learning activity provides the students with the opportunity to work together in groups of approximately 10 to develop their digital capabilities, their resourcefulness and resilience. The students will formulate learning objectives, search databases for information, collate their information in a shared digital repository, appropriately use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and will compose a clear way to communicate their solution to the clinical problem, usually in the format of a PowerPoint presentation.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.