COURSE CONTENT
The course comprises 11 lessons as outlined, below.
1. Introduction to Cells & Tissues
- Livestock classes
- Livestock products
- Interrelationship between crops and livestock
- Cells and tissues
- Special properties of cells
- Osmosis
- Nutrient waste
2. The Digestive System
- Digestive system
- Mouth, tongue, teeth,
- Oesophagus
- Simple stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Ruminant stomach
- Accessory organs of the digestive system
- Digestion
- Absorption and utilisation in the simple stomach
- Enzymes
- Breakdown by microorganisms
- Digestion, absorption and utilisation in the ruminant stomach
- Mechanical action
- Action of micro-organisms
- Utilisation of the end products of digestion
3. The Circulatory System
- Circulatory system
- Composition of blood
- Functions of blood
- Clotting mechanism
- Immunity
- Blood vessels
- Arteries
- Veins
- Capillaries
- Physiology of the circulatory system
- Rates of heart beats
- Spleen
- Lymphatic system
- Circulatory networks
4. The Urinary System
- Anatomy of the urinary system
- Kidneys
- Ureter
- Bladder
- Physiology of urinary system
- Excretion in different animals
5. The Nervous System
- Central and peripheral nervous system
- Main parts of the nervous system
- Neurons
- Sensory neurons
- Motor neurons
- Central nervous system
- The brain
- Spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system
- Cranial nerves
- Spinal nerves
- Autonomic nervous system
- Reflex actions
- Endocrine system
- Structure and function of the ear
- Hearing
- Structure and function of the eye
- The iris
- Structure and function of the nose
6. Respiration
- Anatomy of respiration
- Trachea
- Bronchial tree
- Lungs
- Physiology of respiration
- Gaseous exchange
- Rate and depth of breathing
7. The Reproductive System
- Anatomy of the male reproductive system
- Testes
- Accessory organs
- Penis
- Physiology of male reproductive system
- Hormone production
- Sperm production
- Erection
- Ejaculation
- Fertility problems in males
- Venereal diseases
- Other diseases
- Injury
- Physical immaturity
- Emotional immaturity
- Nutrition
- Poor handling
- Anatomy of female reproductive system
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Physiology of the female reproductive system
- Ovulation, oestrus cycle
- Fertility problems, difficulties conceiving
- Venereal and other diseases
- Physical abnormalities
- Nutrition
- Inability to carry a foetus to full-term
- Pregnancy and parturition
- Fertilisation
- Pregnancy
- Parturition
- Birth process
- Difficult births
- Structure of the mammary glands
- Secretion of milk
- Milk ejection
- Reproduction data for cows, sows and ewes
8. Muscles & Meat
- Muscles and meat
- Smooth muscle
- Striated voluntary muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Structure of meat
- Dressing out percentage
- Composition of the beef animal
- Meat quality and tenderness
- Juiciness
- Flavour
- Cuts and joints of meat
9. The Skeleton
- Bones
- How bones are formed
- Anatomy of bones
- Fractures and fracture healing
- Five types of bone
- Joints of bone
- The skeleton
- Dentition
- The dental formula
- Cattle
- Dental formula of an ox and cow
- Eruption of permanent teeth
- Pigs
10. Animal Growth, Development, and the Endocrine System
- Growth and development
- Growth curve
- Prenatal growth
- Post-natal growth
- Fat
- Factors which affect the size of new-borns
- Factors affecting post-natal growth
- Early maturing
- Compensatory growth
- Endocrine system
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid
- Parathyroid
- Thymus
- Adrenal bodies
- Pancreas
- Testes
- Ovaries
- Pineal body
- Mucous membrane of the stomach
11. Comparing Different Animals
- Poultry
- Digestion
- Gullet
- Crop
- Proventricular
- Gizzard
- Intestine
- Caecum
- Rectum
- Incubating eggs
- Natural incubation
- Symptoms of a broody hen
- Fish
AIMS
- Explain the physical components of animals, including cells and tissues.
- Explain the digestive system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
- Explain the circulatory system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
- Explain the urinary system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
- Explain the nervous system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
- Explain the respiratory system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
- Explain the reproductive system of animals, including structure and function.
- Explain the muscular system in animals, including the structure and function of muscles.
- Explain skeletal systems of a typical mammal, in terms of both structure and function.
- Explain the biological mechanisms underlying the growth and development of animals.
- Explain the endocrine system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
- Explain differences between different types of animals, in terms of both structure and function.
WHAT YOU WILL DO AS PART OF THIS COURSE
These are just some of the things you will do:
- Distinguish between the major animal types used in primary production, including birds, fish, ruminants, and non ruminants.
- List different types of products commercially produced or derived from various farm or wild animals.
- Explain the role of pastures for animal husbandry, in your locality.
- Explain an example of how cells interact in live animals.
- Differentiate between the composition of three different types of animal tissues, using illustrations.
- Explain the function of different animal tissue types.
- Describe the processes of nutrient and waste exchange in animal cells.
- Explain the role of accessory organs, including the liver and the pancreas.
- Outline differences in the care of 2 animals observed. Comment on any differences observed.
- Explain the biological functions of blood in animals studied
- Explain the structure of an artery.
- Explain the role of the urinary system of animals.
- Describe different components of the nervous systems of studied animals.
- Distinguish between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
- Describe the structure of the sensory organs, including the ear, eye and nose.
- Explain how the respiratory system functions in animals.
- Explain two different 'difficult birth' conditions encountered in animals.
- Distinguish between the slides of 3 different muscle types including smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and striated muscle.
- Define meat quality in relation to muscle development.
- Identify the cuts and joints of meat derived from sheep, cattle, and pigs.
- Explain how bone is formed in an animal.
- Describe the healing process for the different types of fractures.
- Explain the processes of growth and development at a cellular level.
- Distinguish between different endocrine glands, for a specified animal, by location, appearance, and function.
A foundation course in animal studies
Designed as a starting point for working with and caring for all types of animals, this course is useful for farmers and other agriculture workers, animal welfare carers, and people transitioning into animal care. In this course you'll study the basic physiology of livestock, growth factors, and more.
"The course teaches you the different systems within animals in terms of structure and function, cell and tissue structure, and also the differences between different categories of animals." Marius Erasmus - B.Sc.Agriculture, B.Science (Wildlife), M.Sc.Agriculture
- Study the basic physiology of horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, goat, and pigs
- Apply your learning in a farming setting – understanding how animals work will help you ensure proper nutrition, care, and more
- Useful for wildlife management and other wildlife workers
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
You can start the course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.
Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor. The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.
WHY CHOOSE ACS?
- Our courses are written and taught by experienced professionals, so you know you can expect a high quality of teaching and support.
- You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace (we do not impose a time limit for you to complete your studies).
- Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying.
- Study where you want to – online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- With a foundation of knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology you are well placed to understand the care and management of animals.
- This course is a great starting point for working with animals (on farms, zoos, wildlife management, etc.)
DECISIONS?
To enrol go to the panel towards the top right of this page. If you have any QUESTIONS or need help in choosing the right course for you, please get in touch with our specialist animal tutors using our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE, they will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.
LEARN MORE.
To enrol go to the panel towards the top right of this page. If you have any QUESTIONS or need help in choosing the right course for you, please get in touch with our specialist animal tutors using our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE, they will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.