University of Glasgow

Division of Cell Sciences

Veterinary Physiology 2005-06 BVMS I

PLEASE NOTE

Items contained within this Course Information Document are sometimes unavoidably subject to change. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the correct lecture, practical, tutorial and examination schedules. Lecture venues may be changed during the Course. The Year Notice boards and email should be checked daily. In light of student feedback and External Examiner comments the following changes have been made:

Code of Professional Conduct to Fitness to Practice. You are reminded that you will be expected to have read the above code, sign for it and implemented during your time in the course

List of Contents PLACE OF THE COURSE IN THE BVMS DEGREE CURRICULUM 2 1. AIMS OF THE COURSE 2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE 3. COMPONENTS OF THE COURSE

4.1 MARTINMAS TERM 3

4.1 Introduction – Course overview, Dr. N. Evans 4.2 Neuromuscular Physiology - Dr Evans 4 4.3 Energy Metabolism – Dr. Evans CANDLEMAS TERM

4.4 Central Nervous System - Prof. O’Shaughnessy 4.5 The Special Senses - Prof. O’Shaughnessy 5 4.6 Body Fluids - Dr. Evans 6 4.7 Blood - Dr. Evans

WHITSUN TERM

Blood cont’d 4.8 Endocrinology - Dr Jeffcoate 7 4.9 Temperature Regulation – Prof. Holmes 8 4.10 Renal – Dr. Jeffcoate

5. COURSE NOTES, TEXTS & REQUIRED READING 9 6. TEACHING HOURS AND TEACHING METHODS

7. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

8.1 The Course (content and presentation and assessment)

8.2 Class Exams 10

8.3 Professional Exam 11 8.4 Name of External Examiner 9 POLICY ON EXEMPTIONS AND COURSE CERTIFICATION 15

1 Course Information 2004-2005

10 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

10.1 Protective Clothing Health & Safety 10.2 Staff & Student Liaison 10.3 Division of Cell Sciences Staff and the Faculty Teaching Unit 17 10.4 Class Timetables 11. Sample exam questions 18

2 Division of Cell Sciences

PLACE OF THE COURSE IN THE BVMS DEGREE CURRICULUM

Physiology is the study of the living organism; of its cells and organs and the process which regulate their activity. In order to understand the function of an organ it is essential to understand its structure and for this reason Veterinary Physiology and Anatomy are taught together and strive to be as integrated as possible. Veterinary Medicine is the study of abnormal functions of the body so it is important to understand normal physiology in order to understand the mechanisms of disease.

The Veterinary Physiology course is given during all three terms of first year.

1. AIMS OF THE COURSE

The aim of the course is to present the principles of physiology as they apply to the body systems of domestic animals and develop an appreciation of the importance of veterinary physiology within the veterinary curriculum and its relevance to the study of veterinary medicine.

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

On completion of the course you should have an understanding of the physiology of each of the major organs or organ systems of the body. You will understand how the functions of these systems are regulated to maintain a steady state within the organism as a whole. You will have an understanding of some of the diseases which may affect each organ system and result in disruption of the steady state, particularly pertaining to common domestic animals. You will have studied mainly mammalian systems but you will have been introduced to some comparative physiology.

3. COMPONENTS OF THE COURSE

The course is organised on a systems basis, each organ and organ system being dealt with in turn. Generally the Veterinary Anatomy course covers the same material and an effort is made to start each topic a few days ahead of the Physiology course. Emphasis is placed on the nervous, endocrine and neuro-muscular systems in the First Year as these are common to many other systems. Major body processes such as respiration, circulation, digestion, reproduction and excretion are dealt with in Second Year.

Class examinations are held at the end of Martinmas and Candlemas Terms to test student knowledge of the work of that term. Degree examinations are held in Whitsun terms to test student knowledge of the year’s work. The degree exam has to be passed in order to progress with the course.

MARTINMAS TERM

4.1 Introduction – Course overview, Dr. N. Evans

4.2 Neuromuscular Physiology - Dr Evans

Aims This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the physiology and organisation of excitable cells.

Learning Objectives It is important that the following concepts are understood:  The concept of homeostasis and feedback control processes and the resulting requirement for cellular communication and muscle contractility.  The electrical properties of nerve and muscle cells and the mechanisms of impulse formation and conduction.  Impulse conduction between nerves, nerve and muscle and muscle and muscle  The basic organisation of the peripheral nervous system and its autonomic and somatic divisions.  Muscle; classification, structure, function and innervation.

Lectures There are 11 Lectures in this course separated into three broad subject headings A: Neurophysiology, B: Muscle physiology and C: The autonomic nervous system.  Introduction to neurophysiology; the need for communication to achieve homeostasis and the advantages of neural as opposed to endocrine systems. Also, the neuron, its basic structure and function; excitability, transmembrane ion distribution and the resting membrane potential.  Two lectures follow on the response of a nerve membrane to stimulation; the concept of threshold and voltage-gated ion channels; the development and spread of local currents as opposed to action potentials. The concepts of depolarisation, repolarisation, hyperpolarisation and refractoriness are discussed and related to ion-channel behaviour.  Two more lectures further explore the spread of neural excitation through action potentials and the role of myelin. Chemical synapses and synaptic potentials, both inhibitory and excitatory are discussed.  Finally there is an introduction to neural receptors and receptor potentials and action potential generation. Efferent and afferent paths to the central nervous system are described and the reflex arc is introduced.  The skeletal muscle cell is described first; its form, the organisation of its contractile components and the concept of fibre, fibril, filament and sarcomere are discussed, followed by descriptions of the sarcolemma, sarcoplasmic reticulum; excitation-contraction coupling and the active state of muscle.  Skeletal muscle innervation is described in the second lecture together with the concept of the motor unit. Motor unit size, motor fibre recruitment and stimulus frequency alter force of contraction. Summation and tetany also alter the force of contraction and can be explained by the duration of the active state and the series elastic component in muscle structure and skeletal attachment.  In the third lecture, cardiac muscle is described particularly in relation to skeletal. This is followed by descriptions of cardiac electrophysiology, pacemaker nodes and conduction tracts and an explanation of cardiac muscle activity based on the electrical/ionic basis of spontaneous pacemaker cells and cardiac muscle cells and their susceptibility to autonomic influences.  In the final lecture smooth muscle structure, location and function are described, again in relation to skeletal muscle. There follows a description of the electrical basis of smooth muscle activity.

 Two lectures provide an introduction to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and describe the concept of the organisation of peripheral nerves into somatic and autonomic divisions, with voluntary vs involuntary control. Within the ANS there are further divisions into sympathetic and parasympathetic branches and the enteric nervous system is treated as a related but separate system. Finally, ANS tone can be altered to suit differing physiological states eg 'fight or flight' and homeostasis.  Later, the autonomic synapses are described, making possible 2 pharmacological divisions of the ANS. The enteric nervous system is described separately together with control of smooth muscle and glandular activity in the gut.

Laboratory classes There are 2 Practical classes in this course dealing with basic neuromuscular physiology and neurotransmitters. These classes are supervised by Dr. Evans.  The first class demonstrates some spinal reflexes in the frog and some properties of skeletal muscle contraction using videotapes. Data from the experiments is graphed and discussed and provides the basis for a tutorial on neural pathways in spinal reflexes, recruitment, summation the length/tension curve and fatigue in skeletal muscle.  In the second class, students study the effects of various pharmacological agonists and antagonists on heart muscle and gastro intestinal smooth muscle of the rat and observe spontaneous muscle activity. This is a computer-aided learning (CAL) class. Discussion of the results provides some new material and revision opportunities for the neuromuscular physiology course.

4.3 Energy Metabolism – Dr. Evans Aims To describe the principles of energy metabolism.

Learning Objectives To provide an understanding of the physiological aspects of energy metabolism in domestic animals.

Lectures One lecture. Discusses the units, terminology and principles of energy metabolism and its measurement. The special factors associated with the measurement of metabolic rate in ruminants are discussed. This lecture also describes the theories concerning the control of feed intake in animals.

CANDLEMAS TERM

4.4 Central Nervous System - Prof. O’Shaughnessy

Aims This course aims to develop an overall understanding of the function of the central nervous system (CNS).

Learning Objectives  It is important that the following points are understood both individually and in relation to other topics.  A knowledge of the component parts of the CNS and how they interact.  Understanding of the different types of sensory input and their central projections.  Understanding of the concept of pain and possible mechanisms mediating pain.  Knowledge and understanding of proprioception and the structural mechanisms involved.  Understanding of the spinal reflexes and the hierarchy of motor control. 5 Course Information 2004-2005

 Knowledge of the different descending pathways, their main functions and the consequences of lesions.  Understanding of mechanisms regulating posture and locomotion.  Knowledge of the structure and function of the basal ganglia and cerebellum and understanding of the consequences of damage to these structures.  Understanding of the functions of the cerebral cortex and limbic system.

Lectures The 11 lectures in this course are divided as follows:  An introductory lecture which introduces the concept of central control, revises mechanisms of neural transmission, describes the idea of neural circuits and outlines the component parts of the CNS.  Four lectures covering sensory input to the CNS (but not covering the special senses). The lectures start with a general description of principals of sensory systems including receptive fields, adaption and lateral inhibition and the different modalities. One lecture describes the skin senses (including temperature sensation) and olfactory and taste senses in detail. One and a half lectures are used to describe proprioception including details of the vestibular apparatus, muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs. Half a lecture is used to discuss physiological, psychological and philosophical aspects of pain perception. The central projections of each of these sensory systems are also described in detail.  Two lectures are used to describe motor control including spinal reflexes, the descending pyramidal and extra-pyramidal systems, the hierarchy of motor control and the consequences of lesions in the descending pathways. Locomotion and movement are also discussed.  One lecture is used to describe posture and the role of the muscle spindles, vestibular apparatus, visual system and pressure receptors in maintaining posture.  Higher levels of motor control are described in two lectures. These concentrate on the structure and function of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in initiating and co-ordinating movement.  The final lecture deals with the limbic system, memory, motivation and sleep. At the end of the last lecture a summary diagram is drawn bringing together all the different component parts of the CNS into a single working model.

4.5 The Special Senses - Prof. O’Shaughnessy

Aims This series of lectures is an adjunct to the course on the CNS and provides more detail on the physiology of sight and hearing.

Learning Objectives By the end of this course the following should be understood:  The structure and function of the components of the eye and how an image is focused.  How light can alter neuronal activity and how the eye and visual cortex process information.  The nature of sound, how sound is translated into neuronal activity and how the ear can process information about sound.

Lectures There are three lectures in this course.  The first two lectures deal with the structure and function of the component parts of the eye, central visual pathways and information processing by the visual cortex. Colour vision is discussed briefly.  The last lecture describes the auditory senses. The nature of sound is described and fourier analysis is explained. The structure and function of the different component parts of the inner ear are described and the generation of neural signals by the cochlea are explained. 6 Division of Cell Sciences

The ability of the cochlea to carry out fourier analysis of sound is also explained. Central pathways and responses of the auditory cortex are described.

4.6 Body Fluids - Dr. Evans

Aims To describe the origin and physiology of different body fluid compartments.

Learning Objectives It is important that the following are understood:  The distribution of water in the body fluids and the importance of maintaining the volumes and the requisite solute concentrations of the body fluids.  The forces controlling the movement of body water between extracellular and intracellular fluids and between plasma and interstitial fluid.  The principal involved and the methods for the in vivo measurement of body fluid volumes.

Lectures The following topics are covered in one lecture:  The distribution of body water in the body fluid compartments and the necessity to maintain adequate body fluid volumes.  The relative volumes and the compositions of the principal body fluids, e.g., intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, and the plasma and interstitial fluid components of the extracellular fluid.  Fluid shifts and fluid equilibrium across the cell plasma membrane.  The importance of ‘Donnan ions’ and of plasma albumin in the establishment of plasma oncotic pressure.  Fluid shifts and fluid equilibrium across the capillary wall.

4.7 Blood - Dr. Evans

Aims This follows on from body fluid lectures given previously and details the physiology of blood and blood cells.

Learning Objectives It is important that the following are understood:  The composition of blood.  Haematopoiesis (principally erythropoiesis).  Life span and destruction of senescent red cells.  Red cell antigens in farm and domestic animals.  Anaemia definition and principal causes.  Haemostasis including defects in haemostasis and anticoagulants.  What is being measured by red cell volume, red cell count and packed cell volume measurements.

Lectures Two lectures deal with:  The cellular and fluid components of blood.  Differences in blood volume and red cell count among farm and domestic animals.  Haematopoiesis.  Red cell antigens and haemolytic disease of the newborn in some species.  Anaemias, haemorrhagic, haemolytic and hypoproliferate.  Haemostasis, defects in haemostasis and anticoagulants.

WHITSUN TERM

Blood Contd.

Laboratory Classes Two three-hour sessions run jointly with Veterinary Biomolecular Studies.  Students are introduced to some of the techniques used in routine blood analysis, e.g., haemoglobin, packed cell volume and specific gravity measurements. Red and white cell counts are carried out on a sample of blood and the red cell indices are calculated and their significance discussed.  Some physiological properties of blood are demonstrated, e.g. osmotic and non-osmotic haemolysis of red cells, red cell osmotic fragility and some erythrocyte immunological reactions.

4.8 Endocrinology - Dr Jeffcoate

Aims This course aims to review the body’s endocrine systems and their role in homeostasis. Details of receptors and cellular processes are given in Biomolecular Studies. Note Reproduction is dealt with separately.

Learning Objectives It is important that students:  Appreciate the importance of each endocrine system  Can list the hormones and their functions  Can describe the physiological actions and control of each hormone  Have some knowledge of the veterinary importance of each endocrine system and the consequences and basic pathophysiology of endocrine disease.

Lectures There are 4 lectures in this course. The course runs concurrently with the endocrinology course given by the Division of Veterinary Anatomy. The first lecture includes a brief introduction to endocrinology and describes the roles of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, listing the hormones and control of secretion. Subsequent lectures work through other endocrine glands and their secretions, mode of action and physiological control processes:  The thyroid gland and thyroxine.  The adrenal medulla and catecholamine functions. The cortex, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.  The endocrine pancreas, insulin and glucagon secretion.  Growth hormone secretion and the endocrine control of growth, and artificial growth manipulation.  Calcium ion homeostasis, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and vit D.  A lecture is given by veterinary clinicians and presents some examples of endocrine disorders with case histories and treatments.

4.9 Temperature Regulation – Prof. Holmes

Aims To describe the effects of environmental temperature/radiation on the body and the principles of body temperature regulation; reactions to hot and cold environments.

Learning Objectives To provide an understanding of the physiological processes associated with temperature regulation in domestic animals.

Lectures Two lectures.  Describe terminology including definition of poikilothermy, homeothermy, heterothermy, core and shell temperature, thermoneutral zone, upper and lower critical temperature and the mechanisms associated with heat balance and heat production. This includes the relationship between environmental temperature, deep-body temperature and metabolic rates, and adaptations to cold environments.  Heat loss mechanisms in various species of domestic animals and adaptations to hot environments are described. The neural control of temperature regulation is discussed including the set-point theory and disturbances such as pyrexia.

4.10 Renal – Dr. Jeffcoate

Aims To describe the general functions and activities of the kidneys. Processes leading to body fluid balance, Na/K balance and acid base balance are dealt with in more detail in Second Year.

Learning Objectives To understand renal filtration, absorption and secretion. To show how the renal tubule is adapted to these functions. To understand the processes involved in urine formation.

Lectures There are five lectures in this course.  The first lecture describes in detail the functions of the kidney in domestic animals and provides an overview of the basic renal processes, filtration, tubular absorption and tubular secretion.  The second lecture covers in detail the factors determining the glomerular filtration rate and describes its measurement.  The third lecture describes the processes involved in tubular absorption. Reabsorption of various substances is described including sodium, chloride, water, potassium, glucose, amino acids.  The fourth lecture focuses on the special features of sodium chloride and water reabsorption. The countercurrent multiplier system in the loop of Henle is described. The role of the kidney in the regulation of ECF volume and osmolarity is discussed.  The fifth lecture describes tubular secretory processes and the function of the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct.

5. COURSE CONTENT

Lectures and practical classes are Timetabled as shown in section 10.2. Lecture Notes are given at each lecturers discretion. A practical class handbook will cover all the practicals and is usually given out at the start of a set of practical classes. Other notes may be available in the library for consultation or photocopying.

6. COURSE TEXTS AND REQUIRED READING

No single textbook covers the Veterinary Physiology course adequately. Students are recommended to possess one of the following:-

‘Textbook of Veterinary Physiology’ by J.G. Cunningham; second Edition. ‘ Physiology of Domestic Animals’ by Sjaastad, Hove and Sand (2003), Scandanavian Veterinary Press, Oslo. The following textbooks are recommended additional reading. ‘ Color Atlas of Physiology’ by A. Despopoulos & S. Silvernagl, Fourth Edition; Thieme Medical Publications, 1991. New York Dukes Physiology of Domestic Animals (M.J. Swenson, ed). 1994 ‘ Physiology’, International Student Edition, by R.M. Berne and M.N. Levy; Third Edition, 1988. ‘Neurophysiology’ by R.H.S. Carpenter, Fourth Edition, Arnold, London (2003).

7. TEACHING HOURS AND TEACHING METHODS

The number of hours each student needs to attend all the classes in the BVMS I Veterinary Physiology Course are detailed in the Table below. The number of hours of academic staff time needed to teach the Course are also shown.

TERM I TERM II TERM III TOTALS Total Total Total Total Hours/ Hours Hours/ Hours Hours/ Hours Hours/ Hours Student Staff Student Staff Student Staff Student Staff

Lectures 14 (14) 15 (15) 14 (14) 41 (41)

Practicals 6 (12) 6 (12) 12 (24)

Totals 20 (26) 15 (15) 20 (26) 53 (65)

Each student requires 131 hours of work for the whole course excluding the Examinations. The academic staff require 172 hours to provide the whole 2 year Course excluding the time required for two Class Exams and the Professional Examination. Lectures, the provision of comprehensive lecture notes, demonstrations of clinical case material and a variety of laboratory and practical classes some utilising computer assisted learning programmes are used to present the Course to students.

All staff are not routinely made aware of Students with Disabilities. This information is considered confidential unless such a person agrees to complete disclosure. Consequently, the onus is on you to make individual staff aware of special needs you may have that impact on a particular method of teaching; staff will attempt to make reasonable adjustments. E.g. you may have a degree of red-green colour blindness and have difficulty distinguishing certain tissues or cells during microscopy.

8. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT 8.1 The Course (content and presentation and assessment)  Students have the opportunity to comment on the course and its content and presentation through questionnaires issued at the end of each term.  The class representative and a few students from each year also meet informally with staff twice per year to discuss the course. Staff will discuss points raised and consider modifying the course as appropriate.  External examiner feedback on assessment methods is discussed by staff with a view to incorporating changes into the timetable

Process for progressing assessment of documentation  Reported in the Annual Course Monitoring Report to Faculty Board of Studies.  Board of Studies reports to Faculty.  Faculty reports to Academic Regulation Committee and ultimately to Senate.

Modifications to the course  Major changes are made through the Course Approval process via Board of Studies, Faculty and Academic Regulation Committee.  External Examiners comment on changes.

8.2 Class Examinations

Course work and continuous assessment

Laboratory classes are held in Terms 1(2) and 3(2). Each is accompanied by a True/False test which is marked and which contributes towards the end of term exam which itself contributes towards the 4% continuous assessment mark carried over into the First Professional Exam.

Exam timing Examinations are held at the end of Terms 1 and 2 (on the work of the term).

Exam location All written examinations are held in an exam hall at Gilmorehill which will be announced.

Distribution of exam marks End of terms 1 and 2 exams have an identical format as follows:

Time 2 hrs Section 1 One essay 28% of total allowed Section 2A 20 multiple choice questions (mcq) ) 2B 80 true/false questions ) 42% of total

One data interpretation 15% Exam total question (30% if no practical classes) 11 Course Information 2004-2005

Practical class report mark to be 15% Exam total included

Anonymity of marking and reporting Exam answer books can only be identified by matriculation number or examination number to ensure student anonymity. Exam results are reported anonymously by matriculation number or examination number.

Availability of scripts Sample essay and data interpretation questions are available in the library and may also be obtained from the departmental secretary.

Contribution to degree exam End of terms 1 and 2 exam marks make a continuous assessment contribution (total 7.5%) towards the First Professional Exam.

8.3 Professional Examination

Name of exam First Professional Exam (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & surgery)

Components of the exam The First Year Professional Examination consists of two examination papers each of two hours duration. Each examination paper will consist of two 60 minute sections. Paper one will cover:-  Veterinary Anatomy  Veterinary Physiology Paper two will cover:-  Veterinary Animal Husbandry  Veterinary Biomolecular Science

Timing The First Professional examinations will be held during weeks 6 to 8 of term 3 (First Diet) with resits in August (Second Diet).

Location The First Professional examination will be held in halls at Gilmorehill, (exact details to be announced). Anonymity of marking and reporting Examination answer books can only be identified to staff by matriculation number or examination number thus ensuring student anonymity. Examination results are reported anonymously by matriculation number or examination number.

Distribution of marks The result of the first year integrated examination will be a single grade, which will reflect the overall performance in the assessment. The examination has four separate subject areas, Veterinary Physiology, Veterinary Anatomy, Veterinary Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Biomolecular Science, each of equal weighting. The mark achieved in each subject areas will be made up as follows, 15% will be awarded based upon performance in class examinations and/or course work taken during the session, the remaining 85% will be based upon performance in the professional examination. There will be no practical components to the professional examination held in June. The distribution of marks will be clearly indicated on the examination paper. Students must pass each subject area in order to obtain an overall grade D or above in the Professional Examination. Matriculation cards must be taken to all examinations as proof of candidate identity.

Delay between examination and notice of orals 13 Course Information 2004-2005

In order to complete the marking and co-ordinate with other subjects in the exam, there may be a delay of up to 2 weeks after the examination before students are notified of the need to attend for oral examination.

Distinctions Students attaining the equivalent of ‘A grades’ in all 4 subject areas will be awarded a Distinction.

Resits Any student failing the first diet of the examination will be allowed to resit the examination at the second diet. Students, who fail the 1st diet of the assessment, will be required to resit the whole examination (i.e. all 4 subject areas). There will be no contribution from course work in the second diet of the examination and no contribution from the 1 st diet of the professional examination. A pass grade (D or above) must be attained in order to progress into second year. This by definition will necessitate achieving a pass grade in each subject area at the second diet of the examination. Failure to achieve a pass grade in the second diet of the exam will necessitate resitting the whole year, followed by two further diets of the exam, the following June/August.

8.3 Role of external examiner and oral examinations

After the External Examiner has confirmed the marks for the written examinations in consultation with the Internal Examiners:

 ….candidates with a grade E and F are required to attend a Pass/Fail Oral Examination conducted by an External Examiner and one of the Internal Examiner from each subject area.

 … .candidates with a Grade G or N may request an Oral Examination conducted by an External Examiner and one of the Internal Examiner from each subject area.

 The list of students that are required to attend and who may request, an oral examination will be posted on the student notice board (University of Glasgow Faculty of Medicine) as soon as possible after the marks of the written examination are collated. The list will indicate the time and place to which the students should report for their oral exam. On the posted list, students will be identified by matriculation/exam number. It is the individual responsibility of any student who has opted not to have their marks posted on notice boards to determine if they are invited, required or may request an oral examination by contacting the course leader, members of the teaching team or Teaching Unit administrative staff. Oral examinations will normally take place within 2 weeks of the written examination. Students not called for an oral may request an oral examination, if so desired.

 At the second diet of the examinations (August/September), ALL students who achieve less than a grade D in the integrated 1st year examination will be REQUIRED to have an oral examination conducted by an External Examiner and one of the Internal Examiners from each subject area.

GRADING In line with university policy the grading of examinations within the Faculty of Veterinary medicine meets the guidelines indicated in the university Calendar (Extract below). Please note only grades A-D represent a pass. Marking will be carried out in grades.

If the candidates fail the 1st Diet of the examination (June) they may take the resit (2nd Diet) examinations (August/September). The format of the 2nd diet of the examination will be the same as the June examination, except that ALL students who achieve less than a grade D will

14 Division of Cell Sciences be REQUIRED to have an oral examination conducted by the External Examiner and one of the Internal Examiners from each subject area.

BVMS 2.4.2.6 There shall be three categories of award: honours, commendation and pass. A candidate who is not placed in one of the three categories shall have failed the programme. 2.4.2.7 The regulations of each award shall state the minimum results in terms of Schedule 5A required for the award and for the individual categories of award. * A mean score should be rounded in accordance with the following example: 15.65 should become 15.7 whilst 15.64 should become 15.6.

Description of standards

SCHEDULE A Non-honours Primary verbal descriptors for attainment of BVMS Courses Intended Learning Outcomes Primary Gloss Grade Exemplary range and depth of attainment of intended learning A Excellent outcomes, secured by discriminating command of a Honours comprehensive range of relevant materials and analyses, and by deployment of considered judgement relating to key issues, concepts and procedures Conclusive attainment of virtually all intended learning B Very Good outcomes, clearly grounded on a close familiarity with a wide Commendation range of supporting evidence, constructively utilised to reveal appreciable depth of understanding Clear attainment of most of the intended learning outcomes, C Good some more securely grasped than others, resting on a Pass circumscribed range of evidence and displaying a variable depth of understanding Acceptable attainment of intended learning outcomes, D Satisfactory displaying a qualified familiarity with a minimally sufficient range of relevant materials, and a grasp of the analytical issues and concepts which is generally reasonable, albeit insecure Attainment deficient in respect of specific intended learning E Weak outcomes, with mixed evidence as to the depth of knowledge Fail and weak deployment of arguments or deficient manipulations Attainment of intended learning outcomes appreciably F Poor deficient in critical respects, lacking secure basis in relevant factual and analytical dimensions Attainment of intended learning outcomes markedly deficient G Very Poor in respect of nearly all intended learning outcomes, with irrelevant use of materials and incomplete and flawed explanation No convincing evidence of attainment of intended learning N No Credit outcomes, such treatment of the subject as is in evidence being directionless and fragmentary

Failure to comply, in the absence of good cause, with the CR Credit published requirements of the course or programme. Refused

It is to be emphasised that grading bands are guidelines only and are not binding on examiners in awarding particular grades for which final responsibility will rest with the Board of Examiners.

“XXII CODE OF PRACTICE ON INCOMPLETE ASSESSMENT AND GOOD CAUSE

22.1 This section sets out the rules covering the treatment of students prevented by good cause from completing an assessment or performing adequately therein.

(i) For the purposes of this section ‘good cause’ shall mean illness or other adverse personal circumstances serious enough to prevent a candidate from completing a summative assessment at or by the due time; ‘evidence’ 16 Division of Cell Sciences

shall mean a full medical report, not merely a medical certificate, or a written report detailing the adverse personal circumstances including independent written evidence as appropriate. (ii) If a candidate believes that good cause has prevented a piece of summative assessment, including an examination script, being completed at or by the due time or has seriously prejudiced his or her performance in a summative assessment, then he or she must promptly notify the Head of Registry and submit appropriate evidence. Notification later than a week after the due date for completion of the assessment will not normally be taken into account except where circumstances prevented the student from notifying the Head of Registry within this time. The Head of Registry will notify the relevant Head(s) of Department. (iii) The Head of Department shall have discretion to set a later completion date for the assessment in question including a special sitting of an examination. The candidate shall have the right to decline such an alternative unless the assessment has been designated as compulsory in the assessment scheme approved by Senate in respect of the course or programme concerned and published in the course data-base. Where the Head of Department does not exercise discretion to set a later completion date, or where the candidate declines such an alternative, the candidate may pursue the claim for good cause. (iv) Where the claim for good cause is pursued the evidence submitted shall be considered by the Board of Examiners which shall determine. (a) if the evidence is of sufficient weight to constitute evidence of good cause;

(b) if sufficient material has been presented in respect of the summative assessment in question for it to be regarded as completed, rather than merely attempted; in the latter case the assessment shall be treated as though it had been prevented by good cause from being completed.

22.2 If a candidate fails to complete a summative assessment required by a course without adequate evidence of good cause then he or she shall be awarded zero marks or equivalent for that assessment, and his or her mark or grade for the course shall be calculated accordingly.

22.3 not relevant for BVMS

22.4 If a candidate is adjudged by the Board of Examiners to have been prevented by good cause from completing the assessment of the course, then the following arrangement shall apply; (i) The extent of the completion of the assessment shall be determined as a percentage of the totality of summatively assessed work, based on assessment weightings published in the course data-base, required by the assessment scheme approved by the Senate. (ii) The Board of Examiners shall make an overall judgement of the standard reached in the completed part of the assessment, using as far as possible the same procedures as apply to candidates who have completed the assessment.

(iii) If the candidate has completed 85 per cent or more of the assessment the Board of Examiners shall recommend the award of an appropriate grade (or no credit) on the basis of the completed proportion. (iv) If the candidate has not completed 85 per cent of the assessment then the candidate shall be regarded as not having attempted the assessment.” (v)

8.4 External Examiner The External Examiner for Session 2005/2006 will be one of the following:- Dr G. Pettigrew, Reader in Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1QH. Dr J. Plummer, 16 Avril Way, London E4 9HS Prof. D. Hogg, 32 Strathclyde Court, Helensburgh G84 9PW Dr. J. Fishwick

9. POLICY ON EXEMPTIONS AND COURSE CERTIFICATION Students must attempt the Veterinary Physiology component of the 1st Professional Examination and obtain a Pass in order to proceed to the 2nd Year of the BVMS Curriculum since exemptions are not given. Course Certificates. A candidate may not be admitted to a Professional Examination in any subject unless his attendance and work in that course has been certificated as satisfactory by the Professor or Lecturer in charge [Supplementary Regulation 12, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow University Calendar]. Students are assumed to have qualified for “Class Ticket” Certification to attempt the Professional Examination if they regularly attend classes and make an acceptable attempt at the Class Examinations. A student who is considered not to have performed the work of the Class on the basis of poor attendance at classes or very poor performances in the Class Examinations, may be prevented from sitting the Professional Examination by the person responsible for the Course. A student liable to be deprived of a “Class Ticket” will receive a formal warning in the form of an interview with the Head of Department or the Course Co-ordinator, before a final decision is taken on the matter.

10. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

10.1 Protective Clothing Health & Safety

Health and Safety Policy – Notes for Students  Every student must comply, by law, with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and is responsible for co-operating and complying with all applicable University and local health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and guidelines including:  Conscientiously discharging any duty placed upon them by the University or by a specific legal requirement  Taking positive action to avoid, eliminate or minimise the risk of injury in their work or study area or in University accommodation  Diligently observing all health and safety procedures and standards  Promptly reporting all accidents or incidents  Remaining familiar with Local emergency procedures

General rules for all laboratories  All students MUST wear laboratory coats, buttoned up, at ALL times in the laboratory. This protective clothing should be removed if leaving the laboratory, for any reason during the duration of the work, eg. to go to the toiled or to enter any recreational areas  Any cuts or abrasions should be protected with waterproof dressings and students should remember to WASH THEIR HANDS before they leave the laboratory  Smoking, eating, drinking, application of make-up etc. is strictly prohibited in the laboratory  Passageways and doorways MUST be kept clear at all times to provide access/egress particularly for emergencies  All personal possessions, apart from those specifically required for work, should not be taken into the laboratory but MUST be left in the appropriate area designated by university staff for such a purpose.

Basic procedures for good laboratory practice  NO student should attempt any procedure which is unfamiliar to them without prior consultation with academic or technical staff  NO student should attempt to use any unfamiliar piece of equipment without instruction in its operation and once used should ensure that it is left in clean and working order  ALL problems or breakdowns in equipment MUST be reported immediately to a member of the academic or technical staff  Bench areas must be kept tidy and any spillages cleaned up when they occur. If unfamiliar with the material in use then assistance will be provided by the technical staff  Care should always be exercised when handling any substance of unknown properties or which is known to be hazardous. The degree of hazard should indicate the nature of precautions  ALWAYS take care to read any hazard warning labels and comply with instructions. If any doubt exists advice should be sought from academic or technical staff  If gas cylinders are used for any reason during a laboratory class, advice on their use MUST be sought before the gas is dispensed and the cylinders, which will be in a specialised cylinder trolley, MUST NOT be moved in any way from their location during the class  No equipment, consumables, chemicals, drugs or any other items whatsoever, belonging to the Division or used for teaching purposes in the laboratory, is to be removed by any student at any time before , during or after the class.

First Aid  A First Aid Box is located with the laboratory  All incidents will be reported on a University Accident Report Form and forwarded to the University Safety Office  If any student becomes unwell during a class, this MUST also be reported to academic or technical staff so that appropriate action may be taken. It would be prudent for any student who has an existing condition requiring medication or which may result in the student feeling unwell, to mention this, in confidence, to the staff on duty in order to assist staff with any aid the student may require

Fire  Fire is the greatest risk to loss within the University and it is the responsibility of everyone to be pro-active in fire prevention  Upon discovering a fire, notify academic and technical staff immediately  If it is safe to do so, the fire should be tackled by staff using the appropriate extinguishers which are clearly located in the laboratory  The fire alarm should be raised and Central Services notified on extension 2222

 Everyone MUST leave the laboratory, without stopping to collect anything, and proceed in an orderly fashion through the FIRE DOOR and DOWN THE FIRE STAIRS out of the building  The FIRE DOOR is clearly sign-posted in the laboratory. Please note that this fire door leading to the fire stairs is permanently alarmed and on NO account should the door be opened other than if a fire is discovered, either in our divisional laboratories or elsewhere in the building  The collection point for the Building is outside the front entrance on the pavement at the foot of the stairs. There is also a rear exit to this building  No-one will be allowed back into the building until cleared to do so by the BRIGADE FIRE OFFICER  Please note – FIRE DRILLS are held at regular intervals during term time and upon hearing the fire alarm, all students MUST leave the laboratory through the aforementioned FIRE DOOR and FIRE STAIRS, DOWN AND OUT OF THE BUILDING  Never ever assume that when an alarm sounds it is purely a “drill”. Never ever use the lifts for any fire emergency  Always leave the building immediately by the appropriate fire exit route.

10.2 Staff & Student Liaison

There shall be at least two meetings per academic year between Veterinary Physiology teaching staff and a small student year group. At this staff : student liaison meeting, staff and students can informally discuss the progress of the teaching to date and air any problems arising. Staff might also seek the views of the students on potential modifications to the course.

10.3 Division of Cell Sciences Staff

ACADEMIC STAFF TELEPHONE NO. Prof. P.J. O’Shaughnessy, Head of Division. 5794 Teaching Responsibilities Cardiovascular, Reproduction, Central Nervous System, Special Senses.

Dr. I.A. Jeffcoate 6698 Teaching Responsibilities Respiration, Digestion, Renal and Osmoregulation, Acid/base, Endocrinology, Avian, Small Mammals Other relevant responsibilities Course Leader

Dr. M. Mihm 6951 Teaching Responsibilities Reproduction, Cardiovascular

Dr. N. Evans 5795 Teaching Responsibilities Blood and Body Fluids, Physiology of Excitable cells, Respiration, Energy Metabolism Other relevant responsibilities Examinations Officer

Mr Iain Gibson, Chief Technician 6950 Dr. Ana Monteiro, Senior Technician 6948 Mr. G. Jackson, Technician 6874

Mrs L Fleming, Technician 6874 Mrs. J. Bonnar, Laboratory Assistant 5794

The above staff are located in the Division of Cell Sciences, Pre-Para Clinical Building, at the Veterinary School, Garscube.

Faculty Teaching Unit Head Prof M. Sullivan (Associate Dean Teaching ) Teaching administration including timetabling (Detailed subject timetabling remains in the hands of course leaders at present), lecture theatre booking and provision of teaching notes will be carried out by the Teaching Unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, whose offices may be found opposite the Assembly Hall in the Main Building. The teaching unit will also be responsible for administration of exams and collation of exam marks; together with student notification of results.

10.4 Class Timetables

Timetables for the 1st and 2nd Year for 2004-2006 are given at the commencement of each term each student will be presented with a detailed timetable showing student groups, times and locations of all lectures, practical classes and tutorials. Timetables will also be posted on the appropriate notice board.

11. EXAMPLE OF CLASS EXAMINATION PAPERS

See 1st yr student web-site (Veterinary Physiology)

Also, you will be given sample mcq’s in class.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE VETERINARY SURGEON INTRODUCTION 1. An important statutory function of RCVS is to determine the “standard of proficiency” and “knowledge and skill” to fit veterinary surgeons for practising in the United Kingdom. The standard set for registration is a key benchmark that affects the approval of veterinary degree courses in the UK and overseas, and should also be seen as the starting point for consideration of an individual’s continuing education and training needs after registration. Maintaining and further developing professional competence is a requirement for all veterinary surgeons. 2. This document sets out the essential competences required of the veterinary surgeon for membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. 3. There are many definitions of ‘competence’ and many views on how it can be developed and assessed. In general terms, however, competence is a concept that integrates knowledge, skills and attitudes, the application of which enables the professional to perform effectively, and to respond to contingencies, change, and the unexpected. 4. This document takes a broad definition of competence as being “the ability to perform the roles and tasks required by one’s job to the expected standard” (Eraut & Boulay, 20001). The definition recognises that requirements and expectations change depending on the job role and context. It also recognises that competence develops, and that an individual may work ‘competently’ at many different levels, either at different stages of their career, or indeed from one day to the next depending on the nature of their work. 5. Eraut and Boulay (2000) point out the importance of distinguishing between an individual’s competence – what one can do, and performance – what one actually does. RCVS is concerned with competence when it undertakes its primary function of determining “the standard of proficiency required for registration” and ensuring that individuals “will have acquired the knowledge and skill needed for the efficient practice of veterinary surgery” (Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, section 3). Performance may be affected by factors such as workload, working conditions, levels of support, and so on. The regulation of performance is a function of RCVS through its statutory disciplinary powers. 6. The essential competences have been broken down into three main areas. They are:

- A General professional competences and attributes describing the distinguishing characteristics of a veterinary surgeon - B Underpinning knowledge and understanding describing in general terms the breadth of knowledge and understanding needed for a career as a veterinary surgeon, and for subsequent professional development in whatever sphere of veterinary science the individual wishes to pursue - C Practically-based veterinary competences describing the basic practical competences that are expected at the point of graduation.

1 “Developing the Attributes of Medical Professional Judgement and Competence”, a review funded by the Postregistration Medical and Dental Education Research Initiative of the Dept. of Health’s Policy Research Programme, by Professor Michael Eraut and Benedict du Boulay, University of Sussex. The full paper is available on the web at http:/www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/users/bend/doh

The ten guiding principles of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct should be seen as overarching requirements for registration (and by implication, continued registration) with the College. The Guide states that:

Your clients are entitled to expect that you will: - 1. make animal welfare your first consideration in seeking to provide the most appropriate attention for animals committed to your care 2. ensure that all animals under your care are treated humanely and with respect 3. maintain and continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills 4. foster and maintain a good relationship with your clients, earning their trust, respecting their views and protecting client confidentiality 5. uphold the good reputation of the veterinary profession 6. ensure the integrity of veterinary certification 7. foster and endeavour to maintain good relationships with your professional colleagues 8. understand and comply with your legal obligations in relation to the prescription, safe-keeping and supply of veterinary medicinal products 9. familiarise yourself with and observe the relevant legislation in relation to veterinary surgeons as individual members of the profession, employers, employees and business owners 10. respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaints and criticism.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCES REQUIRED OF THE NEW VETERINARY GRADUATE

“DAY ONE SKILLS”

A1 - GENERAL PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES The new veterinary graduate should be able to: A1.1 Communicate effectively with clients, the lay public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities; listen effectively and respond sympathetically to clients and others, using language in a form appropriate to the audience and the context A1.2 Prepare clear case reports and maintain patient records in a form satisfactory to colleagues and understandable by the public A1.3 Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of services to clients A1.4 Be aware of the ethical responsibilities of the veterinary surgeon in relation to individual patient care and client relations, and also more generally in the community in relation to their possible impact on the environment and society as a whole A1.5 Be aware of the economic and emotional climate in which the veterinary surgeon operates, and respond appropriately to the influence of such pressures A1.6 Be willing to use one’s professional capabilities to contribute as far as possible to the advancement of veterinary knowledge in order to benefit veterinary practice and further improve the quality of animal care and public health A1.7 Have an elementary knowledge of the organisation and management of a veterinary practice, including: . awareness of own and employer’s responsibilities in relation to employment and health and safety legislation, and the position relating to lay staff and public liability . awareness of how fees are calculated and invoices drawn up, and the importance of following the practice’s systems for record keeping and book-keeping, including computer records and case reports . ability to use information technology effectively to communicate, share, collect, manipulate and analyse information . importance of complying with professional standards and policies of the practice A1.8 Understand the need and professional obligation for a commitment to continuing education and training, and professional development, throughout one’s professional life A1.9 Conduct oneself in a professional manner with regard to the veterinary surgeon’s professional and legal responsibilities and understand and apply the ethical codes as set out in the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct A1.10 Be able to cope with uncertainty and adapt to change 23 Course Information 2004-2005

A1.11 Develop a capacity for self-audit and willingness to participate in the peer-review process A1.12 Be aware of personal limitations, and demonstrate awareness of when and from where to seek professional advice, assistance and support. (Commentary: This last item is considered to be one of the most important, and should guide all new veterinary graduates when undertaking their professional duties. Veterinary surgeons undertaking procedures on patients must at all stages in their careers be fully competent in their performance, or be under the close supervision of those so competent. When in doubt, the new veterinary graduate must seek professional support and in the interests of animal and human health, should not attempt to undertake complex procedures unsupervised.)

B1 - UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING The new veterinary graduate will need to have acquired a thorough knowledge and understanding of the following: B1.1 The sciences on which the activities of veterinary surgeons are based B1.2 Research methods and the contribution of basic and applied research to all aspects of veterinary science B1.3 How to evaluate evidence B1.4 The structure and functions of healthy animals, and all aspects of their husbandry B1.5 The aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the common diseases and disorders that occur in the common domestic species in the UK B1.6 Legislation relating to the welfare (including transport) of animals and notifiable diseases B1.7 Medicines legislation and guidelines on responsible use of medicines B1.8 The principles of disease prevention and the promotion of health and welfare B1.9 Veterinary public health issues including zoonoses.

C1 - PRACTICAL COMPETENCES

The new veterinary graduate should be able to undertake the following:

C1.1 Obtain an accurate and relevant history of the individual animal or animal group, and its/their environment C1.2 Handle and restrain an animal safely and humanely, and instruct others in performing these techniques C1.3 Perform a complete clinical examination C1.4 Attend all species in an emergency and perform basic first aid (Commentary: problems to be handled for any species include first aid management of haemorrhage, wounds, breathing difficulties, eye & ear injuries, unconsciousness, clinical deterioration, burns, tissue damage, internal organ damage and cardiac arrest. First aid to be applied includes bandaging, cleaning, immobilising limbs, resuscitation procedures, haemorrhage control.) C1.5 Assess correctly the nutritional status of an animal and be able to advise the client on principles of husbandry and feeding (Commentary: this applies to commonly presented cases and would not, for example, be expected to include advanced nutritional advice for complex cases, eg. high performance horses, high yielding diary cows, certain exotic or zoological species.) C1.6 Collect, preserve and transport samples, perform standard laboratory tests, and interpret the results of those generated in-house, as well as those generated by other laboratories (Commentary: new graduates are expected to have a working knowledge of tests to be undertaken include conditions relating to infectious & contagious diseases; alimentary system; respiratory system; circulatory system; urinary system; nervous system; endocrine system; mucucutaneous system; musculoskeletal system; trauma; poisoning; obstetrics; paediatrics; parturition; reproduction) C1.7 Use radiographic, ultrasonic, and other technical equipment which can be used as a diagnostic aid, safely and in accordance with current regulations C1.8 Follow correct procedures after diagnosing notifiable, reportable and zoonotic diseases C1.9 Know and apply the RCVS twelve Principles of Certification correctly C1.10 Access the appropriate sources of data on licensed medicines; prescribe and dispense medicines correctly and responsibly in accordance with relevant legislation and ensure that medicines and waste are safely stored and/or disposed of C1.11 Correctly apply principles of sterilisation of surgical equipment C1.12 Correctly apply principles of aseptic surgery C1.13 Safely perform sedation, general and regional anaesthesia, implement chemical methods of restraint, and assess and control pain 24 Division of Cell Sciences

C1.14 Advise on, and administer appropriate treatment (Commentary: the new veterinary surgeon must always seek professional advice and support if presented with a case beyond his or her immediate capability – see item A.12) C1.15 Recognise when euthanasia is necessary and perform it humanely, using an appropriate method, whilst showing sensitivity to the feelings of owners and others, and with due regard to the safety of those present; advise on disposal of the carcase C1.16 Perform a basic gross post mortem examination, record details, sample tissues, store and transport them C1.17 Perform ante mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain and correctly identify conditions affecting the quality and safety of products of animal origin C1.18 Assess and implement basic health and welfare records (and production records where appropriate) C1.19 Advise on, and carry out preventive and prophylactic programmes appropriate to the species and commensurate with accepted animal health, welfare and public health standards, seeking advice and assistance where necessary from professional colleagues C1.20 Minimise the risks of contamination, cross infection and accumulation of pathogens in the veterinary premises and in the field.