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LSC-10105 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-10105 - Animal Physiology and Anatomy
Coordinator: Nawroz Kareem Room: 172 Tel: +44 1782 7 33671
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

NA

Barred Combinations

NA

Description for 2025/26

This module offers you a fascinating insight into the world of animals. You will gain fundamental knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, enabling you to explore the diversity of life on our planet. By examining the main body systems across various taxonomic groups, you will investigate intriguing examples of both vertebrate and invertebrate life. Engaging lectures, lab work, and hands-on practicals will deepen your understanding and appreciation of these complex organisms. This experience will equip you with the critical skills and knowledge necessary for careers in veterinary science, conservation, or animal welfare. Prepare to unlock the secrets of animal biology and lay a solid foundation for your future studies!

Aims
The module will introduce key differences in the anatomy and physiology of a range of animal body systems and will be supported by specific examples.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Identify key evolutionary steps that have led to the diversity of extant animals and taxonomic groups.: 1,2
Explain key physiological systems in various invertebrate groups and their evolutionary significance.: 1,2
Describe mechanisms of transport, including circulatory and respiratory systems, across different animal groups.
: 1,2
Identify and explain immune systems and their defence mechanisms in various animals.
: 1,2
Compare forms of digestion and excretion in a range of animals, and explain their role in homeostasis.: 2,3
Compare nervous systems across different animals and describe their role in special senses, communication, and integration with other systems.: 2,3
Describe methods of reproduction in different animal groups and their evolutionary significance.: 2,3
Communicate scientific theories clearly using biological concepts and integrate knowledge of physiological systems to explain how animals adapt to their environments.: 1,2,3

Study hours

Active learning hours:
Trip: 8 hours
tutorial/ workshop sessions: 5 hours
Weekly sessions (4 hr/ week): 44 hours
Practicals/lab work (3 hr/ session): 15 hours
Online drop-in sessions (1 hr/ workbook): 4 hours
Introduction to the presentation assessment: 2 hours
Online drop-in sessions to support presentation assessment: 1 hour
45 hours active learning sessions and engagement with directed tasks
Online Workbooks: 15 hours
Preparation for labs/practicals: 12 hours
Group presentation preparation: 10 hours
Independent Study: 137 hours
Exam: 2 hours

School Rules

This module is compulsory for Bioveterinary science, and single hons Biology students but would only be open to BSc Natural Science Level 4 as an elective module therefore would have a co-requisite of students only being able to select it as an elective if NAT-10001 is also being taken.

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 30%
Integrated Portfolio
Assessment Overview: Students will compile an Integrated Portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of key anatomical and physiological systems across a range of animal taxa. The portfolio will draw on data, observations, and experiences from laboratory practicals and lectures undertaken during the first six weeks of the module. This assessment component will be completed online. It opens in Week 6 on Tuesday at 1:00pm, with submission due on Week 7 Tuesday at 1:00 pm. A formative portfolio task will be available in Week 1, based on the Monkey Forest trip. The portfolio will consist of a variety of question types, including: Short Answer Questions; Multiple-Choice Questions; Problem-Solving Exercises; Case Studies/Scenarios; Reflective Questions; Practical Tasks; Essay-Type Questions; Data Interpretation Tasks.

2: Group Assessment weighted 30%
Group poster or presentation
You will produce a group presentation using either a poster or PowerPoint based on the anatomical and physiological adaptations of your allocated taxa. It will be approximately 10 minutes in length. This will be completed in small groups of 3 to 4 students and assessed by tutors.

3: Exam weighted 40%
Closed book class test (1-hour active working in a 2-hour assessment window)
Closed book exam covering the core learning materials from the second part of the module, comprising MCQ/SAQ questions testing core knowledge and understanding. While the exam is designed to take approximately 1 hour, all students will be given 2 hours to ensure an inclusive and accessible assessment experience. Students will be permitted to take a double-sided A4 memory prompt of notes with them to the exam. Formative tests will also be provided to support preparation.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025