B8428 - Veterinary Zoology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student possesses basic knowledge ofthe biology, classification, and interactions of animals of veterinary interest. In particular, the student: knows animals' main body plans and their biology; can identify and classify animals of veterinary interest - vertebrates and invertebrates - according to taxonomic principles; recognises and analyses the interactions among different animals and their environment.

Course contents

This Course is part of the Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession".

The Integrated Course aims to provide the student with adequate skills in veterinary biosecurity, an understanding of proper laboratory practices within a quality assurance framework, and techniques for handling and approaching animals that prioritize the safety of both the animal and the operator. Additionally, the student develops zoological knowledge and zootechnical classification of animals relevant to veterinary practice, along with a critical perspective on their ethical use.

The Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.12, 1.17, 1.29.

Specific Course contents:

Knowledge of Animal Kingdom by identification, taxonomy and description of main animal species, with special emphasis towards wild terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates, exotic animals, insects, and other animals of veterinary interest.

Readings/Bibliography

Title: Integrated Principles of Zoology ISE

Authors: Hickman, Jr., Cleveland; Keen, Susan; Eisenhour, David et.al. 19. Ed. (or earlier)

ISBN: 9781266263293

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education, OH

Available in the campus library.

Teaching methods

Teacher-led lessons, interactive sessions, laboratory sessions.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course "The Background for the Veterinary Profession" consists of two parts.

• The first part is a written test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter.

  Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The use of supporting material or devices such as calculators, books, notebooks, class notes, etc. is not authorized during the test. If needed, a follow-up discussion will allow the Candidate to comment on the wrong answers.

  The test assignment will last 1h and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

• The second part is an OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) aimed at evaluating the acquisition of practical and verbal competences in specific topics of the Integrated Course. This practical part of the exam will consist in 15 different stations, each testing a specific skill. Each station has a fixed duration of 5 minutes and, if completed successfully, can earn up to 2 points. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the OSPE.

The final grade of the Integrated Course is determined by averaging the scores of the two assessments. Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders—as well as those with recognized special educational needs—will receive appropriate accommodations during assessments. Such students should promptly contact the course instructor and inform the University’s Disability and SLD Support Service [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] . A faculty member is appointed to oversee this service within the Department [https://scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it/dipartimento/organizzazione/referenti-istituzionali] .

Teaching tools

Slide presentations, lab tutorials, peer-review scientific papers.

Teaching materials are available on the Virtuale platform and could be reached through the link on the teacher webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Ilaria Guarniero