Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences

SYNOPSIS OF COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC VETERINARY SCIENCES (BVS)

BVS 111 ANATOMY I Sem. 01/135 h (40:20:75).This course consists of 6 modules. Module 1: Structure of the mammalian cell and cell division - structure of the cell membrane, cellular organelles and nucleus. Module 2: Basic and specialized tissues of the body - components of the connective tissues, basic features and types of neurons, microscopic identification of the smooth, skeletal and cardiac muscle fibres and histology of lining and covering and covering epithelia. This will be followed by lecturers on lymphoid organs, cartilage and bone. Module 3: Basic embryology - fertilization, early embryonic development, and foetal membranes.Module 4: Cardiovascular system - gross anatomy of the heart, comparative features of the heart and blood vessels, topographical anatomy, histology and embryology of cardiovascular system in domestic mammals and birds.Module 5: Respiratory system - comparative gross anatomy, topographical anatomy, histology and embryology of respiratory system in domestic mammals and birds. In these modules all lecturers will be supplemented with laboratory practicals. For teaching topographical anatomy, live animal demonstration will be used wherever appropriate. Module 6: Forelimb and Thoracic Cavity-osteology, arthrology, musculature, vasculature, and innervation of forelimb and thoracic cavity. This module will be covered mostly with practical exercises. The dog will be used as the model for dissection, with supplementary materials from farm animal species obtained from the abattoir.
During the course 4-5 signatures will be held and this will contribute to 5% of the total marks obtained for the practical component at the end of the semester examination.
This course will be evaluated in full at the end of the semester. The examination shall consist of a three hour theory paper followed by a practical examination. The theory and practical components will be of equal weightage and will contribute 40% of the total marks for anatomy.
BVS 112 PHYSIOLOGY I Sem. 01 /108 h (60:12:36).This course consists of 4 modules. Module I: Mammalian cell and blood -functions of mammalian cell and physiological properties of blood. Module II: Neural and muscle cells - physiological properties of neural cells, membrane potentials and neurotransmitters, functions of central and peripheral nervous systems and autonomic nervous system, physiological properties of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles, and muscle contraction and relaxation. Module III: Cardiovascular and immune systems - physiology of cardiovascular system, electrical properties of the heart, blood pressure, microcirculation and circulatory shock, and physiology of immune system and immune responses. Module IV: Respiratory system - physiology of respiratory system and exercise physiology. All lectures will be supplemented with laboratory practicals and demonstrations.
In-course assessments will be administered either at the end of each module or after completion of the course. The marks from these assessments including those assessments given during BVS 122 will contribute 20% of the total marks for Veterinary Physiology.
BVS 113 BIOCHEMISTRY I Sem. 01/105 h (60:18:27). This course consists of 4 modules. Module I: Cell structure and functions - ultra structure of mammalian cell; function of main sub-cellular organelles; membrane transport. Module II: Biomolecules and their metabolism – structural features of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleotides. Enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Module III: Basic techniques in biochemistry – principles and application of electrophoresis, gel, Southern blotting, Northern blotting, Western blotting, chromatography, (column, paper, TLC, HPLC, GC) and spectrophotometry and ELISA. Module IV: Biochemistry of blood and bile – blood composition, erythropoiesis, metabolic pathways within RBC; role of glutathione and NADPH; antioxidant activity; haemoglobin – structure, types, oxygen dissociation curve, CO2 transport, methaemoglobin, cyanide poisoning, RBC catabolism; bile pigments, jaundice; plasma proteins. All lectures will be supplemented with laboratory demonstrations and practicals.
In-course assessments will be administered either at the end of each module or after completion of the course. The marks from these assessments including those assessments given during BVS 123 will contribute 15% of the total marks for Veterinary Biochemistry.
BVS 121 ANATOMY II Sem. 02/150 h (70:05:75). This course will consist of six modules. Module 1: Urinary system - comparative gross anatomy, topographical anatomy, histology and embryology of urinary system in domestic mammals and birds. Module 2: Digestive system - comparative gross anatomy, topographical anatomy, histology and embryology of male and female reproductive systems in domestic mammals and birds. Module 3: Male and female Reproductive systems - comparative gross anatomy, topographical anatomy, histology and embryology of male and female reproductive systems in domestic mammals and birds. Module 4: Sensory organs and endocrine organs - structure of the skin, cutaneous derivatives, ear and eye. This module will also cover the development and microscopic structure of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, the islets of Langerhan and hypophysis. Module 5: Osteology of the skull and neuroanatomy - anatomical features of the skull, brain and spinal cord. In these modules all lecturers will be supplemented with laboratory practicals. For teaching topographical anatomy, live animal demonstration will be used wherever appropriate. Module 6: Hind limb - osteology, arthrology, musculature vasculature, and innervation of hind limb. This module will be covered mostly based on practical exercises. The dog will be used as the model for dissection, with supplementary materials from farm animals species obtained from the abattoir.
During the course 4-5 signatures will be held and this will contribute to 5% of the total marks obtained for the practical component at the end of the semester examination.
This course will be evaluated in full at the end of the semester. The examination shall consist of a three hour theory paper followed by a practical examination. The theory and practical components will be of equal weightage and will contribute 60% of the total marks for anatomy.
BVS 122 PHYSIOLOGY II Sem. 02/96 h (60:12:24). The course consists of 4 modules. Module I: Renal system - physiology of renal system, regulation of electrolyte balance, water and acid-base balance, and micturition. Module II: Endocrine system and homeostasis - regulation and functions of endocrine system and physiological functions of hormones, and behavioural adaptations of animals in different environments; Module III: Gastro-intestinal system - gastrointestinal functions of mono-gastric animals ruminants and birds, motility and gastrointestinal secretions, and digestion and absorption. Module IV: Reproductive system - physiology of male and female reproductive systems - oestrous cycle, puberty, gametogenesis, ovulation, ejaculation, fertilization, gestation, parturition and their hormonal control; avian reproduction, and functions of mammary glands and hormonal control of lactation. All lectures will be supplemented with laboratory practicals, demonstrations and field visits.
In-course assessments will be administered either at the end of each module or after completion of the course. The marks from these assessments including those assessments given during BVS 112 will contribute 20% of the total marks for Veterinary Physiology.
The subject Physiology (BVS 112 and BVS 122) will be evaluated in full at the first BVSc examination that will be held at the end of Semester 2.
The marks will be computed as follows:

Theory      - 50%

Practical / Spots       - 20%

Orals       - 10%

In-course assessments (BVS 112 & 122)       - 20%

BVS 123 BIOCHEMISTRY II Sem. 02 / 105 h (60:18:27). This course consists of 5 modules. Module I: Nutritional biochemistry – chemistry, functions and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Module II: Endocrinology – steroid and non-steroidal hormones, their chemical structure, synthesis, mode of action and metabolisms. Module III: Clinical biochemistry – importance of organ specific enzymes in disease diagnosis, regulation of blood glucose and diabetes, ketosis, ketonuria, influence of vitamin D and blood Ca levels in hypocalcaemia, serum ion binding capacity and anaemia, jaundice, detoxification, excretion, urinalyses and interpretation.Module IV: Ruminant carbohydrate metabolism and biochemistry of animal products – synthesis of volatile fatty acids in ruminants, milk synthesis, chemical composition, species variation in composition, milk allergies and lactose intolerance, and biochemistry of egg and meat. Module IV: Introduction to molecular biology – molecular techniques, organization of chromosomes, metabolism of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis and post-translational modifications, genes and gene regulation of gene expression, and introduction to recombinant technology. Lecture-discussions are supplemented with laboratory practicals and demonstrations.
In-course assessments will be administered either at the end of each module or after completion of the course. The marks from these assessments including those assessments given during BVS 113 will contribute 15% of the total marks for Veterinary Biochemistry.
The subject Biochemistry (BVS 113 and BVS 123) will be evaluated in full at the first BVSc examination that will be held at the end of Semester 2.

The marks will be computed as follows:

Theory      - 50%

Practical + Practical book      - 15%

Spots      - 10%

Orals      - 10%

In-course assessment (BVS113 & BVS 123)       - 15%

BVS 214 ANIMAL NUTRITION I Sem. 03/65 h (30:20:15). This course focuses on basic and applied aspects of animal nutrition and is offered in four Modules. Module I: Basics on animal nutrition – history and definitions, biochemical aspects of basic nutrients and minerals and vitamins and digestion of feeds by different classes of animals. Module II: Feed evaluation - feed composition and chemical and biochemical evaluation of feeds and feed resources and digestibility and its measurements. Module III: Feeds and Feed Resources – classification of feed resources, characteristics and composition of feed resources and feed additives. Module IV: Forage Science - characteristics and composition of common pasture and fodder varieties in Sri Lanka, establishment of pastures and fodder, fertilizer application, forage management and forage conservation. Lectures will be supplemented with laboratory practicals and field visits.
In-course assessments will be administered either at the end of each module or after completion of the course. The marks from these assessments including those assessments given during BVS 224 will contribute 20% of the total marks for Animal Nutrition.
VBS 215 (I) FISH BIOLOGY Sem. 03/46h (30:6:10). This course consists of 3 modules. Module I: Classification of Fish – taxonomic classification and classification on the basis of culture methods. Module II: Anatomy and Physiology of Bony Fish – external features, skin, musculo-skeletal system, respiratory system, cardio-vascular system, digestive system, swim bladder, urinary system, reproductive system, nervous system, sensory system, endocrine system and homeostasis. Module III: Anatomy and Physiology of Shellfish – crustaceans and bivalves. The lectures will be supplemented by tutorials, practical classes, demonstrations and field visits. This course will be conducted as a prerequisite for the courses, FAPH 215 Aquaculture and FAPH 421 Aquatic Medicine.
At the completion of BVS 215 (I) an in-course assessment will be held and it will contribute 10% of total marks for Fish Biology and Aquaculture.
VBS 215 (II) WILDLIFE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY Sem. 03/30 h (18:02:10). This course consists of 3 modules. Module I: Basis concepts in ecology – introduction to ecology, ecological energetic, habitat and ecological niche concept, community ecology and species diversity in communities. Module II: Biodiversity and Sri Lankan wildlife species – concepts and components of biodiversity, status and ecology of important terrestrial wildlife species in Sri Lanka, Mammals 1, 2 & 3, status and ecology of important terrestrial wildlife species in Sri Lanka, birds – residents and migratory, status and ecology of important terrestrial wildlife species in Sri Lanka, invertebrate groups such as butterflies, land snails and corals and status and ecology of important terrestrial wildlife species in Sri Lanka, and amphibians and reptiles. Module III: Behavioural ecology – social behaviour and social organization, territoriality, dominancy and hierarchy, agonistic and predatory behaviour, sexual conflicts and sexual selection, mating systems and migration. Practical components include calculation of diversity indices, bird watching, nature trail and behavioural studies which will be conducted during weekends. This course is prerequisite for VCS 214 WILD LIFE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION.
At the completion of BVS 215 (II) an in-course assessment will be held and it will contribute 15% of total marks for Wildlife Biology and Wildlife Management and Conservation.
BVS 224 ANIMAL NUTRITION II Sem. 04I70 h (45:10:15). This course consists of 6 modules with an aim to impart knowledge on nutritional requirements and practical feeding of various classes of livestock and companion animals. Module I: Feed Industry and feed formulation - introduction to animal feed industry in Sri Lanka and principles of feed formulations. Module II: Poultry nutrition - nutrient requirements of broilers (starters, growers, fatteners & breeders) and layers (starters, growers, layers and breeders), feeding requirements for maintenance and production, feeding requirement tables and feeding of broiler and layer flocks. Module III: Swine, companion & micro livestock nutrition – nutrient requirements of pigs (starters, growers, fatteners and breeders), feeding requirement for maintenance, feeding requirement tables, and feed formulation and practical feeding for pigs, nutrient requirements and practical feeding of micro-livestock and companion animals (rabbit, horse, dog, cat and miscellaneous species). Module IV: Ruminant nutrition – nutrient requirements of various categories of ruminants, ration formulation and practical feeding of ruminants. Module V. Aquatic animal nutrition – nutrient requirements and practical feeding of aquatic animal species (food, ornamental and recreational fin and shell fish). Module VI: Nutrient disorders in farm animals – nutritional disorders of farm animals including the biochemical basis of metabolic disorders.
In-course assessments will be administered either at the end of each module or after completion of the course. The marks from these assessments including those assessments given during BVS 214 will contribute 20% of the total marks for Animal Nutrition.
The subject Animal Nutrition (BVS 214 and BVS 224) will be evaluated in full at the Second BVSc examination that will be held at the end of Semester 4.
The marks will be computed as follows;

Theory       - 50%

Practicals      - 20%

Orals       - 10%

In-course assessment (BVS 214 & BVS 224)       - 20%