Veterinary physiology

Veterinary Physiology is taught in semester 2 and 3.

As one of the biological sciences Physiology is the study of the normal functions of the body. It describes and interprets spatial and temporal processes occurring in cells and tissues of the body. To describe these processes Physiology applies the quantitative and qualitative experimental methods used in Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics, and Biochemistry.

Since Animal Physiology in all its aspects would provide enough material for a full time university course on its own, we teach just a part of it to second year veterinary students. This course, which we have designated Veterinary Physiology emphasizes those aspects of Physiology essential for the further study of veterinary science and for veterinary practice. As Physiology is a general subject we teach those topics that are of relevance to veterinary practice in detail to allow students to get an inside view of the fields under research. During the Physiology practical courses our aim is to prepare students for the manual work that is an essential part of the veterinary practice. Apart from gaining manual experience we hope that students will perceive the connection between theory and practice and sense the beauty of physiological research.

Those who are seeking for partial of full exemption from taking physiology must request the higher education institution, where they have earned credits from, to send an official transcript directly to the Director of International Study Programs latest by the registration for the semester. Unofficial transcripts may only be used for preliminary evaluation. Transcripts are going to be evaluated by the Evaluation Committee of the Department.

Students should attend to 60 compulsory lectures and 15 laboratory practicals, the so called "labs" (1.5 hours per week) during both semesters. The practical course is scheduled every second week (3 hours altogether). This schedule provides the opportunity for time-consuming experiments to be carried out. At the end of Physiology I, marking is based on the results of the laboratory entrance tests and the mid-term tests (three grades can be given to the students – 5 credits). At the end of Physiology II students take the final exam (5 credits).