Animal Anatomy and Physiology Course

This comprehensive course focuses on the most common animals seen within a veterinary practice. You will examine the biological mechanisms of mammals and other species, learning about the structure and function of the various body systems and how to identify the unique characteristics of specific species.

This is both a valuable stand-alone course and an excellent foundation for further study of animal health and welfare.

The course consists of ten units covering areas such as the different systems, respiration and reproduction.

We send your first unit upon enrolment, so you can start whenever you want, and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

• Lesson One
• Introduction/ Taxonomy/ Biological Systems within the Body
• Starting on the Outside
• Kingdom Animalia
• Homeostasis
• Musculoskeletal System
• Nervous System
• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular System
• Digestive System
• Urinary System
• Immune System
• Reproductive System
• Integument and Skin
• Functions of the Skin
• Structure of the Skin
• Colouration
• Conclusion
• Lesson Two
• The Musculoskeletal System
• The Skeleton
• The Structure and Function of Bone
• The Mammal Skeleton
• The Bird Skeleton
• The Fish Skeleton
• The Reptile Skeleton
• Connective Tissue
• Joints
• Joint Movement
• Muscles
• Muscle Cells in Skeletal Muscle
• How Movement is Produce
• Lesson Three
• The Nervous System/ The Senses and the Sense Organs
• Introduction
• Structure and Function of the Central Nervous System
• The Brain and Spinal Cord
• Structure and Function of the Peripheral Nervous System
• The Eyes and Vision
• The Skin, Integument and Touch
• The Ears, Hearing and Balance
• The Mouth and Nose – Taste and Smell
• Lesson Four
• The Respiratory System of Vertebrates
• Introduction
• Mammals
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Fish
• Gas Exchange and Diffusion
• Cellular Respiration
• Lesson Five
• The Circulatory System
• Introduction
• Functions
• Structure
• The Heart
• Fish
• Reptiles
• Birds and Mammals
• Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation
• Coronary Circulation
• The Heartbeat
• Blood Vessels
• Blood
• Blood Clotting
• Lesson Six
• The Digestive System/ The Urinary System
• Introduction
• Digestion
• Birds
• Fish
• Reptiles
• Mammals
• Carbohydrate, Fat and Protein Metabolism
• Introduction
• Birds and Reptiles
• Fish
• Mammal
• Lesson Seven
• The Reproductive System and Mating Behaviour
• Introduction
• Egg-layers and Live-bearers
• Birds
• Sperm Production and Storage
• Egg Production
• Copulation
• Fertilisation
• The Egg
• Fish
• Hermaphroditism
• The Eggs
• Reptiles
• Egg Production
• Copulation
• Mammals
• Male Reproductive Organs
• Female Reproductive Organs
• Egg Production and Fertilisation
• Gestation
• Lesson Eight
• Homeostasis/ The Immune System/ The Endocrine System
• Variables
• Osmoregulation
• Thermal Relationships
• The Lymphatic System
• Other Cells that Help with Immunity
• Lesson Nine
• Animal Cells and Cellular Replication
• Introduction
• Cells
• Cell Membrane
• Organelles
• The Cell Cycle
• Proteins and Protein Synthesis – The Building Blocks of Life
• Lesson Ten
• Evolutionary Mechanisms/ Effects of Evolution
• Introduction
• Natural Selection and Adaptation
• Polymorphism
• Extinction
• DNA and Genes
• Sexual Reproduction and Genetic Variation
• Meiosis
• Gene Flow
• Genetic Drift
• Genetic Mutation
• Symbiosis
• Population Dynamics and Keystone Species
• Population Bottleneck
• Ecological Dependence and Co-evolution
• Speciation
• Niches

On successful completion of this course you’ll receive the Animal Care College Certificate* in Animal Anatomy and Physiology, graded to show the standard you have reached. There are no exams.

You will also receive the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3 when you complete this course**.

Quality Licence Scheme endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

* The Animal Care College Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

** QLS registration fees included.

You do not need to have any additional qualifications before studying this course.

This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress your career in the animal care sector, or better understand your own pet.

Once it’s completed, you may wish to further your study. If that’s the case, we’d suggest:

• Animal Care College – Advanced Care and Management Course
• Introduction to Canine Psychology Course
• Advanced Nutrition for Dogs & Cats Course

If you are looking to set up your own business then you should consider obtaining insurance cover. Further information is available on request.

If you’d like to turn what you’ve learned into a career, or you’re wondering how best to apply it to your existing role, get in touch with one of our tutors, or contact our support team from 9am – 5pm.

Your first unit will be sent to you when you enrol, you can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

Your course materials are broken down into manageable units and will include helpful guidance and advice as well as additional reading lists and tools to signpost where you can source further information. We would encourage you to carry out wider reading and research on topics covered in the course materials.

Your learning materials have been developed by experts so studying is easy and enjoyable. At the end of each unit, there will be an assessment to complete and submit to your tutor.

Studying with the Animal Care College is a great place to start your learning journey and will give you a solid grounding in animal care subjects.

The Animal Care College’s courses promote the best care of pets at all stages of their development. We believe working and engaging with animals is a deeply rich and rewarding experience. Although the theory learning is important, being able to put your skills into practice beyond the theory is even more so. We are here to help you every step of the way as you build meaningful bonds with animals and gain in-depth knowledge that can only be obtained by working directly with animals. We can help advise on potential placements and work experience where necessary.

There are no deadlines for this course. Simply study in the comfort of your own home, and in your own time.

Distance learning is designed to be flexible, but as a guide, students who can spend 4-6 hours a week studying tend to complete a single unit within a month.

You can contact our support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at any point during your studies – to ask questions or for advice. Your tutor will mark your lessons, giving valuable, constructive feedback – helping you to master each step before moving on to the next. You can contact them for support or advice throughout your studies.