Welcome to the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, Electron Microscope Unit
The Anatomy Section
The Anatomy Section is responsible for teaching undergraduate- and postgraduate macroscopical and microscopical anatomy to veterinary science and nursing students. The undergraduate teaching programme includes the Electron Microscope Unit canine anatomy in the VAP 300 module presented to the BSc (VetBiol) III students and comparative anatomy of equine, ruminants, porcine, birds and fish in the VCA 400 module presented to the BVSc I students. MSc and PhD programmes in veterinary anatomy are presented in the department. Various postgraduate anatomy courses are also presented to students registered for the specialist MMedVet degree.
The main focus of research in the department is on the anatomy of wild animals and the reproductive biology of birds and mammals.
The Physiology Section
The Veterinary Physiology Section is responsible for teaching and research in basic and applied physiology and physiological chemistry. A complete course in fundamental animal physiology and physiological chemistry is taught in the VAP 300 module presented to the BSc (VetBiol) III students, followed by a course in Applied Physiology in the BVSc I year. It is problem-based and focuses the student on the holistic approach to treating the whole animal. The Section also teaches a fundamental course in Physiology and Physiological Chemistry to the first-year DipVet student nurses.
Research areas are focused upon metabolic adaptation of indigenous sheep and goats, water and electrolyte balance in sheep, and certain facets of nanotechnology.
The Endocrine Research Laboratory (ERL)
ERL addresses proximate and ultimate questions concerning regulative endocrine mechanisms which in combination with other factors, like disease or changes in the social or ecological set-up, influence and control animal behaviour.
Our main objectives are to develop and validate non-invasive techniques to monitor gonadal and adrenal endocrine function in various animal species, and by using these techniques, learn more about the basic principles of especially mammalian reproductive strategies and factors determining fertility and reproductive success. In this regard, we also aim to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors which potentially influence the social and reproductive behaviour of animals and determine their potential as physiological stressor.
By often linking our main research approach with other disciplines like behavioural biology, veterinary science, or wildlife ecology, the information gained is not only be of scientific interest, but can also help to develop more effective strategies for improving the management and welfare of animals in zoological institutions as well as in the wild.
Other laboratories include
Angiogenesis Laboratory (Lab 1-38 complex; Lab 2-34)The Angiogenesis Laboratory seeks to unravel the mechanisms underlying vessel development under Physiological and Pathophysiological conditions, in particular cancer, cardiovascular disease and wound healing.
We focus on the following:
(i) Endothelial cell biology
(ii) Cell surface receptors that regulate angiogenesis
(iii) Angiogenic cytokines and growth factors
The Electron Microscope Unit (EMU)
The ElectronMicroscope Unit provides a quality diagnostic service, research support and training in all aspects of electron microscopy to the veterinary community.
The EMU was established at the Faculty of Veterinary Science in 1976 and refurbished in 1991 with the installation of a Philips CM10 transmission electron microscope, a Philips XL20 scanning electron microscope and the revelant ancillary equipment.
News
Two new UP buildings honoured in national property awards - 22/05/2013
The development of infrastructure at the University of Pretoria (UP) is first class. This was confirmed once again when two of the new buildings on the Hatfield Campus walked away with prestigious South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Innovative Excellence Awards.
[Read More]
Official launch of the National Biodiversity and Business Network - 21/05/2013
The National Biodiversity and Business Network of South Africa was officially launched at the Gordon Institute of Business Sciences (GIBS) in Sandton on 15 May 2013.
The University of Pretoria was represented by Dr Claudious Chikozho and Ms Anesu Makina, both from Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership (ALCRL), as well as Prof Don Cowan from FABI.
[Read More]
Open Day was a success! - 21/05/2013
I am pleased to inform you that I received many messages conveying positive feedback on the UP Open Day 2013. I was especially pleased about comments that the UP team of staff, students and volunteers was especially helpful and friendly.
My heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to a positive experience for parents, prospective students, families, school principals and teachers. I encourage you to keep up the good work. Open Day is an important event for the University for attracting good students, and for broadly enhancing the reputation and status of the University.
[Read More]
World Kangaroo Mother Care Day celebrated by final year students - 21/05/2013
Staff and students from the Department of Communication Pathology at the University of Pretoria are involved in one of the most important evidence-based interventions for preterm and low birth weight babies in the world.
The final year students are participating in Kalafong Hospital as audiologists and speech-language therapists in this very effective neonatal method to care for preterm and low birth weight babies.
[Read More]
TuksGolf Training Centre officially opened at the University of Pretoria - 17/05/2013
The University of Pretoria prides itself on its publicly recognised achievements pertaining to its various sporting fraternities. These achievements can be attributed to the University’s sporting facilities, which are of the highest quality among South African universities. To add to its quality achievements, the University of Pretoria, through TuksSport and the High Performance Centre (hpc), has now officially opened a golf training centre.
[Read More]
South African law professor to report to the United Nations on Lethal Robots - 16/05/2013
South African human rights law professor, Christof Heyns, will submit a widely anticipated report on Lethal Autonomous Robots (LARs) to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on 29 May 2013.
Prof Heyns, from the University of Pretoria (UP), was appointed as UN Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions in 2010. During last year, he conducted worldwide research on the question whether states should be allowed to use LARs - weapons that, once deployed, can use lethal force without further human intervention - during war, or peace.
[Read More]
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The development of infrastructure at the University of Pretoria (UP) is first class. This was confirmed once again when two of the new buildings on the Hatfield Campus walked away with prestigious South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Innovative Excellence Awards.
The National Biodiversity and Business Network of South Africa was officially launched at the Gordon Institute of Business Sciences (GIBS) in Sandton on 15 May 2013.
The University of Pretoria was represented by Dr Claudious Chikozho and Ms Anesu Makina, both from Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership (ALCRL), as well as Prof Don Cowan from FABI.
.jpg)
I am pleased to inform you that I received many messages conveying positive feedback on the UP Open Day 2013. I was especially pleased about comments that the UP team of staff, students and volunteers was especially helpful and friendly.
My heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to a positive experience for parents, prospective students, families, school principals and teachers. I encourage you to keep up the good work. Open Day is an important event for the University for attracting good students, and for broadly enhancing the reputation and status of the University.
Staff and students from the Department of Communication Pathology at the University of Pretoria are involved in one of the most important evidence-based interventions for preterm and low birth weight babies in the world.
The final year students are participating in Kalafong Hospital as audiologists and speech-language therapists in this very effective neonatal method to care for preterm and low birth weight babies.
‘Making a choice to enrol at a university, and deciding which university to attend are the most important decisions any young person can make in their lifetime. Therefore, make a good decision: choose the University of Pretoria.’
.jpg)
The University of Pretoria prides itself on its publicly recognised achievements pertaining to its various sporting fraternities. These achievements can be attributed to the University’s sporting facilities, which are of the highest quality among South African universities. To add to its quality achievements, the University of Pretoria, through TuksSport and the High Performance Centre (hpc), has now officially opened a golf training centre.
.jpg)
South African human rights law professor, Christof Heyns, will submit a widely anticipated report on Lethal Autonomous Robots (LARs) to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on 29 May 2013.
Prof Heyns, from the University of Pretoria (UP), was appointed as UN Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions in 2010. During last year, he conducted worldwide research on the question whether states should be allowed to use LARs - weapons that, once deployed, can use lethal force without further human intervention - during war, or peace.
Last edited by: Hettie Rossouw