Instruction and services offered by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Note: The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is presently in the development stage and therefore the University reserves the right to make whatever changes are necessary to the content of hours of instruction of individual Veterinary Medicine courses in the program
Associate Dean, Academic: ÌýTBD
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First Year Curriculum
All courses are compulsory.
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Veterinary Medicine
300
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Clinical Presentations I
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Integrated clinical presentations applied to a range of problems faced in veterinary medicine with individual, groups, and populations of animals. Students develop analytic and non-analytic diagnostic reasoning skills including differentiating normal from abnormal, correlating clinical signs with organ systems, generating problem lists, and using foundational knowledge from discipline courses to help understand clinical presentations. Related public health and disease prevention issues are explored.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(3 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
305
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Clinical Skills I
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A series of clinically oriented learning experiences aimed to develop competence in individual and herd physical examinations and history taking. Students develop introductory skill sets in clinical intervention, patient management, and disease prevention. Experience is gained in diagnostic procedures.
Course Hours:
(0-6)(5 credits)
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Veterinary Medicine
307
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Professional Skills I
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Role of professionalism and research in veterinary medicine. Students formulate the basis of professionalism competencies including: communication, ethics, stewardship, clinical reasoning, self management, emotions, values and reflection in daily practice and for the community being served. Key research concepts including hypothesis generation, qualitative and quantitative methods, data search skills, and critical appraisals of the literature are addressed.
Course Hours:
(1.5-1.5)(3 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
320
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Anatomy and Histology
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Hands-on dissection of organ systems in representative mammals prepares students for clinical coursework. Dissections are supplemented with pro-sections, palpation of live animals, radiographs, CT, MRI, and ultrasound imagery. Clinically relevant structures and the three-dimensional relationships of organs are emphasized. Functional anatomy at each level of organization is integrated with coursework in physiology and pathology.
Course Hours:
(1-3)(3.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
321
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Physiology
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Fundamental and comparative physiological concepts for each body system. Physiological concepts are reinforced through clinical examination of companion and farmed animals. Emphasis placed upon formulating how, and why, a disturbance affecting one particular body system manifests in a particular way.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(3 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
322
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Behavior
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Fundamental concepts pertaining to the behavior of animals. The effect of husbandry practices on the welfare and behavior of companion and farmed animals is examined. Wildlife behavior, particularly at the interface with human activities, is also addressed. Emphasis placed on clinical recognition of normal behavior of companion and farmed animals. Pertinent legislations regarding the welfare of companion and farmed animals are discussed.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
323
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Animals, Health, and Society
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Role of veterinarians in promoting animal, human and ecosystem health. Emphasis on the determinants of health and the interaction of animals, environmental and social factors that influence health. The contributions of veterinarians to human, ecosystem and animal health at local, provincial, national and international levels are reviewed. Demonstrates how laws, policies and management decisions are applied to foster healthy animals, ecosystems and human-animal interactions.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
324
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Genetics and Molecular Biology
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Fundamental concepts of genetics and molecular biology explored in the context of cellular biology and animal health. Applications of molecular biology tools in veterinary medicine are addressed. Relevant examples from veterinary medicine are used to explain foundation principles.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
342
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Pathologic Basis of Disease
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Introduction to the study of the morphologic and functional changes that occur in cells, tissues and organs as a result of disease. Students are introduced to safe, systematic, species-specific approaches to performing post mortem examinations and learn to recognize and describe common gross and microscopic lesions using appropriate medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of basic disease mechanisms and the complex relationship between host, pathogen and environment in the onset of disease. The use of pathology as a diagnostic tool, and the relationship between the understanding of basic pathologic processes and the practice of high quality clinical medicine are discussed.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
343
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Immunology
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Interactive learning activities illustrate the components of the immune system. Specific functions of the immune system are discussed with respect to age, species and impairment. Mechanisms involving immunological functions and potentially leading to disease are outlined and allocated to clinical and sub-clinical pictures. Various vaccines, as well as their preparation, composition, use and limitations will be presented. The induction of immunity including laboratory testing for immune responses is demonstrated.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine 344
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Principles of Epidemiology
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Introduction to the basic principles and methods used in veterinary epidemiology. Concepts include types of epidemiologic studies, measures of disease frequency and association, epidemic and infectious disease dynamics, disease causation, and the relationships between population and individual animal medicine. The course provides foundational skills relevant to population science, which includes public health, health management and clinical medicine.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
345
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Introduction to Nutrition
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Fundamental concepts pertaining to function, metabolism, requirements, and sources of nutrients and energy for companion and production animals. Feeds and ingredients used in animal diets will also be examined.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
360
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Introduction to Veterinary Medicine
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Using a variety of field experiences, students explore how humankind associates with the animal world, the issues that arise from these associations, and the potential roles that veterinarians can play in these contexts. Students work in teams to investigate on-site examples of animals as companions, animals in production, and animals in sport, alternative livestock, animals used for food, animals in research, and the historical interactions with animals. This field course is delivered during the first two weeks of the veterinary curriculum.
Course Hours:
(54 hours)(2 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
361
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Animal Industries
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Students use field experiences to gain a better understanding of the structure and function of the dairy, beef, swine, sheep, and poultry industries, and the multiple roles that veterinarians occupy within those industries.
Course Hours:
(54 hours)(2 credits)
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Second Year Curriculum
All courses are compulsory.
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Veterinary Medicine
400
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Clinical Presentations II
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Building upon Veterinary Medicine 300, this course uses a clinical presentations format applied to a range of problems faced in veterinary medicine to help students to continue development of their analytic and non-analytic diagnostic reasoning skills. These skills include developing schemata and differential diagnoses lists, making decisions about using appropriate diagnostic test, interpreting and integrating data from those tests, and using foundational knowledge from discipline courses to diagnose common clinical presentations. Students also explore a broad range of animal health issues related to the presentations.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(3 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
405
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Clinical Skills II
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Practical orientated laboratories provide the framework for the development of skills in clinical examination of relevant body systems and in both clinical and anatomic pathology. Students also gain hands-on experience in practical clinical intervention, case management, and disease prevention.
Course Hours:
(0-6)(5 credits)
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Veterinary Medicine
407
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Professional Skills II
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Professional skills competencies and knowledge are enhanced with an added focus on relationship centered practice including communication, coaching and feedback. The explanation and planning phase of professional consultations as well as skills inherent to providing structure are addressed. The concept of the healthy veterinarian is expanded to include professional renewal and self care, pursuing and meeting professional goals, focusing career and growing and developing in a changing environment. Legal issues including informed consent, records management, malpractice and public safety obligations are included.
Course Hours:
(1.5-1.5)(3 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
420
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Health Management
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This course builds upon Veterinary Medicine 344, introducing further epidemiological concepts useful for the practice of veterinary medicine. These concepts include appropriate use and choice of diagnostic tests in individual animal and population settings, developing a structured approach towards investigating disease outbreaks, exploring alternative strategies for treating and controlling disease, and evaluating whether treatment strategies are effective. Evaluation of the scientific literature is a component of the course.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
421
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Systemic Pathology
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A 3-quarter course that builds on the foundation developed in Veterinary Medicine 342. Using a systematic and species-specific approach, common developmental, traumatic, degenerative, vascular, toxic, infectious, neoplastic and miscellaneous conditions are reviewed. Based on the species affected, students identify and describe common gross and microscopic lesions and formulate a morphologic diagnosis or list of rule outs. Disease pathogenesis, tissue sampling, sample submission, and the value of ancillary diagnostic testing are emphasized. Students model interpreting and communicating post-mortem findings and the results of ancillary tests to clients and colleagues.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(2.25 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
422
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Virology
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Fundamental knowledge on the nature of viruses and prions are imparted through clinical, cellular and molecular analysis of important diseases of animals and - if inter-transmissible - humans. Students learn to develop diagnostic plans and understand principles of laboratory diagnostic testing. General and specific intervention measures for viral and prion infections and diseases are explained and their implementation practiced. The course utilizes a combination of classical teaching, scenario-driven problem solving and exposure to clinical cases and laboratory testing.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
423
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Bacteriology
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Introduction to fundamental principles of general bacteriology, and bacterial diseases of domestic animals. This course provides an understanding of how bacteria interact with the environment and the animal host. Students learn how different bacterial virulence mechanisms lead to the spectrum of animal bacterial diseases. Students become familiar with the actions that lead to diagnosis of bacterial infections, and how to match appropriate preventive and control measures with different pathogens
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
424
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Parasitology
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Introduction to fundamental principles of parasitism in domestic and wild animals. Emphasis is placed on understanding the epidemiology and host-parasite interactions of parasites of clinical, trade, and zoonotic importance in North America. Students become familiar with the principles and application of classical and molecular diagnostic techniques. Using a series of case studies, students apply this knowledge to formulate prevention and treatment plans for parasites of major importance.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
440
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Public Health and Risk Analysis
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The role of animals as sources of public health hazards and as sentinels for environmental health risk factors is examined. Students apply systems thinking to identify how zoonotic diseases and food safety hazards emerge, spread and can be controlled. Public health methods and tools related to veterinary issues are applied to identify options and methods for the prevention and control of hazards and reduction of health risks.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
442
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Clinical Pathology
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Students develop a systematic approach to the evaluation of routine clinical pathology tests (hematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, cytology, and endocrinology) that leads to correct interpretation, aided by an understanding of the significance of common changes and underlying physiological principles. Integration of laboratory results with the patient's clinical presentation is emphasized. Correct interpretation of routine lab tests and communication of results to clients, colleagues, and experts is covered, as is appropriate integration of lab tests into decision making in daily practice. Students also gain experience with basic in-house lab tests and microscopy.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
443
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Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
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This course provides students with the understanding and tools required to use drugs effectively and safely in veterinary medicine. Basic principles of pharmacology and clinical pharmacology for the major drug classes are addressed. Principles of pharmacokinetics and metabolism as they apply to the clinical use of drugs are discussed. Basic principles of clinical toxicology that apply to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common and regionally relevant poisonings and adverse drug reactions are covered.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
444
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Diagnostic Imaging
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Introduction to the basic principles and uses of common diagnostic imaging modalities through the use of lectures, group discussions, and clinical presentations. The theoretical basis behind each imaging technology, the acquisition of quality images, and the ability to interpret and describe normal and abnormal findings are emphasized. Instruction is included in the necessary control measures for working safely with diagnostic imaging equipment.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
450
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Selected Topics in Areas of Emphasis I
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Quarter courses are offered in the first half of the 4th semester in the Faculty's four major areas of emphasis, which are production animal health, equine health, ecosystem and public health, and investigative medicine.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
451
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Selected Topics in Areas of Emphasis II
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Quarter courses are offered in the second half of the 4th semester in the Faculty's four major areas of emphasis, which are production animal health, equine health, ecosystem and public health, and investigative medicine. The same subject matter as taken in Veterinary Medicine 450 cannot be taken in Veterinary Medicine 451.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
460
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Applied Nutrition
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Core concepts pertaining to nutritional requirements, feeding regimes, and feed formulations. Topics surrounding mainstream production animal systems in Alberta, including beef, dairy, poultry and swine, are emphasized. Pet foods and feeding are also be explored. Information is made relevant and current through on-site field visits of commercial and model production animal systems and feed manufacturing facilities.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.0 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
461
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Outbreak Investigation
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In this field course, students build upon the framework for investigating outbreaks of disease developed in Veterinary Medicine 420. Students investigate a series of simulated outbreaks, applying steps to determine whether an outbreak exists, establishing a case definition, describing the epidemiology of the disease, generating and testing hypotheses, and communicating their findings to appropriate parties.
Course Hours:
(27 hours)(1 credit)
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Veterinary Medicine
462
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Foreign Animal Disease
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A week long field experience designed and delivered by a team of faculty and public practice veterinarians. Students work through a simulation of an incursion of foreign animal disease into Canada. The simulation gives students experience working with disease surveillance, case identification, emergency preparedness, and the role of public practice veterinarians in maintaining the safety of Canadian livestock.
Course Hours:
(27 hours)(1 credit)
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Veterinary Medicine
463
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Field Experiences in Areas of Emphasis
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One week field experiences offered in the 4th semester in the Faculty's four major areas of emphasis.
Course Hours:
(27 hours)(1 credit)
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Third Year Curriculum
All courses are compulsory.
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Veterinary Medicine
500
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Clinical Presentations III
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This course builds upon Veterinary Medicine 300ÌýandÌý400, covering a range of problems in veterinary medicine. Continued development of diagnostic reasoning skills and problem management are emphasized. Students synthesize comprehensive treatment plans that take into account therapeutic approaches, outcomes, feasibility, economics, client expectations, compliance, public health, regulations, and the environment.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(3 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
505
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Clinical Skills III
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Through hands-on scheduled practical and surgical laboratories students gain experience in relevant body system clinical evaluations and in routine anesthesia and surgery. In addition, students have the opportunity to further develop and refine their diagnostic skills sets.
Course Hours:
(0-6)(5 credits)
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Veterinary Medicine
507
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Professional Skills III
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Building on Veterinary Medicine 307 and 407, students develop their professional skills necessary for dealing with challenging issues in veterinary medicine including death and dying, welfare, ethical dilemmas, conflict and handling medical errors. Communication domains including wildlife, government, production animal, public health, rural and Northern practice and risk communication. The integration of process skills and content are fully explored and expanded for the purpose of case management communication. Additional emphasis is placed on business structures, organization, economics and finance.
Course Hours:
(1.5-1.5)(3 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
520
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Advanced Health Management
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Provides an overview of diagnosing, managing, and preventing the common disorders that occur at a population level and usually affect the productivity of the group. Emphasis is placed upon application of evidence based medicine to making a herd diagnosis and managing the problem by treatment, control, and prevention. Health programs that operate in dairy cattle herds, sheep flocks, pig herds, and poultry flocks are explored. Health management principles for pet shelters and other species are also explored.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(2.25 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
521
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Equine Medicine and Surgery
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Through a combination of lectures, small group discussions and clinical presentations, this course prepares the student for general equine practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating the most common equine diseases using medical or surgical approaches. This course emphasizes the importance of professional and ethical conduct in the context of equine practice and promotes life-long continuing education.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(2.25 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
522
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Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
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Through a combination of lectures, small group discussions and clinical presentations, this course prepares students for small animal practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating the most common diseases encountered in small animal and small exotic species using medical or surgical approaches. This course promotes practices that are in compliance with animal welfare and ethical professional conduct.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(2.25 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
523
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Anesthesiology and Therapeutics
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Introduction to the principals and practice of veterinary anesthesiology in commonly encountered large, small, and exotic animal species, and the practical application of clinical pharmacology (therapeutics). Focus on local and general anesthesia for low risk animals, with an overall goal of reducing the risk of mortality. Students' knowledge of analgesia and basic critical care is enhanced. The therapeutics portion of the course focuses on therapeutic decisions, drug selection, and drug delivery.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
530
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Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine I
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Offered in the first half of the 5th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
531
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Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine II
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Offered in the second half of the 5th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
540
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Food Animal Medicine and Surgery
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Through a combination of lectures, small group discussions and clinical presentations, this course prepares students for general food animal practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating the most common diseases encountered in food animal species and large exotic species using medical or surgical approaches. In addition, this course promotes practices that are in compliance with animal welfare and ethical professional conduct.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
541
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Theriogenology
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Lecture, cases, group work and laboratory sessions are used to provide the basis of knowledge and skills to develop clinical competence in managing the reproductive health of economically important livestock species and companion animals. Students integrate knowledge from various disciplines to diagnose and manage clinical issues pertaining to the reproductive health of animals on an individual-animal or herd basis. The economic implications of reproductive efficiency in various livestock species are analyzed.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(1.5 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
542
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Emergency and Critical Care
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Introduction to the basic principles of emergency and critical care medicine. Through a combination of lectures, simulated case work-ups and assignments, students acquire the knowledge needed to attend to emergency situations, and become familiar with the steps needed to prepare oneself ahead of time for such situations.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75)
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Veterinary Medicine
550
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Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine III
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Offered in the first half of the 6th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
551
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Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine IV
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Offered in the second half of the 6th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours:
(3-0)(0.75 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
560
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Introduction to Veterinary Field Procedures
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A field course introducing students to common procedures in veterinary practice. Students work in a community practice setting learning appropriate approaches and skills relative to practice records and management, specific surgical procedures, diagnostic support, population examination and management, and therapy delivery. Sensitivity to issues of practice management is developed.
Course Hours:
(54 hours)(2 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
561
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Ecosystem and Public Health Field Course
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This course provides students the opportunity to synthesize concepts of Veterinary Medicine 323 and 440. Methods to apply integrated approaches in detecting, assessing and managing animal, human and ecosystem health relevant to sustaining populations, communities and systems are included. Students gain experience in risk assessment, surveillance, epidemiology, and participatory practice through work on case studies.
Course Hours:
(27 hours)(1 credit)
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Veterinary Medicine
562
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Field Projects in Practice Management
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A one-week field course that introduces students to the business aspects of practice management. Topics assigned to student groups are investigated within the Distributed Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Topics such as the following are included: medical records storage and retrieval, human resources management, facility layout, client relations and community marketing, inventory control, and duty roster management.
Course Hours:
(27 hours)(1 credit)
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Veterinary Medicine
570
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Laboratory Diagnostics
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A foundation course necessary for entering general veterinary practice. This is a required course in which students must successfully complete rotations in laboratory diagnostics at laboratories either at the Clinical Skills Building on the Spy Hill campus or within the Distributed Veterinary Learning Community.
Course Hours:
(4 weeks)(4 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
580
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General Veterinary Practice
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A foundation course important for entering general veterinary practice. This is a required course in which students must successfully complete clinical rotations in general veterinary practice at sites located within the Distributed Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Course Hours:
(10 weeks)(10 credits)
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Veterinary Medicine
582
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Production Animal Health
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This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Production Animal Health.
Course Hours:
F(14 weeks)(14 credits)
Corequisite(s):
Veterinary Medicine 592.
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Veterinary Medicine
583
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Ecosystem and Public Health
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This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Ecosystem and Public Health.
Course Hours:
(14 weeks)(14 credits)
Corequisite(s):
Corequisite: Veterinary Medicine 593.
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Veterinary Medicine
584
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Equine Health
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This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Equine Health.
Course Hours:
(14 weeks)(14 credits)
Corequisite(s):
Veterinary Medicine 594.
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Veterinary Medicine
585
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Investigative Medicine
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This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Investigative Medicine.
Course Hours:
(14 weeks)(14 credits)
Corequisite(s):
Veterinary Medicine 595.
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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION