Professional Program of Study
For the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine leading to the degree doctor of veterinary medicine, see Veterinary Medicine, Curriculum.
The curriculum of veterinary clinical sciences explores the preventive health care, and diagnosis and treatment of diseases of companion and competitive athletic animals. Veterinary specialists lead didactic and laboratory based learning in the clinical sciences. Experiential based courses conducted through the Veterinary Medical Center during the fourth year provide the student an opportunity to participate in the application of clinical skills and knowledge.
Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degree master of science with major in veterinary clinical science, and minor work for students majoring in other departments. Within the veterinary clinical sciences major, the student may specialize in veterinary medicine, surgery, or theriogenology. The D.V.M. degree or equivalent is prerequisite to a major graduate work.
Both thesis and nonthesis options are available and require the completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits and a final examination.
World languages and cultures requirements may be established by the student’s program of study committee.
Courses
Courses primarily for professional curriculum students:
Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
An elective course designed to educate the veterinary student about issues of relevance to companion animal population and shelter medicine and welfare.
Cr. R. F.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Introduction to the veterinary profession and the various career opportunities available.
(1-1) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. The course covers selected topics on moral and ethical issues affecting the practice of veterinary medicine.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. This course will focus on helping students develop their communication, leadership, team building and conflict resolution skills.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. This course will emphasize veterinary law.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification; V C S 444
Provide advanced instruction in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. General learning objectives include demonstrating the ability to utilize information from the physical exam and historical findings to direct appropriate diagnostics and staging based on a specific cancer diagnosis.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with B M S). (0-2) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: First-year classification in veterinary medicine
Canine physical examination; basic behavior, animal handling and restraint; medical record keeping.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Seminars and case presentations on selected clinical subjects by fourth-year students of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Attendance is required for a passing grade.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Evaluation of morphologic anatomy of the dog and cat utilizing clinical imaging methods - radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear imaging. Emphasis will be placed on normal radiographic anatomy.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
General principles of surgery of companion animals.
(0-3) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
General principles of surgery of companion animals.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Small animal surgery.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
This elective course is an introduction and overview of the clinical aspects of common conditions in horses and related conditions, including pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. It is not designed to teach the student how to perform specific procedures, but rather to improve knowledge base of students interested in equine or mixed animal practice. Class will include lecture, photos, video presentations, and other formats.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Anesthetic equipment, agents and procedures, including pain management for core species.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Principles and techniques of medical and surgical ophthalmology.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 or 4 Classification
Elective course in diagnosis and management of cardiac diseases. Emphasis on interpretation of electrocardiography.
Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
Elective course in clinical cardiology. Emphasis on common congenital and acquired cardiac diseases of companion animals. Builds on foundation of basic clinical cardiac knowledge obtained in V C S 444; expands to cover additional diseases in greater depth (e.g. infective endocarditis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, heartworm disease, feline arterial thromboembolism, bradyarrhythmias and cardiac pacing, congenital heart diseases and interventional correction).
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
Introduction of common topics in emergency and critical care in companion animals. General learning goals for students in this course include developing the ability to utilize physical exam skills and historical findings to triage patients and assess stability.
(1-3) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
Elective course in management and diseases of pet birds and exotic species.
Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
Topics covering the health and welfare of non-domestic animals in captivity. Regulations specific to exotic animal ownership and exhibition will be covered. Students will discuss diseases which affect multiple taxon groups, and learn about interface diseases. Specific topics regarding the veterinary care of exotic canids, felids, ungulates, primates, Old-World Camelids, exotic equids and avian species will be discussed. Laboratories will introduce remote-delivery and restraint devices, dangerous animal handling techniques (including venomous snake handling techniques), contraception for non-domestic animals, and extra-label use of medications and vaccines in non-domestic species.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
Elective course in feline internal medicine.
Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Elective clinical assignment in oncology.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 or 4 Classification
Elective course in small animal and equine nutrition.
(1-2) Cr. 2. F.S.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Elective course in dermatology.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 6 credits in 2 credit increments. Instructor Permission needed if not a VM4 classification.
Cr. R. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
External practical experiences in the fourth year curriculum for additional professional development of the veterinary student. Instructor Permission needed if not a WM4 classification.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of small animals.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
A 2-week elective rotation at an animal shelter/humane society that works with the public to place pets in homes. This rotation will encompass population medicine (medicine, surgery, intake, adoption, behavior and temperament, neglect and cruelty) that animal shelters deal with on a daily basis. The selected animal shelter/humane society must have a veterinarian(s) on staff and be approved by the course coordinator. More than one VCS 437 may be taken upon approval of the course coordinator.
Cr. R. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Rotating assignments through multiple sections within the Veterinary Medical Center.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Elective clinical assignment in rehabilitation.
(1-2) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 2 or 3 Classification
Orthopedic diseases of the equine.
(4-0) Cr. 4. F.S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of small animals.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of equine.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical rotation in neurology with an emphasis on neurolocalization, disease processes, use of diagnostics in medical and surgical neurology and treatment options. Exposure to neurosurgical techniques.
(3-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Hands on experience with equine veterinary diagnostic skills related to theriogenology, medicine, surgery, radiology, and ophthalmology. Preference to equine track student.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
Essentials of diagnostic image interpretation. Essentials of radiobiology, radiation therapy and protection from radiation.
(1-6) Cr. 3. F.
Pre-laboratory presentations and laboratories introduce the student to anesthetic and surgical principles and techniques that can be applied to all animal species.
(1-6) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
This laboratory introduces the student to anesthetic and surgical principles and techniques that can be applied to all animal species. Provides a broader range of surgical experiences throughout the laboratory.
(1-6) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species.
(1-6) Cr. 2. Repeatable. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species. Exposure to more advanced surgical techniques with most surgical principles.
(1-6) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 Classification
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species. A second repeat for students with a special interest in small animal surgery.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Study of clinical dermatological problems via computer-aided instruction, case simulations, and/or lectures. Clinical management of cases presented to Veterinary Medical Center. Instructor Permission needed if not a VM4 classification.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in small animal medicine.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in soft tissue surgery.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in orthopedic surgery.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in equine medicine.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in equine surgery.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in veterinary radiology.
Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical experience in hospital based general practice.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in equine ambulatory practice.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Elective clinical assignment on the principles and practices of normal and therapeutic horseshoeing and equine foot care.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in small animal and large animal anesthesiology.
Cr. 4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment to provide supervision of hospital cases requiring intensive care and including emergency cases.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical assignment in ophthalmology.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Elective clinical assignment in cardiology.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Elective clinical assignment in intensive care.
Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Vet Med 3 or 4 Classification
All aspects of veterinary dentistry, prophylaxis, endodontics, and orthodontics. This course is an on-line course.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Clinical rotation in equine dentistry with an emphasis on routine equine dental examinations, specialized equipment, and corrective procedures. Offered only offered for one 2-week rotation. Enrollment is limited.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Independent Study in veterinary medicine focusing on basic / translational research or learning issues. Enrollment in this course is not appropriate for clinical experiences in the Veterinary Medical Center or extramural experiences in clinical veterinary practice (i.e., preceptorships).
(2-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. S.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
8 weeks. Predeparture orientation for group study abroad. Cultural considerations for the study abroad experience and a conversational language introduction. Out of class work may be assigned.
Cr. R. S.
Prereq: Vet Med 4 Classification
Seminars and case presentations on selected subjects by fourth year students of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Completion of a seminar presentation is required for graduation.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable.
Prereq: Vet Med Classification
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad Group programs. Opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Special topics in Ophthalmology.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Admission to Graduate college
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad Group programs. Provides opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Courses for graduate students:
Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: V C S 448
Detailed principles of clinical radiology with particular reference to radiographic interpretation.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: V C S 445
Principles of general medicine. A study in depth of factors that contribute to the development of clinical signs as related to the pathogenesis of disease.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: V C S 445
An advanced study of metabolic diseases.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Graduate Level Research.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Instructor
Graduate Level Research.