Veterinary Medicine VETM
Instruction and services offered by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Note: The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Calgary 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
Assistant Dean, Curriculum: Dr. Christoph Mülling
First Year Curriculum
All courses are compulsory
Veterinary Medicine 300 (3-0)(3 credits)
Clinical Presentations I
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.
Veterinary Medicine 305 (0-6)(5 credits)
Clinical Skills I
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.
Veterinary Medicine 307 (1.5-1.5)(3 credits)
Professional Skills I
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.
Veterinary Medicine 320 (1-3)(3.75 credits)
Anatomy and Histology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 321 (3-0)(3 credits)
Physiology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 322 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Behavior
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.
Veterinary Medicine 323 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Animals, Health, and Society
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.
Veterinary Medicine 324 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Genetics and Molecular Biology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 342 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Pathologic Basis of Disease
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.
Veterinary Medicine 343 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Immunology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 344 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Principles of Epidemiology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 345 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Introduction to Nutrition
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.
Veterinary Medicine 360 (54 hours)(2 credits)
Introduction to Veterinary Medicine
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.
Veterinary Medicine 361 (54 hours)(2 credits)
Animal Industries
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.
Second Year Curriculum
All courses are compulsory
Veterinary Medicine 400 (3-0)(3 credits)
Clinical Presentations II
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.
Veterinary Medicine 405 (0-6)(5 credits)
Clinical Skills II
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.
Veterinary Medicine 407 (1.5-1.5)(3 credits)
Professional Skills II
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.
Veterinary Medicine 420 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Health Management
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.
Veterinary Medicine 421 (3-0)(2.25 credits)
Systemic Pathology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 422 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Virology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 423 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Bacteriology
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
Veterinary Medicine 424 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Parasitology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 440 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Public Health and Risk Analysis
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.
Veterinary Medicine 442 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Clinical Pathology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 443 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 444 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Diagnostic Imaging
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.
Veterinary Medicine 450 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Selected Topics in Areas of Emphasis I
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.
Veterinary Medicine 451 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Selected Topics in Areas of Emphasis II
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.
Veterinary Medicine 460 (3-0)(1.0 credits) 
- July 3, 2008
Applied Nutrition
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.
Veterinary Medicine 461 (27 hours)(1 credit)
Outbreak Investigation
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.
Veterinary Medicine 462 (27 hours)(1 credit)
Foreign Animal Disease
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.
Veterinary Medicine 463 (27 hours)(1 credit)
Field Experiences in Areas of Emphasis
One week field experiences offered in the 4th semester in the Faculty's four major areas of emphasis.
Third Year Curriculum
All courses are compulsory
Veterinary Medicine 500 (3-0)(3 credits)
Clinical Presentations III
This course builds upon Veterinary Medicine[VETM300] and Veterinary Medicine 400, 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.
Veterinary Medicine 505 (0-6)(5 credits)
Clinical Skills III
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.
Veterinary Medicine 507 (1.5-1.5)(3 credits)
Professional Skills III
Building on Veterinary Medicine 307 and Veterinary Medicine 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.
Veterinary Medicine 520 (3-0)(2.25 credits)
Advanced Health Management
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.
Veterinary Medicine 521 (3-0)(2.25 credits)
Equine Medicine and Surgery
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.
Veterinary Medicine 522 (3-0)(2.25 credits)
Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
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.
Veterinary Medicine 523 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Anesthesiology and Therapeutics
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.
Veterinary Medicine 530 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine I
Offered in the first half of the 5th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Veterinary Medicine 531 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine II
Offered in the second half of the 5th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Veterinary Medicine 540 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Food Animal Medicine and Surgery
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.
Veterinary Medicine 541 (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Theriogenology
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.
Veterinary Medicine 542 (3-0)(0.75)
Emergency and Critical Care
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.
Veterinary Medicine 550 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine III
Offered in the first half of the 6th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Veterinary Medicine 551 (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine IV
Offered in the second half of the 6th semester, topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Veterinary Medicine 560 (54 hours)(2 credits)
Introduction to Veterinary Field Procedures
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.
Veterinary Medicine 561 (27 hours)(1 credit)
Ecosystem and Public Health Field Course
This course provides students the opportunity to synthesize concepts of Veterinary Medicine 323 and Veterinary Medicine 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.
Veterinary Medicine 562 (27 hours)(1 credit)
Field Projects in Practice Management
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.
Fourth Year Curriculum
All students are required to take Veterinary Medicine 570 and 580. Students also take Veterinary Medicine 582 and 592, or 583 and 593, or 584 and 594, or 585 and 595.
Veterinary Medicine 570 (4 weeks)(4 credits)
Laboratory Diagnostics
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.
Veterinary Medicine 580 (10 weeks)(10 credits)
General Veterinary Practice
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.
Veterinary Medicine 582 F(14 weeks)(14 credits)
Production Animal Health
This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Production Animal Health.
Corequisites: Veterinary Medicine 592.
Veterinary Medicine 583 (14 weeks)(14 credits)
Ecosystem and Public Health
This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Ecosystem and Public Health.
Corequisites: Veterinary Medicine 593.
Veterinary Medicine 584 (14 weeks)(14 credits)
Equine Health
This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Equine Health.
Corequisites: Veterinary Medicine 594.
Veterinary Medicine 585 (14 weeks)(14 credits)
Investigative Medicine
This course allows students to choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Investigative Medicine.
Corequisites: Veterinary Medicine 595.
Veterinary Medicine 592 (12 weeks)(12 credits)
Production Animal Health Clinical Enrichment
This course enables students also enrolled in Veterinary Medicine 582 to enrich their clinical care experiences.
Corequisites: Veterinary Medicine 582.
Veterinary Medicine 593 (12 weeks)(12 credits)
Ecosystem & Public Health Clinical Enrichment
This course enables students also enrolled in Veterinary Medicine 583 to enrich their clinical care experiences.
Corequisites: Veterinary Medicine 583.
Veterinary Medicine 594 (12 weeks)(12 credits)
Equine Health Clinical Enrichment
This course enables students also enrolled in Veterinary Medicine 584 to enrich their clinical care experiences.
Corequisites: Veterinary Medicine 584.