University of Calgary : Veterinary Medicine VETM

Veterinary Medicine VETM

VETM 300 305 307 320 321 322 323 324 342 343 344 345 360 400 405 407 410 420 421 422 423 424 440 442 443 444 450 451 460 461 462 463 500 505 507 520 521 522 523 530 531 540 541 542 550 551 561 570 580 582 583 584 585 590 601 603 605 690 701 702 721

Instruction and services offered by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

First Year Curriculum

All courses are compulsory.

Veterinary Medicine 300

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 305

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.
Course Hours: (0-6)(5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 307

Professional Skills I

Learning the 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 320

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.
Course Hours: (1-4)(5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 321

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(3.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 322

Behaviour

Fundamental concepts pertaining to the behaviour of animals. The effect of husbandry practices on the welfare and behaviour of companion and farmed animals is examined. Wildlife behaviour, particularly at the interface with human activities, is also addressed. Emphasis placed on clinical recognition of normal behaviour of companion and farmed animals. Pertinent legislations regarding the welfare of companion and farmed animals are discussed.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 323

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 324

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1 credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 342

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 343

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 344

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 345

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 360

Introduction to Veterinary Medicine

Using a variety of field experiences, students explore how people associate 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 examples of animals as companions, animals in production, animals in sport, animals as alternative livestock, animals used for food, and animals in research. Students gain a better understanding of the structure and function of the dairy, beef, swine, and sheep industries and the multiple roles that veterinarians occupy within those industries.
Course Hours: (54 hours)(2 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA

Second Year Curriculum

All courses are compulsory.

Veterinary Medicine 400

Clinical Presentations II

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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 405

Clinical Skills II

Practical orientated laboratories designed to provide the opportunity for the development of skills in basic surgical principles, 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 407

Professional Skills II

Professional skills competencies and knowledge are enhanced with an added focus on relationship centred 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 410

Basic Surgical Principles

A comprehensive introduction to the foundational principles of general veterinary surgery across species. It will provide DVM students with a foundation in the basic principles of both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery that can then be used to develop their hands-on surgical skills and as the foundation for more species-specific courses.
Course Hours: (1.5-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 420

Health Management

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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 421

Systemic Pathology

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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 422

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 423

Bacteriology

Introduction to fundamental principles of general bacteriology, and bacterial diseases of domestic animals. 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 424

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 440

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 442

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 443

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 444

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 450

Selected Topics in Areas of Emphasis I

Students select from 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 451

Selected Topics in Areas of Emphasis II

Veterinary Medicine 460

Applied Nutrition

Core concepts pertaining to nutritional requirements, feeding regimes, and nutritional disorders in cattle (beef and dairy), poultry, swine, horses, and companion animals. Feeding management of exotic animals is also discussed. Emphasis is placed on practical application of nutritional concepts in companion and farmed animals.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.0 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 461

Outbreak Investigation

Investigating 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)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA

Veterinary Medicine 462

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.
Course Hours: (27 hours)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 463

Field Experiences in Areas of Emphasis

Students select a field experience in one of the Faculty's four major areas of emphasis which are production animal health, equine health, ecosystem and public health, and investigative medicine.
Course Hours: (27 hours)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Third Year Curriculum

All courses are compulsory.

Veterinary Medicine 500

Clinical Presentations III

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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 505

Clinical Skills III

Through hands-on scheduled practical and surgical laboratories students gain experience in relevant body system clinical evaluations and in routine anaesthesia and surgery. In addition, students have the opportunity to further develop and refine their diagnostic skills sets.
Course Hours: (0-6)(5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 507

Professional Skills III

Develop 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 520

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(2.25 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 521

Equine Medicine and Surgery

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. Emphasizes the importance of professional and ethical conduct in the context of equine practice and promotes life-long continuing education.
Course Hours: (3-0)(2.50 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 522

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

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. Promotes practices that are in compliance with animal welfare and ethical professional conduct.
Course Hours: (3-0)(2.50 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 523

Anaesthesiology and Therapeutics

Introduction to the principals and practice of veterinary anaesthesiology in commonly encountered large, small, and exotic animal species, and the practical application of clinical pharmacology (therapeutics). Focus on local and general anaesthesia 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 530

Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine I

Topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 531

Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine II

Topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 540

Food Animal Medicine and Surgery

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. Also promotes practices that are in compliance with animal welfare and ethical professional conduct.
Course Hours: (3-0)(2.00 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 541

Theriogenology

Provides 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 542

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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 550

Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine III

Topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 551

Selected Topics in Veterinary Medicine IV

Topics will vary from year to year, and will be announced in advance.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 561

Ecosystem and Public Health Field 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)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Fourth Year Curriculum

All students are required to take Veterinary Medicine 570, 580 and 590. Students also take one of Veterinary Medicine 582, 583, 584 or 585.

Veterinary Medicine 570

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 and diagnostic imaging at laboratories at the Clinical Skills Building on the Spy Hill campus.
Course Hours: (4 weeks)(4 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 580

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.
Course Hours: (16 weeks)(16 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 582

Production Animal Health

Students choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Production Animal Health.
Course Hours: (10 weeks)(10 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 583

Ecosystem and Public Health

Students choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Ecosystem and Public Health.
Course Hours: (10 weeks)(10 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 584

Equine Health

Students choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Equine Health.
Course Hours: (10 weeks)(10 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 585

Investigative Medicine

Students choose from a variety of rotations that enable concentration within Investigative Medicine.
Course Hours: (10 weeks)(10 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 590

Clinical Enrichment

Students choose elective rotations from a range of practicum experiences in veterinary medicine in order to expand or deepen their knowledge and skills.
Course Hours: (10 weeks)(10 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Graduate Courses

The following courses are delivered through the Veterinary Medical Sciences Graduate Program. Enrolment in these courses is not open to DVM students. Please consult the Graduate Studies calendar for additional details and requirements for students in other graduate programs.

Veterinary Medicine 601

Professional Skills in Health Science Research

Includes a series of workshops focusing on skills essential for success in health science research. Topics include: Research Integrity; Ethics; Grants and Grant Writing; Verbal and Written Communication of Research Findings; Career Development; and Career Options in the Health Sciences.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Faculty.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA

Veterinary Medicine 603

Biology of Laboratory Animals

Based on the Canadian Council on Animal Care Syllabus “Basic Principles of Laboratory Animal Science for Research Scientists.” In addition to the study of common, research, farm and exotic animals, topics to be covered include ethical considerations, regulation and legislation, animal models, animal facilities and husbandry, hazard control, surgery, anaesthesiology, euthanasia and post-mortem examinations. Practical sessions will provide experience in handling and restraint of specific laboratory animals, injections, blood collection, anaesthesiology and surgery.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-1)
Notes: Enrolment in this course is restricted in the first instance to graduate students who will do research utilizing animals.
Also known as: (Biology 603)

Veterinary Medicine 605

Introduction to Biostastical Methods

An introductory course on how to analyze and design research related to biological sciences. Emphasis is placed upon formulating good research questions, evaluating the appropriateness of different statistical methods for analyzing results, and performing and interpreting such statistical analyses. Statistical analyses will be carried out using modern statistical software.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Faculty.
Also known as: (Community Health Sciences 605)

Veterinary Medicine 690

Directed Study

Lectures, seminars, term papers and/or other training directed to one or only a few students in theoretical and/or laboratory methods at the advanced level in veterinary medical sciences. These courses are offered when no other suitable alternatives are available.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Faculty.
Notes: An approval form may be obtained from the Office of Research and Graduate Education, and must be signed by the VMS Graduate Program Director before a student can register.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Veterinary Medicine 701

Advanced Topics in Reproductive Health

A series of topics, ranging from basic sciences to clinical topics (including ethical issues) to increase awareness and comprehension regarding current issues in reproductive health.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Research interest in reproductive health/reproductive biology. Consent of course co-ordinator and student’s supervisor, if applicable.

Veterinary Medicine 702

Advanced Topics in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Provides a comprehensive overview of stem cell biology in the context of embryonic development and adult tissue maintenance. Students will gain an appreciation for embryonic versus adult stem cells and how these pluripotent or multipotent cells may be utilized in regenerative medicine (i.e. treatment of congenital defects, diseases or injury).
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Students not enrolled in the VMS graduate program will require consent of the instructor.

Veterinary Medicine 721

Wildlife Parasitology: Principles and Techniques

Students will learn about the ecology of parasites in wildlife populations with emphasis on impacts of parasitism, invasive species, and conservation issues. This is taught through a series of seminars, critical evaluation and discussion of the literature, and independent and group projects. Laboratory sessions include on parasitology techniques for surveillance and research.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.
Notes: This course may not be offered every year. Please contact vmgrad@ucalgary.ca for information.

UofC