University of Calgary : Veterinary Medicine VETM

Veterinary Medicine VETM

VETM 300 305 307 320 321 322 323 324 342 343 344 345 360 400 405 407 410 420 421 422 423 424 440 442 443 444 450 451 460 461 462 463 500 505 507 520 521 522 523 530 531 540 541 542 550 551 561 570 580 582 583 584 585 590 601 603 605 610 611 640 690 701 702 721 740

Instruction and services offered by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

First Year Curriculum

All courses are compulsory.

Veterinary Medicine 300

Clinical Presentations I

A series of integrated clinical presentations applied to a range of problems faced in veterinary medicine in individuals, groups, and populations of animals. Students develop analytic and non-analytic diagnostic reasoning skills, and use foundational knowledge from discipline courses to help understand clinical presentations.
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 at developing competence in individual animal and herd physical examinations and reporting. Students develop basic 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

Professionalism, applied economics and business, clinical communication skills, ethics and jurisdiction, and research in veterinary medicine are explored. Students will begin to formulate competencies in these areas and in stewardship, clinical reasoning and small business management. The concepts of the healthy veterinarian and self-management are introduced.
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

Provides a foundation in comparative anatomy of production and companion animals. Histology and embryology are integrated throughout. Guided and task-driven dissections are supplemented with pro-sections of live animals, and medical imagery. Clinically relevant structures and the three-dimensional relationships of organs are emphasized.
Course Hours: (1-4)(5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 321

Physiology

Provides a foundation in fundamental and comparative physiological concepts for each body system. Physiological concepts are reinforced through clinical presentations of production and companion 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

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Fundamental concepts of behaviour and welfare are examined. Emphasis is placed on understanding normal and abnormal behaviour, and the effects of husbandry practices on behaviour and welfare of production and companion animals. Wildlife behaviour, particularly at the interface with human activities, is addressed. Legislations and societal changes regarding animal welfare 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

Roles of veterinarians in promoting, and contributing to, animal, human and ecosystem health are discussed. Emphasis is placed on determinants of health, and the interactions of animals, humans and the environment. 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 are 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

Morphologic and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs as a result of disease are discussed. Students are introduced to safe, systematic 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.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 343

Immunology

Students will gain a working knowledge of the immune system and its role in health and disease. Emphasis is placed on achieving an understanding of major immunological concepts and vaccinology and their implications in veterinary medicine.
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 epidemiological concepts including types of epidemiologic studies, measures of disease frequency and association, epidemic and infectious disease dynamics, principles of evidence-based medicine, and the relationships between population and individual animal medicine. Provides foundational skills relevant to population 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

Presents fundamental concepts pertaining to function, metabolism, requirements, and sources of nutrients and energy for production and companion animals. Feeds and ingredients used in animal diets are also 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

Students explore how people associate with animals, the issues that arise from these associations and the roles that veterinarians play in these contexts. Students observe animals as companions, in sport, for food, and in research. The structure and function of the major livestock industries and the roles that veterinarians occupy within those industries are examined.
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

Building on Veterinary Medicine 300, students continue to develop analytic and non-analytic diagnostic reasoning skills. These skills include developing schemata and differential diagnoses lists, making decisions about using appropriate diagnostic tests, interpreting and integrating data from those tests, and using foundational knowledge to diagnose common clinical presentations.
Course Hours: (3-0)(3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 405

Clinical Skills II

Building on Veterinary Medicine 305, students develop skills in basic surgical principles, clinical examination of relevant body systems, clinical and anatomic pathology, and parasitology. 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

Building on Veterinary Medicine 307, professional skills competencies and knowledge are enhanced with additional focus on small business management skills, relationship-centered practice and self-care. Legal issues regarding veterinary practice are discussed. Research and informatics skills are used to identify knowledge gaps, generate testable hypotheses, and design experiments.
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 general veterinary surgery principles across species. Provides students with a foundation in the basic principles of soft tissue and orthopedic surgery that can then be used to develop their hands-on surgical skills.
Course Hours: (1.5-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 420

Health Management

Building on Veterinary Medicine 344, introduces additional epidemiological concepts used in veterinary medicine. These concepts include appropriate use and choice of diagnostic tests, developing a structured approach for investigating disease outbreaks, exploring strategies and effectiveness for treating and controlling disease, and developing evidence-based protocols.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1.5 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 421

Systemic Pathology

Building on Veterinary Medicine 342, uses a species-specific approach to review common disease conditions. Students identify and describe common gross and microscopic lesions and formulate a morphologic diagnosis. Disease pathogenesis, tissue sampling, sample submission, and the value of ancillary diagnostic testing, and communicating post-mortem findings are emphasized.
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. Implementation of intervention measures for viral and prion infections and diseases are discussed.
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 bacteriology, and bacterial diseases of domestic animals. Provides an understanding of how bacteria interact with the environment and the animal host, and how bacterial virulence mechanisms lead to animal diseases. Diagnosis of bacterial infections, and matching of appropriate preventive and control measures with different pathogens are discussed.
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 occurrence, transmission and impacts of parasites, and diagnosis of parasitic diseases of clinical, trade, and zoonotic importance in North America.
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 roles of animals as sources of public health hazards and as sentinels for public health risk are examined. Students apply systems thinking to identify how zoonotic diseases and food safety hazards emerge, spread and are controlled. Public health strategies related to veterinary issues are applied to identify options 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 use, evaluation and correct interpretation of routine clinical pathology tests. Integration of laboratory results with the patient's clinical presentation is emphasized. Correct interpretation of routine laboratory tests, communication of results, and appropriate integration of lab tests into decision-making in daily practice are covered.
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

Effective and safe use of drugs in veterinary medicine. Basic principles of pharmacology, including mechanisms of action, for the major drug classes. Clinical toxicology principles that apply to common poisonings and adverse drug reactions.
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 principles and uses of common diagnostic imaging modalities. 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. Control measures for working safely with diagnostic imaging equipment are examined.
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 two of the Faculty's four major areas of emphasis: production animal health or equine health.
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

Students are exposed to career options in two of the Faculty's four major areas of emphasis: 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 460

Applied Nutrition

Core concepts pertaining to nutritional requirements, feeding regimes, and nutritional disorders in production and companion animals are examined. Feeding management of exotic animals is also discussed. Emphasis is placed on practical application of nutritional concepts in production and companion animals.
Course Hours: (3-0)(1 credit)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 461

Outbreak Investigation

Building on Veterinary Medicine 420, students further develop the framework for investigating outbreaks of disease. 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.
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

Students work through a simulation of an incursion of foreign animal disease into Canada. The simulation and background 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: production animal health, equine health, ecosystem and public health, or 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

Building on Veterinary Medicine 300 and 400, students continue their development of diagnostic reasoning skills and problem management in veterinary medicine. 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

Building on Veterinary Medicine 305 and 405, students gain experience in clinical evaluations, routine anaesthesia and surgery. Diagnostic and therapeutic skills, practical clinical intervention, case management, and disease prevention knowledge and skills are further developed.
Course Hours: (0-6)(7 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 507

Professional Skills III

Building on Veterinary Medicine 307 and 407, students participate in a class research project, integrating research, informatics, communication, and clinical skills. Students will develop professional skills necessary for dealing with challenging issues in veterinary medicine. The concept of the healthy veterinarian and self-management will be expanded.
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 common disorders that occur at a population level. Emphasis is placed upon application of evidence-based medicine to make a herd diagnosis and control, and prevent the problem. Health programs and animal welfare assessment for production and companion animals are 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 students for general equine practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating common equine diseases using medical or surgical approaches. Emphasizes the importance of professional 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 common diseases in cats and dogs using medical or surgical approaches. Promotes practices that comply with animal welfare 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 and therapeutics in production, companion and exotic animals, and the practical application of clinical pharmacology. Focus on local and general anaesthesia for low risk animals and 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 Clinical Medicine

Prepares students for clinical practice by providing the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing and treating oncologic, ophthalmic and dermatological diseases in production and companion animals.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 531

Selected Topics in Small Ruminant, South American Camelid and Non-traditional Livestock Production

Selected medical, surgical and reproductive diseases of small ruminants, South American camelids and non-traditional livestock.
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, treating and preventing common diseases using medical or surgical approaches. Promotes practices that comply with animal welfare and professional conduct.
Course Hours: (3-0)(2 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 541

Theriogenology

Provides knowledge and skills to develop clinical competence in managing the reproductive health of production 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.
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

Veterinary emergency and critical care, with emphasis on how to recognize and implement therapy in the unstable patient.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 550

Zoological Medicine

Provides the foundational knowledge needed for diagnosing, treating and preventing common diseases in non-traditional companion animal and wildlife species.
Course Hours: (3-0)(0.75 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program.

Veterinary Medicine 551

Laboratory Animal Medicine

Provides an introduction to laboratory animal medicine and disease, roles of the laboratory animal veterinarian and animal care committees, and the involvement of animals in research and teaching.
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

Students will synthesize concepts learned in Veterinary Medicine 440 and 462. Provides experience in applying regulatory requirements and diagnostic testing performed as part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency accredited veterinary duties.
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

Required for entering general veterinary practice. 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

Required for entering general veterinary practice. 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

Analysis and design of 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 610

Biostatistics I: Essentials of Biostatistics

Introduces the fundamental concepts of summarizing data and statistical inference, including graphical displays, hypothesis testing, p-values, and confidence intervals. Specific topics include comparisons of means and proportions, non-parametric tests, correlation and regression, confounding, sample size determination, and power calculations. Additional topics include a brief introduction to analysis of variance and covariance, logistic regression, and analysis of time-to-event data. Students gain hands-on experience analysing data using STATA statistical software. Although this course uses STATA exclusively, much of the technical knowledge and some of the computing techniques are applicable to any statistical package.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-2T)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Veterinary Medical Sciences graduate program.
Also known as: (Community Health Sciences 610)

Veterinary Medicine 611

Biostatistics II: Models for Health Outcomes

Extends the fundamental concepts to modelling health outcomes using modern regression analysis techniques. Logistic and linear regressions, and their extensions, are covered in detail. The rationale, formulation, and statistical assumptions underlying each regression technique are discussed. Methods for selecting and assessing models are included. Additional topics include a brief introduction to models used in the analysis of repeated measures, longitudinal studies, and time-to-event data.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-2T)
Prerequisite(s): Veterinary Medical Sciences 610.
Also known as: (Community Health Sciences 611)

Veterinary Medicine 640

Fundamentals of Epidemiology

Principles and methods of descriptive and analytic epidemiology. Emphasizes the underlying concepts and approaches of epidemiological research and critical appraisal of epidemiologic studies including: observational study designs and their vulnerabilities to bias, measures of frequency and association, basic methods for addressing sampling variability, confounding, and effect modification. Concepts related to causal judgment in epidemiology are also introduced.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-2T)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Veterinary Medical Sciences graduate program or consent of the Faculty.
Corequisite(s): Veterinary Medicine 610.
Notes: Not available to Open Studies students.
Also known as: (Community Health Sciences 640)

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.

Veterinary Medicine 740

Advanced Epidemiology

An expansion on the understanding of causality and threats to validity in epidemiologic research. The focus will be on the assessment and control of bias, including selection, information and confounding. The concept of effect modification (interaction) will be appraised. Stratified analysis will be considered as a tool for the assessment and control of confounding and effect modification and will be applied to a variety of study designs including case-control, and cohort studies.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-2T)
Prerequisite(s): Veterinary Medical Sciences 640 or consent of the Faculty.
Also known as: (Community Health Sciences 740)

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