List of Veterinary Medicine Courses

Medicine courses address the broad range of diseases, disorders and physical trauma treated in a veterinary practice. Students learn the standard procedures and treatments for common diseases and injuries. Lessons provide instruction in identifying symptoms, diagnosing, selecting treatment and determining prognosis.

Animal Physiology and Anatomy Course

This course explores the anatomical structure and biological systems of common pets and farm animals. Students learn about the function and interrelation of the muscular, skeletal, nervous, respiratory and other systems. Class work employs comparative anatomy to demonstrate the anatomical differences and similarities between species such as dogs, cats, horses, and cows. These classes often include lab dissections of feline or canine cadavers.

Animal Nutrition Course

Veterinarians need to be familiar with the metabolism and nutrition requirements of various domestic animals in order to make feeding suggestions and identify malnutrition. They also need to know what animals can't digest and what foods may cause health problems for certain species. This class covers these subjects as well as the unique nutritional needs of animals suffering from the disease.

Veterinary Immunology Course

This class explains the role of animal immune systems in fighting infection and disease. In studying immune function, the class also studies diseases that attack the immune system itself. Discussion includes the importance of vaccination in bolstering an animal's defense against illness. Students discover how reactions from the immune system can be used to aid in diagnosis.

Parasitology Course

Study of parasitology familiarizes students with common parasites affecting domestic animals. Prospective veterinarians should be aware of the types of parasites, their life cycles and their effects on hosts. Parasites can be found internally or externally and may transmit disease, including zoonotic diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. Students learn methods to prevent parasites as well as identify and treat existing cases.

Veterinary Anesthesiology Course

This course introduces all the elements necessary to ensure the health and safety of an animal undergoing anesthesia. Through a combination of course and lab work, students learn the process for calculating dosage, applying catheters and operating anesthetic equipment. Equipment used by the anesthesiologist includes anesthesia delivery systems and monitors for keeping track of the patient's vital signs. Students are also trained to handle emergency situations.