The primary objective of the DVM program is to enable students to attain essential knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to meet the varied needs of society and the veterinary profession. The professional curriculum provides an excellent basic science education in addition to training in diagnosis, disease prevention, medical treatment, and surgery. Each class begins in August and graduates four years later in May. Graduates are qualified to pursue careers in the many facets of veterinary medicine and related health professions.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| VMP 801 | Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE-All Small Animal)/Clinical Exposure (CE) I | 1 |
| Description: | Small group, student-centered learning sessions with faculty facilitator for self-discovery of new information. Week-long sessions based on specific clinical case or problem, and integration of basic science and clinical material. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. | |
| VMP 810 | Veterinary Anatomy I (All Small Animal) | 4 |
| Description: | Lectures, laboratories, and demonstrations are used in an integrated approach to the study of macroscopic (gross) clinically relevant anatomy, including neuroanatomy, and embryology of common domestic animals. Dissections of embalmed specimens, prosections, plastinated specimens, and radiographs of common domestic species are examined for comparative purposes. | |
| VMP 811 | Bacteriology and Mycology | 2 |
| Description: | Fundamental aspects of microbiology and cell biology relative to pathogenesis of bacterial and fungal diseases of animals: antimicrobial actions and mechanisms of bacterial resistance. General approaches to diagnosis, treatment and prevention. | |
| VMP 812 | Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics I | 1 |
| Description: | Development of essential non-technical skills needed for veterinary professional competence. Some of the areas covered include leadership, personal finance management, ethical decision-making, and wellbeing. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit Grading only. | |
| VMP 813 | Immunology | 2 |
| Description: | Basic biology and practical aspects of immunology: cells of immune system, immune function and dysfunction, immunoprophylaxis, diagnostic testing and specific diseases involving immune system. | |
| VMP 814 | Physiology and Microscopic Anatomy I | 4 |
| Description: | Introduction to concepts and problems in physiology which form basis for clinical applications and for formal training in pharmacology, medicine, pathology, and surgery. Cellular, neural, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive physiology. Lectures, laboratories, and demonstrations are also used in the study of the cell, embryology, and microscopic anatomy of organ systems in common domestic animals to relate structure with function. | |
| VMP 815 | Introduction to Animal Behavior | 1 |
| Description: | Basic principles of normal and abnormal animal behavior in domestic animals; clinical case discussions to illustrate common behavioral problems and current approaches to therapy. | |
| VMP 816 | Physical Diagnosis I (All Small Animal) | 0.5 |
| Description: | Basic care, feeding, restraint, and handling domestic animals. Introduction to physical examination and diagnostic techniques used by veterinarian. | |
| VMP 817 | Normal Radiology (All Small Animal) | 0.5 |
| Description: | Basic principles of radiology, including physics and artifacts, and normal radiographic anatomy in small animals. |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| — | Elective I/II | 0-2 |
| Description: | Students must complete a minimum of 5 elective credits across the pre-clinical years. Elective offerings vary by semester and are listed for enrolled students on the “Students” Intranet page. | |
| VMP 802 | Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE-All LA)/CE II | 1 |
| Description: | Small group, student-centered learning sessions with faculty facilitator for self-discovery of new information. Week-long sessions based on specific clinical case or problem, and integration of basic science and clinical material. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. | |
| VMP 820 | Veterinary Anatomy II (All Large Animal) | 3 |
| Description: | Lectures, laboratories, and demonstrations are used in an integrated approach to the study of macroscopic (gross) clinically relevant anatomy, including neuroanatomy, and embryology of common domestic animals. Dissections of embalmed specimens, prosections, plastinated specimens, and radiographs of common domestic species are examined for comparative purposes. | |
| VMP 821 | Virology | 2 |
| Description: | Structural and genetic bases for classification of animal viruses into separate families. Molecular biology of viral replication and viral pathogenesis. | |
| VMP 822 | Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics II | 1 |
| Description: | Development of essential non-technical skills needed for veterinary professional competence. Some of the areas covered include leadership, personal finance management, ethical decision-making, and well-being. A continuation of VMP 812. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. | |
| VMP 823 | Parasitology | 2 |
| Description: | Principles of parasitology: protozoology, helminthology, and entomology and relationship to diseases in animals. | |
| VMP 824 | Physiology and Microscopic Anatomy II | 4 |
| Description: | Introduction to concepts and problems in physiology which form basis for clinical applications and for formal training in pharmacology, medicine, pathology, and surgery. Cellular, neural, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive physiology. Lectures, laboratories, and demonstrations are used in the study of the cell, embryology, and microscopic anatomy of organ systems in common domestic animals to relate structure with function. | |
| VMP 825 | General Pathology | 2 |
| Description: | Principles of pathobiology: causes of disease, disturbances of cell growth and inflammation. | |
| VMP 826 | Physical Diagnosis II (All Large Animal) | 0.5 |
| Description: | Basic care, feeding, restraint, and handling domestic animals. Introduction to physical examination and diagnostic techniques used by veterinarian. | |
| VMP 827 | Normal Radiology II (All Large Animal) | 0.5 |
| Description: | Basic principles of radiology, including physics and artifacts, and normal radiographic anatomy in large animals. A continuation of VMP 817. | |
| VMP 828 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| Description: | Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties of veterinary drugs; mode of action and pharmacologic effects including important metabolic aspects, chemical and physical properties, side effects (toxicities) and clinical application. |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| — | Elective I/II/III/IV | 1-2 |
| Description: | Students must complete a minimum of 5 elective credits across the pre-clinical years. Elective offerings vary by semester and are listed for enrolled students on the “Students” Intranet page. | |
| VMP 803 | Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE) and Clinical Exposure III | 2 |
| Description: | Week-long small group, student-centered learning sessions with faculty facilitator for self-discovery of new information; based on specific clinical case or problem; integration of basic science and clinical material. One week of clinical experience through participation in specific clinical rotations in Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. | |
| VMP 831 | Clinical Pathology | 2 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology and diagnosis of hematologic and clinical biochemical disorders in domestic animals; interpretation of laboratory test results using illustrative clinical cases. | |
| VMP 832 | Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics III | 0.5 |
| Description: | Development of essential non-technical skills needed for veterinary professional competence. Some of the areas covered include leadership, personal finance management, ethical decision-making, and well-being. A continuation of VMP 822. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. | |
| VMP 833 | Public Health and Epidemiology | 3 |
| Description: | Study of distribution and determinants of disease in animal populations. Use of knowledge (evidence) gained from management of clinical patients in past to improve future clinical decision-making processes. | |
| VMP 834 | Anesthesiology | 2 |
| Description: | Principles of anesthesiology: pharmacology of anesthetic agents, and introduction to anesthetic techniques in veterinary medicine. | |
| VMP 835 | Principles & Practice of Surgery | 2 |
| Description: | Principles of veterinary surgery: aseptic technique, patient and surgeon preparation, control of surgical hemorrhage and infection, and general operating room procedures. Proper methods of tissue handling, surgical instrumentation, and selection of suture materials and suturing patterns. Pathophysiology of surgical and accidental wounds: wound healing and management. | |
| VMP 841 | Respiratory System | 3 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of respiratory system. Upper and lower respiratory systems: infectious and noninfectious diseases. | |
| VMP 845 | Cardiovascular System | 2 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of cardiovascular system. Anatomic, physiologic, and pharmacologic principles which provide basis for treatment. | |
| VMP 846 | Business Management | 0.5 |
| Description: | Veterinary ethics, jurisprudence, basic practice management, and other topics involved in practice of veterinary medicine. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| — | Elective II/III/IV/V | 1-3 |
| Description: | Students must complete a minimum of 5 elective credits across the pre-clinical years. Elective offerings vary by semester and are listed for enrolled students on the “Students” Intranet page. | |
| VMP 804 | Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE) and Clinical Exposure IV | 2 |
| Description: | Week-long small group, student-centered learning sessions with faculty facilitator for self-discovery of new information; based on specific clinical case or problem; integration of basic science and clinical material. One week of clinical experience through participation in specific clinical rotations in Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. | |
| VMP 830 | Alimentary System | 3 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of alimentary systems. | |
| VMP 837 | Endocrine System | 2 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, medicine and surgery of diseases of endocrine system. Mechanisms of endocrine and metabolic diseases: therapy and prevention. | |
| VMP 838 | Dentistry | 0.5 |
| Description: | Dental anatomy, formulas, and development of basic diagnostic and treatment plans, as well as the pathophysiology, clinical description, and basic treatment modalities of common dental disorders of small animals. Course will briefly cover the care and use of instruments and equipment found in a modern dental practice. | |
| VMP 840 | Musculoskeletal System | 3 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, clinical description and basic treatment modalities of common diseases and conditions of skeletal system of small animals: development of basic diagnostic and treatment skills. Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of muscular and skeletal systems. Advanced principles, radiographic interpretation and surgical procedures. | |
| VMP 842 | Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics IV | 0.5 |
| Description: | Development of essential non-technical skills needed for veterinary professional competence. Some of the areas covered include leadership, personal finance management, ethical decision-making, and well-being. A continuation of VMP 832. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. | |
| VMP 843 | Integumentary System (Dermatology) | 2 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of the integumentary system. Laboratory examination, pathology, diagnosis and treatment. | |
| VMP 844 | Veterinary Ophthalmology | 2 |
| Description: | Ocular anatomy and physiology, as well as pathology, medicine, and surgery of ocular diseases. To provide a basis for students to engage in clinical ophthalmology in a variety of animal species. | |
| VMP 853 | Oncology | 2 |
| Description: | Fundamental aspects of cell biology and pathology relative to etiology and natural behavior of various neoplasms of animals; general approaches to diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neoplasia. |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| — | Elective III/IV/V | 1-3 |
| Description: | Students must complete a minimum of 5 elective credits across the pre-clinical years. Elective offerings vary by semester and are listed for enrolled students on the “Students” Intranet page. | |
| VMP 836 | Toxicology | 2 |
| Description: | Principles of toxicology, molecular mechanisms, pathologic processes and clinical features of animal diseases caused by common toxic agents. | |
| VMP 850 | Reproductive System | 3 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of male and female reproductive systems and mammary glands. | |
| VMP 851 | Urinary System | 2 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of urinary system. Urinary system in health and disease. | |
| VMP 852 | Nervous System | 3 |
| Description: | Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of nervous system: clinical neurology and neuropathology. | |
| VMP 854 | Multispecies Medicine | 2 |
| Description: | Anatomy, pathophysiology, medicine, and surgery of avian species, laboratory and zoo animals and reptiles. Species and diseases seen by practicing veterinarian. Current topics on foreign animal diseases. | |
| VMP 855 | Radiology/Ultrasound | 3 |
| Description: | Basic, advanced and special techniques in radiology with interpretation and use of radiologic and related techniques in diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. | |
| VMP 856 | Veterinary Nutrition | 1 |
| Description: | Principles of nutrition, and nutrition of animals in health and disease. Applied nutrition relating to individual small or large animal patient or to herd situations. |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| VMP 860 | Transition and Accreditation Seminars | 2 |
| Description: | Discussion of USDA, state, and local animal laws and regulations: preparation of animal movement forms, veterinary ethics, jurisprudence, basic practice management, and other topics involved in practice of veterinary medicine. Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only. |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| VMC 800 | Clinical Rotation in Pathology | 2 |
| Description: | Clinical training in post-mortem examination and laboratory diagnostics, including clinical pathology, introductory histopathology of biopsy specimens, microbiology, and parasitology. | |
| VMC 801 | Diagnostic Skills | 2 |
| Description: | Clinical training in veterinary laboratory diagnostics, including hematology, clinical chemistry, cytology, microbiology, parasitology, and surgical pathology. | |
| VMC 802 | Clinical Rotation in Diagnostic Imaging | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in radiographic techniques and interpretation, including ultrasonography. | |
| VMC 803 | Clinical Rotation in Anesthesiology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in sedation and anesthesia of companion animals, food animals and horses. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care and treatment of clinical patients. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 810 | Clinical Rotation in Small Animal Medicine | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in medicine, surgery and specialty disciplines for companion animals. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care, and treatment of clinical patients. | |
| VMC 811 | Clinical Rotation in Community Practice | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in medicine, surgery and specialty disciplines for companion animals. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care, and treatment of clinical patients. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 812 | Clinical Rotation in Shelter Medicine-Spay/Neuter | 2–4 |
| Description: | Clinical experience in medical, behavioral and surgical problems in animals confined to animal shelters. Students gain extensive experience spaying and castrating animals. Students will identify methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of sheltered animals with emphasis on infectious and behavioral disorders. May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 813 | Clinical Rotation in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in medicine, surgery and specialty disciplines for companion animals. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care, and treatment of clinical patients. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 814 | Small Animal Emergency Medicine | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in identification and treatment of emergency medical and surgical conditions in small animals. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 820 | Clinical Rotation in Equine Medicine | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in medicine, surgery, specialty disciplines and herd health of food animals and horses. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care and treatment of clinical patients. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 821 | Clinical Rotation in Farm Animal Medicine & Surgery | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in medicine, surgery, specialty disciplines and herd health of food animals and horses. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care and treatment of clinical patients. Repeatability: Maximum 9 hours. | |
| VMC 823 | Clinical Rotation in Equine Surgery, Lameness, & Rehabilitation | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of surgical conditions of the horse, including lameness, podiatry, and rehabilitation. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 824 | Large Animal Emergency Medicine & Critical Care | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of emergency medical and surgical conditions affecting large animals. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 825 | Clinical Rotation in Farm Animal Field Services | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in medicine, surgery, specialty disciplines and herd health of food animals. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care and treatment of clinical patients. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 826 | Clinical Rotation in Equine Field Services | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in medicine, surgery, specialty disciplines and herd health of horses. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care and treatment of clinical patients. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 890 | Externship (Off-campus veterinary educational experience) | 2-8 |
| Description: | Educational experiences in private practice, research facility, zoological preserve, aquarium, or other veterinary-related facility outside Veterinary Teaching Hospital; to provide experiences not frequently available in large referral veterinary teaching hospitals. | |
| VMC 891 | Externship (Off-campus veterinary educational experience) | 2-16 |
| Description: | Educational experiences in private practice, research facility, zoological preserve, aquarium, or other veterinary-related facility outside Veterinary Teaching Hospital; to provide experiences not frequently available in large referral veterinary teaching hospitals. |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| VMC 830 | Veterinary Dermatology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases of small and large animals. | |
| VMC 831 | Veterinary Ophthalmology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases of small and large animals. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 832 | Veterinary Neurology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical diseases of the nervous system in small animals. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 840 | Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery | 1-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of small animal musculoskeletal conditions. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 841 | Small Animal Physical Rehabilitation | 1-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of small animal musculoskeletal conditions, and physical rehabilitation. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 842 | Veterinary Cardiology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases of small and large animals. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 843 | Veterinary Oncology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer in companion animals. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 844 | Avian and Exotic Medicine and Surgery | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of avian and exotic animals and native wildlife. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 850 | Advanced Pathology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Advanced anatomic pathology training including gross postmortem examination and histopathology of biopsy specimens. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 852 | Clinical Rotation in Laboratory Animal Medicine | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in laboratory animal medicine. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 853 | Advanced Veterinary Anesthesiology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training and additional medical responsibilities with complex anesthesia patients. | |
| VMC 860 | Advanced Veterinary Dermatology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Advanced clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases of small and large animals. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 861 | Advanced Small Animal Medicine | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of disease and medical problems of small animals. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 862 | Shelter Medicine (Young Williams Animal Center) | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in shelter medicine and surgery, which includes the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in populations of small animals, primarily dogs and cats. | |
| VMC 863 | Small Animal Nutrition & Animal Behavior | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in small animal veterinary nutrition and behavior. Students will divide their time between the clinical nutrition and behavior services in the Veterinary Medical Center. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 864 | Zoological Medicine | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in husbandry, preventive medicine, and medical treatment of zoological species. Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 4 hours. Registration Restriction(s): Veterinary Medicine Students only. | |
| VMC 865 | Small Animal Dentistry | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in small animal dentistry, including dental prophylaxis, and advanced surgical and dental therapeutics in small animal and zoological species. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours. | |
| VMC 871 | Clinical Rotation in Swine Medicine Production (Consent of SMEC faculty required–Iowa State) | 2-8 |
| Description: | Clinical training program in swine production medicine at the Swine Medical Education Center at Iowa State. Students will train in an on-farm setting in swine production, management, consultation, pharmacology, and PRRSV diagnosis and management. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. Registration Restriction(s): Upon approval of the associate dean and SMEC faculty. | |
| VMC 872 | Clinical Rotation in Bovine Production Medicine (2 rotations per year) | 2 |
| Description: | Teaches techniques and procedures used by veterinarians in modern dairy and beef cattle production practice. Class includes travel and overnight stay at various production facilities. Training includes data analysis and use of common reproductive and productivity software. Students will participate in developing productivity plans, disease surveillance, and heard health maintenance programs. Repeatability: May be repeated with consent of the instructor. Maximum 8 hours. | |
| VMC 873 | Clinical Rotation in Theriogenology | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in veterinary theriogenology. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 874 | Clinical Rotation in Equine Performance Medicine & Rehabilitation | 2-4 |
| Description: | Clinical training in Equine Performance Medicine and Rehabilitation (EPR), including lameness diagnosis, advanced orthopedic surgery, podiatry and rehabilitation of the equine. Repeatability: Maximum of 6 hours. | |
| VMC 880 | Elective Clinical Rotation I (Special topics in veterinary medicine) | 1-4 |
| Description: | Special rotations in applied clinical education in Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine and Pathology. Novel experience not associated with required clinical rotations may be arranged. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. | |
| VMC 880 | Special Topics: Small Ruminant and Camelid Health (limited availability) | 2 |
| Description: | Topic-based clinical elective rotation that will expose veterinary students to small ruminant and camelid practice, including herd health management, production models, and individual animal care through on-farm visits. | |
| VMC 880 | Special Topics: Clinical Rotation in Equine Podiatry and Farrier Science (limited availability) | 2 |
| Description: | Clinical rotation in equine podiatry and farrier science. | |
| VMC 880 | Special Topics: Equine Practitioner | 2 |
| Description: | Knowledge and skills required to enter general equine practice, provides additional hands-on experiences and opportunities to gain clinical skills, demonstrate clinical reasoning and justification for each procedure/case with appropriate protocols for sedation, biosecurity, and treatment. Students will learn to work-up a simple field colic, assess a lower limb joint for involvement with a wound, perform a thorough ocular exam and place a subpalpebral lavage system, perform routine dentals and annual equine care, pull a horse shoe, and work-up a neurologic case in the field. | |
| VMC 881 | Elective Clinical Rotation II (Special topics in veterinary medicine) | 1-4 |
| Description: | Special rotations in applied clinical education in Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine and Pathology. Novel experience not associated with required clinical rotations may be arranged. Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours. |
Team-Building Leadership Camp (1st year)
Conflict Management (3rd year)
UT Peer-Assisted Communication Training (PACT) (2nd year)
College Research Day (1st and 2nd year)
Music City Veterinary Conference Career Day (2nd year)
Comprehensive Examination (3rd year)
Clinical Skills (clinical curriculum)
