Curriculum and Program Requirements

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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 NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
VMP 801Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE-All Small Animal)/Clinical Exposure (CE) I1
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 810Veterinary 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 811Bacteriology and Mycology2
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 812Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics I1
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 813Immunology2
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 814Physiology and Microscopic Anatomy I4
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 815Introduction to Animal Behavior1
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 816Physical 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 817Normal Radiology (All Small Animal)0.5
Description:Basic principles of radiology, including physics and artifacts, and normal radiographic anatomy in small animals.

Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
—Elective I/II0-2
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 802Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE-All LA)/CE II1
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 820Veterinary 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 821Virology2
Description:Structural and genetic bases for classification of animal viruses into separate families. Molecular biology of viral replication and viral pathogenesis.
VMP 822Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics II1
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 823Parasitology2
Description:Principles of parasitology: protozoology, helminthology, and entomology and relationship to diseases in animals.
VMP 824Physiology and Microscopic Anatomy II4
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 825General Pathology2
Description:Principles of pathobiology: causes of disease, disturbances of cell growth and inflammation.
VMP 826Physical 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 827Normal 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 828Pharmacology2
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 NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
—Elective I/II/III/IV1-2
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 803Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE) and Clinical Exposure III2
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 831Clinical Pathology2
Description:Pathophysiology and diagnosis of hematologic and clinical biochemical disorders in domestic animals; interpretation of laboratory test results using illustrative clinical cases.
VMP 832Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics III0.5
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 833Public Health and Epidemiology3
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 834Anesthesiology2
Description:Principles of anesthesiology: pharmacology of anesthetic agents, and introduction to anesthetic techniques in veterinary medicine.
VMP 835Principles & Practice of Surgery2
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 System3
Description:Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of respiratory system. Upper and lower respiratory systems: infectious and noninfectious diseases.
VMP 845Cardiovascular System2
Description:Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of cardiovascular system. Anatomic, physiologic, and pharmacologic principles which provide basis for treatment.
VMP 846Business Management0.5
Description:Veterinary ethics, jurisprudence, basic practice management, and other topics involved in practice of veterinary medicine.
Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
—Elective II/III/IV/V1-3
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 804Application Based Learning Exercise (ABLE) and Clinical Exposure IV2
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 830Alimentary System3
Description:Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of alimentary systems.
VMP 837Endocrine System2
Description:Pathophysiology, medicine and surgery of diseases of endocrine system. Mechanisms of endocrine and metabolic diseases: therapy and prevention.
VMP 838Dentistry0.5
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 840Musculoskeletal System3
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 842Professional Skills, Wellness, & Ethics IV0.5
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 843Integumentary System (Dermatology)2
Description:Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of the integumentary system. Laboratory examination, pathology, diagnosis and treatment.
VMP 844Veterinary Ophthalmology2
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 853Oncology2
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 NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
—Elective III/IV/V1-3
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 836Toxicology2
Description:Principles of toxicology, molecular mechanisms, pathologic processes and clinical features of animal diseases caused by common toxic agents.
VMP 850Reproductive System3
Description:Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of male and female reproductive systems and mammary glands.
VMP 851Urinary System2
Description:Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of urinary system. Urinary system in health and disease.
VMP 852Nervous System3
Description:Pathophysiology, special pathology, medicine and surgery of diseases of nervous system: clinical neurology and neuropathology.
VMP 854Multispecies Medicine2
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 855Radiology/Ultrasound3
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 856Veterinary Nutrition1
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 NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
VMP 860Transition and Accreditation Seminars2
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 NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
VMC 800Clinical Rotation in Pathology2
Description:Clinical training in post-mortem examination and laboratory diagnostics, including clinical pathology, introductory histopathology of biopsy specimens, microbiology, and parasitology.
VMC 801Diagnostic Skills2
Description:Clinical training in veterinary laboratory diagnostics, including hematology, clinical chemistry, cytology, microbiology, parasitology, and surgical pathology.
VMC 802Clinical Rotation in Diagnostic Imaging2-4
Description:Clinical training in radiographic techniques and interpretation, including ultrasonography.
VMC 803Clinical Rotation in Anesthesiology2-4
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 810Clinical Rotation in Small Animal Medicine2-4
Description:Clinical training in medicine, surgery and specialty disciplines for companion animals. Direct responsibility for diagnosis, care, and treatment of clinical patients.
VMC 811Clinical Rotation in Community Practice2-4
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 812Clinical Rotation in Shelter Medicine-Spay/Neuter2–4
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 813Clinical Rotation in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery2-4
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 814Small Animal Emergency Medicine2-4
Description:Clinical training in identification and treatment of emergency medical and surgical conditions in small animals.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 820Clinical Rotation in Equine Medicine2-4
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 821Clinical Rotation in Farm Animal Medicine & Surgery2-4
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 823Clinical Rotation in Equine Surgery, Lameness, & Rehabilitation2-4
Description:Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of surgical conditions of the horse, including lameness, podiatry, and rehabilitation.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 824Large Animal Emergency Medicine & Critical Care2-4
Description:Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of emergency medical and surgical conditions affecting large animals.
Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours.
VMC 825Clinical Rotation in Farm Animal Field Services2-4
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 826Clinical Rotation in Equine Field Services2-4
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 890Externship (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 891Externship (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 NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
VMC 830Veterinary Dermatology2-4
Description:
Clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases of small and large animals.
VMC 831Veterinary Ophthalmology2-4
Description:Clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases of small and large animals.
Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours.
VMC 832Veterinary Neurology2-4
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 840Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery1-4
Description:
Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of small animal musculoskeletal conditions.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 841Small Animal Physical Rehabilitation1-4
Description:Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of small animal musculoskeletal conditions, and physical rehabilitation.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 842Veterinary Cardiology2-4
Description:Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases of small and large animals.
Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours.
VMC 843Veterinary Oncology2-4
Description:Clinical training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer in companion animals.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 844Avian and Exotic Medicine and Surgery2-4
Description:
Clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of avian and exotic animals and native wildlife.
Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours.
VMC 850Advanced Pathology2-4
Description:Advanced anatomic pathology training including gross postmortem examination and histopathology of biopsy specimens. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours.
VMC 852Clinical Rotation in Laboratory Animal Medicine2-4
Description:Clinical training in laboratory animal medicine.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 853Advanced Veterinary Anesthesiology2-4
Description:Clinical training and additional medical responsibilities with complex anesthesia patients.
VMC 860Advanced Veterinary Dermatology2-4
Description:Advanced clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases of small and large animals. Repeatability: Maximum 4 hours.
VMC 861Advanced Small Animal Medicine2-4
Description:Clinical training in diagnosis and treatment of disease and medical problems of small animals.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 862Shelter 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 863Small Animal Nutrition & Animal Behavior2-4
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 864Zoological Medicine2-4
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 865Small Animal Dentistry2-4
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 871Clinical 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 872Clinical 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 873Clinical Rotation in Theriogenology2-4
Description:Clinical training in veterinary theriogenology.
Repeatability: Maximum 6 hours.
VMC 874Clinical Rotation in Equine Performance Medicine & Rehabilitation2-4
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 880Elective 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 880Special 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 880Special Topics: Clinical Rotation in Equine Podiatry and Farrier Science (limited availability)2
Description:Clinical rotation in equine podiatry and farrier science.
VMC 880Special Topics: Equine Practitioner2
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 881Elective 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)