The
of the
College of Veterinary Medicine is a nine semester, four year program.
Each class of students begins in August and graduates four years later
in May. The first three years follow the traditional fall and spring
semesters with the summer break following years one and two. The final
year of the professional
begins immediately following semester
six and involves a rotating clinical schedule extending over one calendar
year.
The first year consists mostly of courses in anatomy, physiology,
immunology, and microbiology. Also included in this first year are
courses in physical diagnosis, epidemiology, clinical correlations,
and ethics. The second and third years include the study of diseases,
their causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention, and are generally
taught on an organ system basis. Specific courses are listed at the
site, along with assigned semester credit hours.
Students in years one-three now spend eight weeks in small group, student-centered
tutorial learning. Each week focuses around one or more clinical case or problem.
Students are responsible for identification of learning issues and for discovery
and sharing of new information. A faculty facilitator meets daily with each group to
provide guidance. Three weeks of full time clinic work along side senior students
and clinicians has also been included in the
, one week in each of semesters
three, four, and five. Semester six has been shortened from 15 to 11 weeks of
instruction to allow additional flexibility and broader experience in the senior year.
Semester six includes the most time available for preclinical electives. All
six preclinical semesters are taught using a "block system" for course
presentation. This allows for more focused study in a number of courses taught
simultaneously.
The final year (semesters seven - nine) is devoted to education in the solving of
animal disease problems and includes extensive clinical experience in our Veterinary
Teaching Hospital. Each student rotates through a series of required clinical blocks with
small animal, large animal, and exotic pet clinical services. Four weeks are
available for additional experiences in areas of personal interest. The senior year
also includes time for a four week externship at a private practice, research facility, or
other institution of the student's choice.
Credit Hour Requirements
The Professional and D.V.M.
require successful completion of 163 semester credits.
Course Load
The professional curriculum of the College of Veterinary Medicine requires a specific
number of credit hours each semester. Because of the sequential and highly integrated
character of the professional curriculum, all courses in a given semester are considered
prerequisite to those in the succeeding semester.
Laboratory Exercises
Laboratories are considered an integral part of the learning experience; participation
is required of all students. While every effort is made to minimize the numbers of animals
used for teaching, and great care is exercised in their humane treatment, some laboratory
procedures will involve the use of live animals.
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