Are you interested in becoming a veterinarian or a veterinary technician? Do you love animals and wish to learn more about them? Preveterinary Medicine will introduce you to basic vertebrate anatomy by covering the major systems of the body including the digestive, reproductive, skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, and integumentary systems. We will use examples from small animal medicine (dogs and cats although some large animal anatomy will be covered) and discuss medical problems that are commonly seen in veterinary offices. Every week we will have a "Dilemma of the Week" where students will examine and discuss common ethical dilemmas that veterinarians face on a regular basis.
Following the introduction to anatomy and physiology, you will learn the diagnostic procedures that assist veterinarians in making appropriate diagnoses. You will learn how to take a medical history, perform a basic physical examination, and what types of tests (blood, Xray, fecals) that vets employ to get a better picture of the animal's health. For the remainder of the course, you will work in small groups on case studies. You will follow cases from start to completion, brainstorming about potential causes of ailments, diagnoses and treatment options.