Curriculum Design

Curriculum Overview
 
  • YEAR 1
  • Fall Semester

    VET400 - Professional and Clinical Skills
    Outline expectations and skill set required to participate successfully in the DVM curriculum to include curriculum mapping, bioinformatics, student-centered learning and an introduction to critical thinking, problem solving and working in teams.
    CORE - 6 Units Total

    VET401 - Basic Foundations
    CORE - 12 Units Total
    Essential basic information regarding histology, general pathology, biochemistry, pharmacology and population health that is foundational to all blocks.

    VET402 - Immunology/Hematology/Coagulation
    CORE - 6 Units
    The lexicon, morphology, production, structure and function of peripheral blood cells, their bone marrow precursors and the lymphoid system, the process and regulation of hemostasis, and the laboratory evaluation of all of these in health and disease.

    VET406 - Pharmacology/Nutrition/Toxicology
    CORE - 6 Units
    Focuses on the basic principles of nutrition and toxicology as well as pathophysiologic changes, diagnostic procedures and treatments of nutritional diseases and intoxications of domestic animals and wildlife. Incorporates case examples and self-directed learning to reinforce important concepts.

    VET407 - VMTH rotation
    CORE - 1.5 Units Total
    Integrate basic and preclinical material working with senior student in a clinical environment.
     

    Spring Semester

    VET400 - Professional and Clinical Skills
    CORE - 6 Units Total
    Outline expectations and skill set required to participate successfully in the DVM curriculum to include curriculum mapping, bioinformatics, student-centered learning and an introduction to critical thinking, problem solving and working in teams.

    VET403 - Musculoskeletal
    CORE - 9 Units
    Anatomy, histology, and physiology necessary for understanding form and function of the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons in producing locomotion; and the pathologic processes that produce typical responses to injury of musculoskeletal structures in domestic animals.

    VET404 - Neuroscience/Senses/Behavior
    CORE - 10.5 Units
    Provides an integrated study of normal neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neurpharmacology, neurotoxicology, ophthalmology and behavior. The major goal is to provide a basis for students to engage in studies of clinical neurology, ophthalmology, and behavior.

    VET405 - Gastrointestinal/metabolism
    CORE - 9 Units
    Examines interrelatedness and functions of the organs associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Applied problems in pharmacology, physical examination, diagnostic testing, and imaging are used to reinforce a basic understanding of organ anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and nutrition/metabolism.

    VET407 - VMTH Rotation
    CORE - 1.5 Units
    Integrate basic and preclinical material working with senior student in a clinical environment.
  • YEAR 2
  • Fall Semester

    VET408 - Cardiovascular/Respiratory
    Normal cardiovascular and respiratory system biology and the integrated response of those systems to injury or disease.
    CORE - 9 Units

    VET409 - Renal/Urinary
    CORE - 6 Units Total
    Examine and explore the normal morphology (gross and microscopic), physiology, pathology and imaging of the upper and lower urinary tract in multiple species.

    VET410 - Endocrine/Reproduction
    CORE - 9 Units
    Anatomy and histology of endocrine glands and reproductive systems in males and females. Understand the physiology and pathology at the molecular, cellular and organismal level.
     

    Spring Semester

    VET411 - Skin
    CORE - 3 Units
    Structure and functions of the skin and specialized keratinized structures in veterinary species. Review mechanisms by which skin responds to perturbations and discuss wound healing and skin pathology.

    VET416 - VMTH Rotation
    CORE - 1.5 Units Total
    Integrate basic and preclinical material working with senior student in a clinical environment.

    VET417 - Professional & Clinical Skills
    CORE - 2.5 Units Total
    Builds on foundations from freshman year in communication, history-taking, client interactions, team-building, conflict and stress management and professional behaviors.

    VET412 - Oncology
    CORE - 3 Units
    Covers basic mechanisms, etiology, causes and the approach to diagnosis and treatment of cancer with emphasis on veterinary patients.

    VET413 - Immunology/Infectious Disease
    CORE - 12 Units
    Integrates immunology, microbiology, virology, parasitology of common infectious, zoonotic and foreign animal diseases.

    VET414 - Population Health
    CORE - 6 Units
    Principles of evidence-based medicine, study design and inference, and disease transmission in populations. Topics include biostatistics, outbreak investigation and response, diagnostic tests, vaccine strategies, food safety, foreign animal diseases, and impact of environmental health on animals and humans.

    VET415 - Clinical Foundations
    CORE - 9 Units
    Essential concepts that are shared across year three blocks. Includes foundational material in anesthesia, surgery and emergency medicine with cases that include interpretation of clinical pathology and imaging.

    VET416 - VMTH Rotation
    CORE - 1.5 Units Total
    Integrate basic and preclinical material working with senior student in a clinical environment.

    VET417 - Professional & Clinical Skills
    CORE - 2.5 Units Total
    Builds on foundations from freshman year in communication, history-taking, client interactions, team-building, conflict and stress management and professional behaviors.
  • YEAR 3
  • Fall Semester

    VET430 - Core Stream
    Longitudinal stream to include law, ethics, regulatory medicine, business, communication and disaster medicine.
    CORE - 4 Units Total

    VET431 - Anesthesia/Surgery Stream
    CORE - 4.5 Units Total
    Introduction to surgical anatomy, operative and anesthetic skills.

    VET432A - Comparative Stream I
    CORE - 2 Units
    Approach commonly encountered diseases and medical problems across multiple species. Development of problem-solving skills related to the medical problems of all species from the level of individual animals to groups/herds/populations.

    VET432B - Comparative Stream II
    CORE - 2 Units
    Approach commonly encountered diseases and medical problems across multiple species. Development of problem-solving skills related to the medical problems of all species from the level of individual animals to groups/herds/populations.

    VET433A - Small Animal Stream I
    ELECTIVE - 9 Units
    Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and the medical and surgical approaches to the infectious, musculoskeletal, neurologic and ophthalmologic diseases of small animals.

    VET433B - Small Animal Stream II
    ELECTIVE - 9 Units
    Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and the medical and surgical approaches to the dermatologic, dental, and gastrointestinal diseases of small animals as well as preventative medicine and nutrition.

    VET434A - Large Animal Stream I
    ELECTIVE - 9 Units
    Fundamentals of entry level large animal medicine and surgery to promote development of problem-solving skills for diagnosis, treatment and control of various disease conditions.

    VET434B - Large Animal Stream II
    ELECTIVE - 9 Units
    Continuation of fundamentals of entry level large animal medicine and surgery to promote development of problem-solving skills for diagnosis, treatment and control of various disease conditions.
     

    Spring Semester

    VET430 - Core Stream
    CORE - 4 Units Total
    Longitudinal stream to include law, ethics, regulatory medicine, business, communication and disaster medicine.

    VET431 - Anesthesia/Surgery Stream
    CORE - 4.5 Units Total
    Introduction to surgical anatomy, operative and anesthetic skills.

    VET432C - Comparative Stream III
    CORE - 4 Units
    Approach commonly encountered diseases and medical problems across multiple species. Development of problem-solving skills related to the medical problems of all species from the level of individual animals to groups/herds/populations.

    VET433C - Small Animal Stream III
    ELECTIVE - 10 Units
    Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and the medical and surgical approaches to the cardiorespiratory, endocrine, and urinary medicine as well as diagnosis and therapy of oncologic diseases in small animals. Introduction to companion, avian, and exotic pet medicine and surgery.

    VET435A - Large Animal Stream - Equine Emphasis
    ELECTIVE - 12 Units
    Fundamental and advanced levels of equine medicine, surgery, lameness and reproduction. Focus on management of individual equids.

    VET435B - Large Animal - Livestock Emphasis
    ELECTIVE - 12 Units
    Fundamental and advanced levels of livestock medicine and surgery of individual animals and population health. Focus on all livestock species including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry.

    VET435C - Large Animal Stream - Zoological Medicine Emphasis
    ELECTIVE - 12 Units
    Taxon- and topic-based approach to learning zoological medicine. Anatomy, physiology, nutrition, management, anesthesia, medicine, surgery and pathology on non-domestic free-ranging and captive species.

    VET436 - Companion Small Mammal
    ELECTIVE - 3 Units
    Fundamental understanding of the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, prevention, and control of medical diseases of companion small exotic mammals.

    VET437 - Avian/Reptile
    ELECTIVE - 3 Units
    Organized by organ systems to present reptile and avian health issues. An overview of applied anatomy, physiology and clinical pathology of common species will be provided through laboratory opportunities and discussion of common diseases and treatments.

    VET438 - Poultry
    ELECTIVE - 3 Units
    Introduction to practical poultry medicine. Gross pathology, biosecurity and basic diagnostic tests. Visits to hatcheries, broiler, layer and turkey farms.

    VET439 - Laboratory Animal
    ELECTIVE - 3 Units
    Basics of laboratory animal medicine including diseases, medicine, and surgery and comparative biology of the most common species and introduction to regulations. Course will be a combination of lecture, wet labs and projects.

    VET440 - Business and Communication
    CORE - 1.5 Units
    Develop professional communication and business skills that are directly applicable in veterinary clinical practice by actively participating in a wide variety of interactive learning opportunities.

    VET441 - Clinical Pathology
    CORE - 1.5 Units
    Application of problem-solving and microscopy skills to laboratory data and laboratory specimens. Sections to include hematology, immunology, body fluids, exfoliative cytology, urinalysis, microbiology and clinical chemistry data and interpretation. 

    VET442 - Advanced Clinical Skills and Hospital Operations
    Development of advanced clinical skills using skills learned in years 1–3 of the DVM curriculum as a foundation. Detailed orientation to the VMTH and VMACS, with a focus on global hospital operations that will prepare students for case management in year 4 of the DVM curriculum and for clinical practice following graduation. Some evenings and weekends required.
    CORE – 3.0 Units
  • YEAR 4
  • DVM444 - Equine Ophthalmology
    Ongoing education, training, and experience in an ophthalmic specialty practice dealing with equine patients. Learn to take histories related to ocular problems, to competently examine an eye, and to perform basic diagnostic procedures.

    DVM445 - California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - Davis
    Overview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases.

    DVM446 - Pre-approved Externship
    Approved program of study to receive training and experience in specific areas outside the School of Veterinary Medicine. These include private practice, industry, and academic institutions and allow students to pursue specific career paths with excellent educational opportunities.

    DVM447 - Educational Leadership
    This rotation is designed for students who whish to gain knowledge and experience in various aspects of veterinary education and leadership. The rotation will be scheduled in conjunction with a year 1 or 2 Block in the content of the student’s choosing. The rotation requires for students to attend all block related content activities, including lectures, labs, problem based learning sessions, etc. Student assignments and assessments are individually designed around the block content for the 2-week time period the student is scheduled. Students will complete self-study modules and/or research on individual areas of interests primarily in the first week of the rotation (while attending content sessions). Students will work with block leaders and/or individual faculty to assist in delivery of content during the second week. This could be in the form of co-presenting a lecture, co-teaching a lab, facilitating a PBL, or other content-related activities deemed appropriate by the block leader.

    DVM448 - California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - San Bernadino
    Overview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases. The rotation concentrates on anatomic pathology with a mixed case load consisting of cattle, horses, small ruminants, swine, poultry (both commercial and backyard flocks), other avian species, new world camelids, wildlife, exotic species, aquaculture species, and small animals.

    VET449 - Externship
    Approved program of study to receive training and experience outside the School of Veterinary Medicine. Opportunities include private practice and provides first-hand experiences in diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities and management and business methods in the private sector.

    DVM450 - Cardiology
    Diagnostic techniques of history taking, cardiac physical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization and medical, interventional, and surgical therapy of cardiac disorders will be taught along with the etiology and pathophysiology of various cardiac disorders.

    DVM451 - Clinical Pathology - VMTH
    Focus on the practical use and application of laboratory testing in a practice setting to facilitate optimal management of patients.

    DVM452 - Community Practice
    Practice wellness care in pediatric and adult patients, address medical management of geriatric patients, and develop a practical, problem-oriented approach to routine medical issues presenting in general practice.

    DVM453 - Community Surgery - Gourley Clinical Teaching Center
    General surgery service to include instruction in physical exams, basic anesthesia, pain management and routine surgeries. Sample surgeries include routine spays and neuters, cystotomy, mass removal, digit amputation, encluceation, etc.

    DVM454 - Companion Avian and Pet Exotics
    Basic components of husbandry, nutrition, handling, diseases, medical and surgical treatment of companion exotics including avian (companion and wildlife), small exotic mammal, reptilian, amphibian and aquatic animal patients.

    DVM455 - Dentistry/Oral Surgery
    Examination, diagnosis and treatment of small animals presenting with oral or dental diseases.

    DVM456 - Dermatology
    Exposure to veterinary dermatology. Learn the importance of obtaining a good history, performing a good physical examination and characterizing lesions. Various diagnostic and therapeutic techniques specific to dermatology will be demonstrated.

    DVM457 - Equine Emergency Surgery
    In-depth training and hands-on experience in various facets of equine emergency case management, including the diagnosis, management, and treatment of both equine emergency medical and surgical patients.

    DVM459 - Equine Field Service
    On-farm practical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of equine disease problems.

    DVM460 - Equine Medicine in House
    Learn and practice the highest level of equine internal medicine with the goal to generate or implement a problem-oriented approach to clinical problems, determine a diagnostic work-up, prognosis and treatment plan for patients.

    DVM461 - Theriogenology
    Routine reproductive management of the horse on local brood mare farms as part of a field service program and of stallion and mare infertility in a tertiary referral setting at the VMTH. Participate in weekly clinical and endocrinology rounds.

    DVM462 - Equine Surgery and Lameness
    Advanced training and experience in equine surgery services to manage all orthopedic and non-orthopedic elective surgical disorders as well as equine lameness disorders.

    DVM463 - Farrier and Sports Medicine
    Introduction to the normal structure and function of the equine foot. Principles of corrective shoeing for many lameness disorders.

    DVM464 - Community Surgery - CCAH
    General surgery service to include instruction in physical exams, basic anesthesia, pain management and routine surgeries. Surgeries include routine spays and neuters and other minor procedures such as simple mass removals.

    DVM466 - Internal Medicine B
    Improve clinical skills required to manage cases in the Small Animal Service including comprehensive histories, preforming complete physical examinations, obtaining samples, interpreting results, conducting special procedures and assisting faculty and residents in the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of disease.

    DVM468 - California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - Tulare
    Overview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases. The case load consists primarily of dairy cattle and poultry, with a smaller number of sheep, goats, exotic birds, and other livestock species. The rotation includes necropsy, histology, bacteriology, and immunology.

    DVM469 - California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory - Turlock
    Overview of how CAHFS interfaces with the production animal industry and practitioners. Understanding of the laboratory approach to the diagnosis of predominately production animal diseases.

    DVM471 - Livestock Medicine and Surgery in House
    Hands-on clinical experience diagnosing, treating, and managing medical and surgical diseases of primary care and referral cases involving dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, dairy goats, meat goats, and pigs.

    DVM472 - Livestock Reproduction - Herd Health
    Exposure to individual animal medicine and surgery as well as herd reproductive programs on the farm. A regular client base with a variety of species is served: dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats and sheep.

    DVM473 - Dairy Production Medicine - Tulare
    Advanced training and experience in a clinical dairy health and production medicine delivery system. Exposure to contemporary dairy production and population medicine programs. Develop ability to communicate with producers and farm employees.

    DVM475 - Laboratory Animal Medicine
    Provide exposure to various management activities and techniques used by laboratory animal veterinarians both antemortem & postmortem to support animal research primarily involving rodents but may include many vertebrates from fish to non-human primates.

    DVM476 - Large Animal Anesthesia
    Advanced training and experience in anesthetic management, acute care problem-solving and decision-making of healthy and physiologically stressed large animal patients.

    DVM477 - Large Animal Radiology
    Training in the art of making quality radiographs of large animal patients and interpreting radiographic studies.

    DVM478 - Large Animal Ultrasonography
    Hands-on experience in the ultrasonographic diagnosis of primarily musculoskeletal injuries and abdominal disorders in horses and the occasional non-equine patient.

    DVM480 - Neurology/Neurosurgery
    Provide specialized veterinary care for animals with neurological diseases; i.e., disorders of the brain, inner ear, spinal cord, and vertebrae and diseases affecting muscles, nerves and the neuromuscular junction

    DVM481 - Nutrition
    Advanced training and experience in the principles and practice of small animal clinical nutrition.

    DVM482 - Medical Oncology
    Advanced training and experience in diagnosis, staging, medical management, and prognostication of cancer in animal patients.

    DVM483 - Small Animal Ophthalmology
    Ongoing education, training, and experience in an ophthalmic specialty practice dealing with companion and exotic species. Learn to take histories related to ocular problems, to competently examine an eye, and to perform basic diagnostic procedures.

    DVM484 - Orthopedic Surgery
    Lameness examinations and treatments for all orthopedic diseases to include osteoarthritis, developmental diseases, trauma-induced injuries and cancer. Both medical and surgical treatments are used and presented to owners in an evidenced based fashion.

    DVM485 - Anatomic Pathology
    Advanced training and experience to develop a general understanding of the nature of common pathologic lesions and their interpretation in light of clinical history. Postmortem techniques and practice in writing descriptions of gross lesions.

    DVM486 - Primate Medicine
    Acquire skills to perform physical examinations, blood collection, cystocentesis, catheter placement, fluid therapy, basic wound care, bandaging, suturing, amputations, and orogastric tube feedings.

    DVM487 - Radiation Oncology
    Staging and treatment of patients with cancer and use of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer in companion animals. Management of clinical patients, the indications for radiation therapy and technical aspects treatment planning and dose calculations.

    DVM488 - Shelter Medicine / Surgery
    Exposure to all areas in a variety of shelters in the Sacramento and Bay Area. Accompany Shelter Medicine Program personnel on consultations; depending on schedule.

    DVM489 - Ingtegrative Medicine
    Participate in physical rehabilitation evaluation to diagnose movement dysfunction, design and effectively implement an evidence-based treatment plan to restore, maintain or enhance optimal physical function after injury, surgery or disability. Emphasis on development of observation and manual assessment skills.

    DVM490 - Small Animal Anesthesia
    Experience in anesthetizing small animals in a clinical setting.

    DVM491 - Small Animal Emergency
    Emergency practice includes the immediate recognition, evaluation, and care of patients with acute illness and injury.

    DVM492 - Intensive Care Unit
    Gain and demonstrate competence in both the immediate and ongoing care of a diverse group of critically ill small animal patients. Gain proficiency in invasive procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, stabilization of the respiratory distress patient and hemodynamic stabilization.

    DVM493 - Internal Medicine A
    Improve clinical skills required to manage cases in the Small Animal Service including comprehensive histories, preforming complete physical examinations, obtaining samples, interpreting results, conducting special procedures and assisting faculty and residents in the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of disease.

    DVM494 - Small Animal Radiology
    Participate in technical aspects of producing radiographs, interpreting radiographic and other diagnostic imaging studies and performing diagnostic ultrasound exams.

    DVM495 - Soft Tissue Surgery
    Participate in management of cases referred for advanced surgical techniques to include all aspects of case management from hospital admission to discharge including daily case rounds.

    DVM496 - Behavior
    Understand the importance of behavior in companion animal practice, primarily that of dogs and cats. Apply the knowledge to prevent and treat problematic behaviors in companion animals.

    DVM497 - Research
    Research rotations are designed for combined degree students who require a period of time (up to 12 weeks) to complete a discrete portion of their thesis work.

    DVM498 - Aquatic Medicine
    Focus on the application of basic fish health principles to address current problems as experienced by fish as held for research, as large populations in state fish hatcheries and as part of the collection of large public/private aquaria.\

    DVM499 - Zoological Medicine
    Experience in order to become proficient in performing physical examinations and collecting diagnostic samples form a variety of non-domestic animals. Majority of the rotations spent providing patient care at the Sacramento Zoo.