Program Information
Chair: C. Risco
Graduate Coordinator (Large Animals): I. Larkin
Graduate Coordinator (Small Animals): D. Lewis
Complete faculty listing by department: Follow this link.
The College of Veterinary Medicine offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in veterinary medical sciences. The College also offers certification and a non-thesis concentration in forensic toxicology via web-based distance education. Minimum requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are described in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.
The program provides extensive training in basic and applied research for qualified students with a baccalaureate degree or a D.V.M. or equivalent degree. Applicants are expected to have a background in the biological sciences, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Particular attention is paid to the advanced education of veterinarians, those interested solely in research, and those interested in combining their graduate study with residency training in a clinical specialty. The College offers three areas of specialization within the veterinary medical sciences program:
Large and Small Animal Clinical Sciences: Physiology, endocrinology, aquatic animal health, fish diseases, gastroenterology, immunology, vision sciences, perinatology, reproductive biology, pharmacokinetics, veterinary sports medicine, and wildlife and zoological medicine (I. Larkin and D. Lewis Graduate Coordinators).
Physiological Sciences: Comparative anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, neurobiology, nutrition, reproductive biology, and toxicology (R. Johnson, Graduate Coordinator).
Infectious Diseases and Experimental Pathology: Bacteriology, parasitology, virology, immunopathology, molecular mechanisms of disease and host defense, epidemiology, and veterinary public health (M.T. Long, Graduate Coordinator).
The College participates in the interdisciplinary specialization in toxicology, in cooperation with other departments and colleges in both the Health Science Center and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and with the Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology (see the Toxicology description under Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies).
The following courses in related areas are acceptable for graduate major credit in veterinary medical sciences:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physiological Sciences | ||
| ANS 6704 | Mammalian Endocrinology | 2 |
| ANS 6751 | Physiology of Reproduction | 3 |
| BCH 5413 | Mammalian Molecular Biology and Genetics | 3 |
| BCH 6206 | Advanced Metabolism | 3 |
| BCH 6415 | Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology | 3 |
| BCH 6740 | Physical Biochemistry/Structural Biology | 3 |
| BMS 6510 | ||
| GMS 6400C | Principles of Physiology | 6 |
| GMS 6735 | ||
| GMS 7706C | ||
| GMS 7743 | ||
| Infectious Disease and Experimental Pathology | ||
| BCH 5413 | Mammalian Molecular Biology and Genetics | 3 |
| BCH 6415 | Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology | 3 |
| BMS 603 | ||
| GMS 5304C | ||
| GMS 6140 | Principles of Immunology | 4 |
| GMS 6152 | ||
| GMS 6330 | ||
| GMS 6332 | ||
| GMS 6333 | ||
| GMS 6381 | ||
| GMS 6382 | Special Topics in Immunology | 1-3 |
| GMS 6421 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| STA 6208 | Basic Design and Analysis of Experiments | 3 |
| STA 6166 | Statistical Methods in Research I | 3 |
| STA 6176 | ||
| Large and Small Animal Clinical Sciences | ||
| All of the above | ||
Degrees Offered with a Major in Veterinary Medical Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy
- without a concentration
- concentration in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology
- concentration in Clinical and Translational Science
- concentration in Toxicology
- Master of Science
- without a concentration
- concentration in Forensic Toxicology
- concentration in Shelter Medicine
- concentration in Veterinary Forensic Sciences
Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.
Veterinary Medical Sciences PROGRAM Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GMS 6070 | Sensory and Motor Systems | 3 |
| PHA 5270 | Health Care and Patient Safety | 3 |
| PHA 5271 | Health Care Risk Management | 3 |
| PHA 6116 | In Vivo and In Vitro Stability of Drugs | 3 |
| PHA 6125 | Introduction to Quantitative Pharmacology | 3 |
| PHA 6170C | Pharmaceutical Product Formulation | 3 |
| PHA 6183 | Pharmaceutical Gene Delivery | 3 |
| PHA 6185 | Life Cycle of a Drug | 3 |
| PHA 6227 | Institutional Pharmacy Leadership I | 3 |
| PHA 6228 | Institutional Pharmacy Leadership II | 3 |
| PHA 6250 | Patient Responsibility in Health Care | 3 |
| PHA 6264 | Pharmacoeconomics and Health Technology Assessment | 3 |
| PHA 6265 | Introduction to Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy I | 3 |
| PHA 6266 | Introduction to Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy II | 2 |
| PHA 6268 | Pharmacoepidemiology and Patient Safety | 3 |
| PHA 6269 | Pharmaceutical Products and Public Policy | 3 |
| PHA 6274 | Federal Regulations of Drugs and Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHA 6275 | Federal Regulations of Controlled Substances | 3 |
| PHA 6276 | Pharmacy Benefit Design & Management | 3 |
| PHA 6277 | Ethics in Drug Development Production and Use | 3 |
| PHA 6278 | State Regulation of Drugs and Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHA 6279 | Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Seminar | 1 |
| PHA 6286 | Pharmaceutical Microeconomics | 3 |
| PHA 6287 | Pharmaceutical Health Economics | 3 |
| PHA 6288 | Critical Review of Research Methods | 3 |
| PHA 6289 | Regulating Clinical Research | 3 |
| PHA 6416 | Pharmaceutical Analysis I | 3 |
| PHA 6417 | Pharmaceutical Analysis II | 3 |
| PHA 6427 | Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism | 2 |
| PHA 6717 | Measurement in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Research | 3 |
| PHA 6793 | Evidentiary Basis of Pharmaceutical Use | 3 |
| PHA 6796 | Study Design in Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy Research | 3 |
| PHA 6798 | The Use and Abuse of Statistics in Drug Regulation | 3 |
| PHA 6799 | Medication Safety & Quality Program Evaluation | 3 |
| PHA 6805 | Applied Data Interpretation and Reporting of Findings in Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHA 6891 | Introduction to Pharmacoepidemiology | 3 |
| PHA 6892 | Practices and Procedures of the IRB | 3 |
| PHA 6893 | Research Ethics | 3 |
| PHA 6894 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| PHA 6896 | Preclinical Drug Evaluation | 2 |
| PHA 6937 | Topics in Pharmaceutical Administration | 2 |
| VME 5244 | Physiology: Organ Systems | 4 |
| VME 6008 | Care of Aquatic Megavertebrates | 3 |
| VME 6010 | Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues | 3 |
| VME 6011 | Introduction to Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues | 3 |
| VME 6017 | Manatee Health & Conservation | 3 |
| VME 6051 | Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence | 3 |
| VME 6052 | Animal Crime Scene Processing | 3 |
| VME 6053 | Skeletal Trauma Analysis in Animals | 3 |
| VME 6054 | Scientific and Legal Principles of Forensic Evidence | 3 |
| VME 6056 | Animal Law | 3 |
| VME 6140 | Mucosal Immunology | 1 |
| VME 6430C | Contemporary Issues in Small Animal Surgery | 3 |
| VME 6464 | Molecular Pathogenesis | 3 |
| VME 6505 | Autoimmunity | 1 |
| VME 6570 | Wildlife Conservation and Forensic Science | 3 |
| VME 6571 | Forensic Applied Animal Behavior | 3 |
| VME 6572 | Forensic Aspects of Agricultural Animal Welfare | 3 |
| VME 6573 | Applications of DNA for Companion Animal and Wildlife Cases | 3 |
| VME 6574 | Aquatic Animal Pathology and Forensic Science | 3 |
| VME 6575 | Veterinary Forensic Medicine | 3 |
| VME 6576 | Veterinary Forensic Pathology | 3 |
| VME 6577 | Practicing Pathology | 3 |
| VME 6578 | Forensic Veterinary Oesteology | 3 |
| VME 6579 | Veterinary Forensic Radiology and Imaging | 3 |
| VME 6580 | Cybercrime in Wildlife Investigations | 3 |
| VME 6581 | Working Dogs in Conservation and Forensic Science | 3 |
| VME 6602 | General Toxicology | 3 |
| VME 6603 | Advanced Toxicology | 3 |
| VME 6604 | Literature Survey in Toxicology | 1-2 |
| VME 6605 | Toxic Substances | 3 |
| VME 6607 | Human Health Risk Assessment | 4 |
| VME 6613 | Forensic Toxicology I | 3 |
| VME 6614 | Forensic Toxicology II | 3 |
| VME 6615 | Veterinary Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| VME 6616 | Veterinary Products and the Environment | 3 |
| VME 6617 | Identifying and Preventing Environmental Risks of Veterinary Products | 3 |
| VME 6650 | Principles of Mammalian Pharmacology | 4 |
| VME 6766 | Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control | 3 |
| VME 6767 | Issues in the Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| VME 6771 | Veterinary Epidemiologic Research | 3 |
| VME 6800 | Welfare and Wellness for Pets and People | 1 |
| VME 6810 | Integrating Veterinary Medicine with Shelter Systems | 3 |
| VME 6811 | Shelter Animal Physical Health | 3 |
| VME 6812 | Problem-Oriented Approach to Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare | 3 |
| VME 6813 | Behavioral Health for Shelter Dogs and Cats | 3 |
| VME 6814 | Teaching Clinical Skills in Animal Shelters | 3 |
| VME 6815 | Animal Shelter Population Management by the Metrics | 3 |
| VME 6816 | The Role of the Animal Shelter in Protecting Community and Public Health | 3 |
| VME 6817 | Humane Euthanasia Practicies for Animal Shelters | 3 |
| VME 6818 | High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter | 3 |
| VME 6820 | Introduction to Veterinary Disaster Response | 1 |
| VME 6905 | Problems in Veterinary Medical Sciences | 1-4 |
| VME 6910 | Supervised Research | 1-5 |
| VME 6931 | Seminar in Veterinary Medical Sciences | 1 |
| VME 6932 | Seminar in Physiological Sciences | 1 |
| VME 6933 | Seminar in Infectious Diseases and Experimental Pathology | 1 |
| VME 6934 | Topics in Veterinary Medical Sciences | 1-4 |
| VME 6936 | Seminar in Pathophysiology | 1 |
| VME 6938 | Topics in Aquatic Animal Health | 1 |
| VME 6939 | Topics in International Shelter Medicine | 3 |
| VME 6940 | Supervised Teaching | 1-5 |
| VME 6950 | Capstone Project Presentation | 1-3 |
| VME 6951 | Communicating Research About Shelter Medicine | 1 |
| VME 6971 | Research for Master's Thesis | 1-15 |
| VME 7979 | Advanced Research | 1-12 |
| VME 7980 | Research for Doctoral Dissertation | 1-15 |
| WIS 5562 | Conservation Medicine | 3 |
| WIS 6557 | International Wildlife Conservation Law, Policy and Ethics | 3 |
| WIS 6559 | Forensic Science for Conservation Biology | 3 |
| WIS 6561 | Wildlife Crime Scene Processing | 3 |
VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCES Departmental COURSES
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| VME 5244 | Physiology: Organ Systems | 4 |
| VME 6008 | Care of Aquatic Megavertebrates | 3 |
| VME 6010 | Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues | 3 |
| VME 6011 | Introduction to Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues | 3 |
| VME 6017 | Manatee Health & Conservation | 3 |
| VME 6051 | Cruelty to Animals and Interpersonal Violence | 3 |
| VME 6052 | Animal Crime Scene Processing | 3 |
| VME 6053 | Skeletal Trauma Analysis in Animals | 3 |
| VME 6054 | Scientific and Legal Principles of Forensic Evidence | 3 |
| VME 6056 | Animal Law | 3 |
| VME 6070 | Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Biomedical Research | 2 |
| VME 6140 | Mucosal Immunology | 1 |
| VME 6195 | Wildlife Virology: Emerging Wildlife Viruses of Veterinary and Zoonotic Importance | 3 |
| VME 6430C | Contemporary Issues in Small Animal Surgery | 3 |
| VME 6464 | Molecular Pathogenesis | 3 |
| VME 6505 | Autoimmunity | 1 |
| VME 6570 | Wildlife Conservation and Forensic Science | 3 |
| VME 6571 | Forensic Applied Animal Behavior | 3 |
| VME 6572 | Forensic Aspects of Agricultural Animal Welfare | 3 |
| VME 6573 | Applications of DNA for Companion Animal and Wildlife Cases | 3 |
| VME 6574 | Aquatic Animal Pathology and Forensic Science | 3 |
| VME 6575 | Veterinary Forensic Medicine | 3 |
| VME 6576 | Veterinary Forensic Pathology | 3 |
| VME 6577 | Practicing Pathology | 3 |
| VME 6578 | Forensic Veterinary Oesteology | 3 |
| VME 6579 | Veterinary Forensic Radiology and Imaging | 3 |
| VME 6580 | Cybercrime in Wildlife Investigations | 3 |
| VME 6581 | Working Dogs in Conservation and Forensic Science | 3 |
| VME 6582 | Introduction to Forensic Medicine 1 | 4 |
| VME 6602 | General Toxicology | 3 |
| VME 6603 | Advanced Toxicology | 3 |
| VME 6604 | Literature Survey in Toxicology | 1-2 |
| VME 6605 | Toxic Substances | 3 |
| VME 6607 | Human Health Risk Assessment | 4 |
| VME 6613 | Forensic Toxicology I | 3 |
| VME 6614 | Forensic Toxicology II | 3 |
| VME 6615 | Veterinary Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| VME 6616 | Veterinary Products and the Environment | 3 |
| VME 6617 | Identifying and Preventing Environmental Risks of Veterinary Products | 3 |
| VME 6620 | The Practice of Regulatory Toxicology | 3 |
| VME 6650 | Principles of Mammalian Pharmacology | 4 |
| VME 6651 | Seminars in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia | 2 |
| VME 6710C | Advanced Small Animal Airway and Thoracic Surgery | 1 |
| VME 6766 | Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control | 3 |
| VME 6767 | Issues in the Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| VME 6771 | Veterinary Epidemiologic Research | 3 |
| VME 6800 | Welfare and Wellness for Pets and People | 1 |
| VME 6810 | Integrating Veterinary Medicine with Shelter Systems | 3 |
| VME 6811 | Shelter Animal Physical Health | 3 |
| VME 6812 | Problem-Oriented Approach to Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare | 3 |
| VME 6813 | Behavioral Health for Shelter Dogs and Cats | 3 |
| VME 6814 | Teaching Clinical Skills in Animal Shelters | 3 |
| VME 6815 | Animal Shelter Population Management by the Metrics | 3 |
| VME 6816 | The Role of the Animal Shelter in Protecting Community and Public Health | 3 |
| VME 6817 | Humane Euthanasia Practicies for Animal Shelters | 3 |
| VME 6818 | High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter | 3 |
| VME 6819 | Principles of Leadership in Animal Shelters | 3 |
| VME 6820 | Introduction to Veterinary Disaster Response | 1 |
| VME 6905 | Problems in Veterinary Medical Sciences | 1-4 |
| VME 6910 | Supervised Research | 1-5 |
| VME 6931 | Seminar in Veterinary Medical Sciences | 1 |
| VME 6932 | Seminar in Physiological Sciences | 1 |
| VME 6933 | Seminar in Infectious Diseases and Experimental Pathology | 1 |
| VME 6934 | Topics in Veterinary Medical Sciences | 1-4 |
| VME 6936 | Seminar in Pathophysiology | 1 |
| VME 6937L | VMS Graduate Seminar Series | 1 |
| VME 6938 | Topics in Aquatic Animal Health | 1 |
| VME 6939 | Topics in International Shelter Medicine | 3 |
| VME 6940 | Supervised Teaching | 1-5 |
| VME 6950 | Capstone Project Presentation | 1-3 |
| VME 6951 | Communicating Research About Shelter Medicine | 1 |
| VME 6971 | Research for Master's Thesis | 1-15 |
| VME 7979 | Advanced Research | 1-12 |
| VME 7980 | Research for Doctoral Dissertation | 1-15 |
Pharmacodynamics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHA 6472 | Organic Synthesis of Drug Molecules | 3 |
| PHA 6476 | Advanced Combinatorial Chemistry in Drug Discovery | 3 |
| PHA 6508 | Systems Physiology and Pathophysiology I | 5 |
| PHA 6509 | Systems Physiology and Pathophysiology II | 5 |
| PHA 6512L | Experiential Research Training in Pharmacodynamics | 1-4 |
| PHA 6521C | Research Techniques in Pharmacodynamics | 1 |
| PHA 7939 | Journal Club in Pharmaceutical Sciences | 1 |
Pharmacology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GMS 6563 | Molecular Pharmacology | 1-3 |
| GMS 6590 | Seminar in Pharmacology | 1 |
| GMS 6592 | Ion Channels Journal Club: Pharmacology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience of Excitable Membranes | 1 |
| GMS 6847 | Translational Research and Therapeutics: Bench, Bedside, Community, & Policy | 3 |
| GMS 7593 | Topics in Pharmacology and Toxicology | 1-3 |
College of Pharmacy Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHA 6356 | Structure Determination of Complex Natural Products | 3 |
| PHA 6418 | Model-Informed Drug Development | 3 |
| PHA 6471 | Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry | 3 |
College of Veterinary Medicine Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| VME 6934 | Topics in Veterinary Medical Sciences | 1-4 |
| VME 6936 | Seminar in Pathophysiology | 1 |
Veterinary medical sciences (phd)
SLO 1 Knowledge
Students identify, describe, explain and apply the literature, research, and practices relevant to their area of specialization.
SLO 2 Skills
Students analyze and critically evaluate new information and ideas contained in books and journal articles, as well as information and ideas presented at scientific meetings, seminars and/or informal discussions with other scientists.
SLO 3 Skills
Students apply speaking skills needed to communicate orally in formal and informal settings.
SLO 4 Skills
Students write effectively in a manner appropriate to veterinary medical sciences.
SLO 5 Professional Behavior
Students exhibit ethical and professional behavior throughout their studies and research.
Veterinary Medical Sciences (MS)
SLO 1 Knowledge
1. For students in the programs that require a Master's thesis, successful completion of the thesis and thesis defense.
2. For students in the non-thesis programs, successful completion of a). the capstone project (Shelter Medicine)
b). the final comprehensive examination (Veterinary Forensic Science and Forensic Toxicology)
SLO 2 Skills
Students analyze and critically evaluate new information and ideas contained in books and journal articles, as well as information and ideas presented at scientific meetings, seminars and/or informal discussions with other scientists
SLO 3 Skills
Students apply speaking skills needed to communicate orally in formal and informal settings
SLO 4 Skills
Students write effectively in a manner appropriate to veterinary medical sciences
SLO 5 Professional Behavior
Students exhibit ethical and professional behavior during their studies and research
SLO 6 Professional Behavior
Students exercise the etiquette of constructive criticism and respond appropriately to criticism in a professional manner