College of Veterinary Medicine

Overview

Founded by the Virginia General Assembly in 1978, the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine is a regional school for the professional training of veterinarians which has been built upon the strong foundations of two of the nation's leading land-grant universities: Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and the University of Maryland at College Park. The College operates three campuses, including the main campus facilities at Virginia Tech, the Avrum Gudelsky Veterinary Center at College Park, and the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg.

Graduate Programs

The graduate program leads to the M.S. and Ph.D. in biomedical and veterinary sciences. The goal of this program is to enhance the research capabilities of the graduates so that they can conduct independent research and associated societal endeavors aimed at solving biomedical problems related to veterinary medicine. These individuals will be expected to make scientific contributions in academia, research, and animal health administration.

For additional information, contact the Graduate School via e-mail vmsgrad@vt.edu.

The Professional Program

Students desiring admission to the four-year instructional program leading to the D.V.M. degree must show evidence of intellectual ability and achievement, as well as personal preparation for the curriculum and the profession. Because the number of applicants greatly exceeds the number of spaces in entering classes, only those who demonstrate such qualifications to a high degree will be selected. Most entering students will have completed three or more years at an accredited university by the time of matriculation; however, applications will be accepted from students who have completed at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of university credit by the end of the spring term of the year for which application is being made, and who have a grade point average of at least 2.8 on a four-point scale. Exceptional students with the minimum university course work are encouraged to apply.

A number of college courses, with laboratory classes, are required for entry into the DVM program including biological sciences, organic chemistry, and physics. An 8-semester-hour or 12-quarter-hour sequence is required for each of these subjects. A one-semester course (3 s.h.) in biochemistry will meet the minimum requirement for entry.


Further courses required include 6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours of college-level courses in English, mathematics, and humanities/social sciences. In addition, many courses contributing to a well-rounded liberal education are of direct value and, although proficiency in the sciences is essential to the understanding of veterinary medicine, concentration on the sciences at the undergraduate level is not essential. Those students who elect to major in disciplines other than the biological sciences, chemistry, or physics may find less difficulty in coping with the basic sciences in veterinary medical school if they have, in addition to the above mentioned required courses, some work in either advanced biology or advanced chemistry. Suggested electives include: biostatistics; cell biology, comparative anatomy, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, physiology, or domestic animal production courses. Since veterinary medicine also is concerned with a variety of social, environmental, and community activities, a broad cultural background as well as a technical education is required. Basic computer skills are highly desirable.

Admissions inquiries should be directed to the individuals listed below:

Jacque Pelzer, D.V.M.	Ms. Joyce D. Massie
Director of Admissions and Student Services	Admissions Coordinator
Admissions Office Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 540/231-4699 E-mail: dvmadmit@vt.edu Website: www.vetmed.vt.edu

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Professional Program Courses

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Undergraduate Courses (BMVS)

4014: ANIMAL DOMESTICATION AND GENETIC RESOURCES
Considers the process, history, sociology and geography of animal domestication. Includes behavioral, physiologic and morphological changes incurred by domesticated stocks. Examines genetic variability of domestic species, considers breed groups and uniquely adapted breeds. Considers reasons for erosion of genetic variability and mechanisms to counteract such erosion. International in scope. Pre: senior status or enrollment in veterinary professional curriculum. I (1H,1C)

4024: DISEASES OF POULTRY
Biology control and prevention of poultry diseases.  Taught alternate years. I (2H,2C)

4034 (BCHM 4034): ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TOXICOLOGY
Health effects associated with the exposure to chemicals, identifying and managing problems of chemical exposure in the work places and the environment, fundamental principles of biopharmaceutics and toxicokinetics, and risk assessment. Emphasis on conceptual understanding of chemical entry into the body, biotransformation, or degradation multiple chemical sensitivity, and chemically induced diseases. Identification of nutrient interactions with environmentally induced disorders and to understand the mechanisms of such interactions and their influence on human health and welfare. Pre: BIOL 2104 or BIOL 3124, ALS 2304 or BIOL 2406 or BCHM 3114. (3H,3C)

4054: LABORATORY ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
This course involves a study of the principles of laboratory animal science, providing the student with a basic understanding of the laws and regulations governing the care and use of animals, husbandry and surgery of a variety of lab animal species, and variables which can adversely affect animal research. Through formal lectures, discussions, and laboratory sessions, the course is designed to complement graduate studies in biological, biomedical, and life sciences which involve the use of animals in research. (2H,3L,3C)

4064 (BMES 4064): INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY
An introductory course to the principles of medical physiology, designed primarily for -- but not limited to -- undergraduate and graduate students majoring in biomedical engineering, and other related engineering and physical sciences majors with little or no formal background in biological sciences.  The focus is on basic principles and concepts of physiology with a special emphasis on the interactions of human systems biology in their entirety rather than individual genes and pathways.  Not intended for students expecting to major in biology or planning to enter health professional fields. Pre: Junior standing or permission of the instructor. (3H,3C)

4074: PHARMACOLOGY
A basic course in the science of pharmacology, intended to provide an understanding of the mechanisms of action and physiological systemic effects of major classes of drugs of biological, agricultural, social, and medical importance. Must have prerequisites or equivalent.
Pre: CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535 or ALS 2304 or BIOL 2406. (3H,3C)

4084 (VM 9204): MEDICAL TOXICOLOGY
Adverse health effects of exposure to drugs or substances of abuse.  Covers principles of toxicodynamics, toxicokinetics, biotransformation, diagnosis and treatment.  Emphasis will be placed on mechanism(s) of action of the various drug classes, body system(s) affected, clinical manifestations of problems and the resulting adverse effects on human health and society.  Methods of treatment and client education will also be addressed.  Laws controlling and governing the use of these drugs/substances and the agencies responsible for them will also be covered. Pre: third year standing in DVM curriculum. Pre: (CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535), (BIOL 2406 or ALS 2304), (MATH 1015). (2H,2C)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Courses (BMSP)

2135-2136: HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Structure and function of the human body for students preparing for professions in the health fields. 2135: body plan and organization, homeostasis, cell structure and function, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, and endocrine system.  2136: cardiovascular system, lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory system, digestive system, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and development. BMSP 2135-2136 duplicates BIOL 2405-2406, may not receive credit for both. Pre: (BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1006) or (BIOL 1105 or BIOL 1106) or (BIOL 1205H or BIOL 1206H) for 2135; 2135 for 2136.
(3H,3C)

2145-2146: HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY
Laboratory exercises investigating the structure and function of the human body for students preparing for professions in the health fields.  2145: body plan and organization, homeostasis, cell structure and  function, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, special senses, and endocrine system.  2146: cardiovascular system, lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory system, digestive system, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and development.
BMSP 2145-2146 duplicates BIOL 2414, may not receive credit for both.
Co: 2135 for 2145; 2136 for 2146. (3L,1C)

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Courses (PHS)

1514: PERSONAL HEALTH
Fundamental health content and theory to provide students with constructive health information necessary to meet current and future personal health needs.  Special emphasis on wellness and health promotion. (3H,3C)

3534: DRUG EDUCATION
Interpretation of multidimensional (social, psychological and physiological) scientific data regarding drugs.  The major drug categories will be covered with special emphasis on substance misuse and abuse. (3H,3C)