College of Veterinary Medicine

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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 at vmsgrad@vt.edu.

Professional Program

Students desiring admission to the four-year professional 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. Two (2) consecutive semesters are in general biology and physics, and a one semester course in organic chemistry are required. A one-semester course 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, and a 1 credit course in medical terminology. 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. Suggested electives include: microbiology, or physiology. Since veterinary medicine also is concerned with a variety of social, environmental, and community activities, a broad cultural background is important. Basic computer skills are highly desirable.

Admissions inquiries should be directed to:

Jacque Pelzer, D.V.M.
Director of Admissions and Student Services

Ms. Shelby Jenkins
Admissions Coordinator

Admissions Office
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: (540) 231-4699
E-mail: dvmadmit@vt.edu
Web: www.vetmed.vt.edu

Public Health Program

Virginia Tech's Public Health Program in the Department of Population Health Sciences is administered by the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in partnership with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

The Master of Public Health professional degree program integrates and expands public health offerings at Virginia Tech and enhances the university's track record of addressing vital public health issues through learning, discovery, and engagement.

The program is grounded in an interdisciplinary "One Health" approach. One Health recognizes the dynamic interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health and encompasses the interdisciplinary efforts of medical, veterinary, environmental health, and public health professionals to protect, promote, and improve health. Students gain the requisite knowledge and skills to examine the human, animal, and environmental factors that contribute to the control and prevention of disease and the promotion, enhancement, and maintenance of health.

For additional information, please contact the Public Health Program at phs@vt.edu or by phone at (540) 231-3945.

Professional Program Courses

Professional program courses leading to the D.V.M. degree carry the veterinary medicine (VM) prefix. For updated information on the DVM Curriculum, please see our website at: http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/academics/dvm/dvm-curriculum.asp.

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 and special senses. 2136: endocrine system, circulatory & 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 1206 H) 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 and special senses. 2146: endocrine system, circulatory & 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)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Courses (BMVS)

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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. (1H,1C)

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

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)

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 (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)

2004: INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Examination of how public health core disciplines of epidemiology, health policy and administration, health behavior, and environmental health work together in addressing public health problems. Special emphasis on the history of public health, the public health infrastructure and role of health informatics in public health. (3H,3C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

2994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

3014: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Overview of environmental health, examining local, national, and international frameworks. Environmental factors that affect human health, including major classes of chemical, biological, and physical exposures from different environmental media (air, water, food, and soil). Special emphasis on toxicology and epidemiology methodologies used at the individual (mechanistic) level and at the population level to determine environmental causes of disease. Find the most appropriate prevention or control measure to minimize adverse health outcomes. (3H,3C)

3064: PUBLIC HEALTH SEMINAR
Current topics in public health research, policy and practice, including biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, social and behavioral medicine, infectious diseases, and public health education. Pass/Fail only. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C)

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)

3634 (HNFE 3634): EPIDEMIOLOGIC CONCEPTS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
Designed to give students in the health sciences a basic understanding of the modern concepts regarding health and disease as well as skills in organizing epidemiological data, disease investigation and surveillance. Includes a survey of terms, concepts, and principles pertinent to epidemiology. Lifestyles of populations and the relationships between lifestyles and health status are studied. (3H,3C)

3964: PRACTICUM
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

4014: PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM PLANNING AND EVALUATION
Fundamental of public health program development, implementation and evaluation. Basic processes, approaches and interventions that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations. Pre: Junior Standing. (3H,3C)

4044: PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
Evolution and analysis of public health policy in the United States. Public health and care systems. Administrative concepts central to public health such as human resources, strategic planning, controlling, directing, leadership and health law. Junior Standing. (3H,3C)

4054: CONCEPTS IN ONE HEALTH
One Health refers to the dynamic interdependence of human, animal and environmental health and provides an important perspective in examining health problems. Theoretical foundations of One Health, methods for assessing animal- human linkages, policies and practices related to One Health and capacity building and public engagement. Junior Standing. (3H,3C)

4064: MODELING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Mathematical modeling of infectious diseases; simple epidemic models, risk structure and modeling risk structure, multi-pathogen models, multi-host models, temporal seasonal models, spatial models, stochastic dynamics and modeling for public health policy. Pre: Junior Standing. (3H,3C)

4074: PRACTICUM IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Public health theories and concepts in a work setting; comprehensive, structured experience requires student to demonstrate professional competencies while working closely with a supervisor in a public health practice setting. Pass/Fail Only. Pre: Senior Standing. Pass/Fail only. (3H,3C)

4094 (APS 4094) (SOC 4094): APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY RESEARCH
Undergraduate participatory community research as applied to issues of cultural heritage, sustainability, and identity. Students engage in projects defined by community groups and organizations as being critical to their well-being, continuity, or growth. Emphasis is on developing concepts of civic professionalism and developmental democracy. (3H,3C)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.