Veterinary Medicine

Using a case study approach, this veterinary medicine honors course is intended to introduce students to veterinary medicine, and to prepare them for further study in the field.

The course begins with an introduction to veterinary terminology and veterinary diagnostic techniques. Students will review the anatomy and physiology of healthy vertebrate animals as they explore each of the organ systems in depth. They will study all of the animal systems and make comparisons between different groups of animals. “How do animal organ systems function to maintain homeostasis?” And “What is the importance of food choice?”, are just a sample of questions students will investigate.

Students will walk in the shoes of a veterinarian as they enter the animal focused weeks of the course where their learning is guided by case studies of sick or injured animals. Each week, students will dive deeper into learning about one group of animals, from small animals (dogs, cats, bunnies), to large animals (pigs, sheep, cattle, horses), to wild animals (wildlife and zoo animals). Students will explore the unique behaviors of each of these groups as they answer common questions pet owners may have. Students will use S.O.A.P notes to document their understanding of the weekly content and their process in diagnosing and treating a sick or injured animal. In addition to using the case studies to guide learning each week, students will analyze common dilemmas that veterinarians may face throughout their careers, and discuss with their classmates how they might handle the situation in a professional manner as they draw upon evidence gained using scientific news, journal articles or other credible sources. “What are the most common diseases and disorders of canines?” “What are the important preventative steps pet owners can take?” “How are diseases and disorders diagnosed and treated? “What are the unique challenges to treating exotic animals?” are a sample of questions students will be able to answer by the end of the course.

Students will get the opportunity to examine holistic and natural approaches to veterinary care, and make comparisons about the different approaches. Students will also look into the steps required to have a career in veterinary medicine; they will explore the educational path and options, and the variety of professionals involved in caring for animals in different settings.

This semester-long veterinary medicine course will engage students through hands-on, student centered, case studies, videos, group activities and virtual simulations. Students will use their scientific investigation and research skills to collect, organize, and analyze the signs and symptoms of diseases and disorders to identify and provide treatment plans for sick or injured animals.

Acknowledgements

Successful completion of a full year of high school biology.
This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions:

How does animal form and function impact a veterinarian’s ability to diagnose and treat their patients?
What methods and techniques are used to diagnose sick or injured animals?
What impact does preventative medicine have on the health of animals?
What does it take to work in the field of veterinary medicine?

Learning Objectives:

Explain how organs and systems function in healthy animals, and the significance of homeostasis.
Analyze the animals’ signs and symptoms and diagnose an issue, and recommend a treatment plan.
Identify the necessary diagnostic techniques needed to diagnose and treat sick or injured animals
Identify the variety of careers in the field of veterinary medicine, and the education and training required for each path.
Describe and demonstrate the skills required to diagnose, treat and communicate about sick or injured animals.
Explain the importance of preventative steps to reduce the likelihood an animal will develop a disease or disorder.
Be able to answer common questions about animal behavior.

Additional Requirements

Students will need to access a number of YouTube videos throughout the course.
Students will need access to general supplies, such as clay, craft sticks, beads, pipe cleaners, etc. throughout the course for building models.