Required first semester courses include an anatomy course in which students learn the basic structural and functional anatomy of the dog, cat, horse and ruminants. The histology course teaches the basic microscopic anatomy of animal cells, tissues and organs. Students study physiology to learn about the muscles, cells, blood, circulation and respiration systems while the biochemistry course deals with micronutrients, macromolecules and thermodynamics. In the immunology course, students study fundamental immunological concepts and mechanisms to protect animals from infectious diseases. Ethology focuses on animal behavior and animal-to-human interaction. Husbandry focuses on the production of cattle, swine, sheep and horses. Students also learn about ethics, law, finance, marketing and professionalism in the veterinary field.
Required second semester courses include neurobiology, which focuses on the operation and structure of the nervous system. Physiology teaches students about the endocrine, digestive, renal, reproductive and ocular systems. Students take a pathology course to study the reaction of cells to inflammation, injury, neoplasia and circulatory disturbances. Parasitology is the study of the biology and morphology of parasites and parasitic diseases. Epidemiology teaches methods of investigating outbreaks of disease and developing disease prevention projects. A nutrition course teaches students how to classify, identify and describe nutrient classes and the factors affecting metabolism and nutrient availability.
In the second year of vet school, students study pharmacology to learn the principles of drug action, correct drug dosage and the response and effects of drugs on animals. Bacteriology and mycology involve the study of bacterial and fungal organisms that cause disease. Students study the pathology and the diagnosis of distinct lesions and diseases of the organs. Radiology teaches radiographic theory and practice, and shows students how to safely produce quality x-rays with radiograph equipment. Students also take a nutrition course that examines the nutritional needs of animals throughout their lifetime. Students study theriogenology to learn about domestic animal reproduction and the diagnosis and management of diseases of the reproductive system.
The last semester of the second year of vet school teaches clinical pathology relating to organ dysfunctions, laboratory testing and diagnosis. Students study virology to classify and recognize immune responses to viruses. An anesthesiology course teaches safe anesthetic management, monitoring, function, evaluation and equipment with inhalation anesthetics. The musculoskeletal course covers the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases, identification, treatment, outcome and complications. The toxicology course teaches students about toxic agents, treatments, testing and diagnosis. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems courses focus on diseases, management and treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory systems. A course on general veterinary medicine instructs students on immunizations, physical management and parasite control of domestic animals.