Overview

Participants will apply their foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, immunology, microbiology, and pathology in evaluating and solving health failure problems in the major body systems. The graduate level course will use a problem-driven, case-based approach to train students how to apply the basic principles of health science in solving clinical problems in individual animals. Participants will learn to ask thoughtful, focused, and purposeful questions when collecting clinical data, and how to use a problem-oriented approach in evaluating health problems, constructing inquiry pathways, and in designing therapeutic and disease management strategies. 

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the process of applying basic principles of health science in solving animal health problems.
Apply a rational, systematic, data-informed approach for investigating health challenges and failure in different body systems in a range of animal species. 
Apply a rational, systematic, data-informed approach for investigating health challenges and failure in different body systems in a range of animal species. 

Course Topics

Module 1: An inquiry-based approach to solving health problems
Problem-solving frameworks
Asking the right questions
Evaluating health challenges
Module 2: A problem-oriented approach to fluid/electrolyte disruptions
Case – the flat-out dinosaur
Problem definition (data collection)
Clinical problem scripts
Module 3: A problem-oriented approach to respiratory health disruptions
Respiratory health challenges
Problem definition (data collection)
Clinical problem scripts
Module 4: A problem-oriented approach to the metabolic/nutrient disruptions
Metabolic health challenges
Problem definition (data collection)
Clinical problem scripts
Module 5: A problem-oriented approach to gastrointestinal health disruptions
Gastrointestinal health challenges
Problem definition (data collection)
Clinical problem scripts
Module 6: A problem-oriented approach to reproductive health disruptions
Reproductive health challenges
Clinical problem scripts
Module 7: A problem-oriented approach to movement and behavior difficulties
Health challenges with behavior and movement
Problem definition (data collection)
Clinical problem scripts

Recommended Prerequisites

Completion of VCM 507 and VCM 509, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in VCM 513.