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VCM 514: Science of Health Evaluation

3 Credit Hours

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.

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We would be happy to answer any questions you have.

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VCM 513: Science of Health and Homeostasis

3 CREDIT HOURS

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Overview

The learning activities will train students to use a systems-based approach to explain how each organ system detects and responds to health challenges. Students will be asked to apply their knowledge of structure and function of the major body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, immune, nervous, metabolic, and reproductive, etc.) and to explore the cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways by which the body detects, communicates, regulates, and corrects pathophysiologic perturbations. Each sphere of host health homeostasis will be studied through a series of short video lectures, required readings and reference materials. Students will be encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the course content by solving clinical case examples, participating in group activities and by contributing to weekly discussion boards. Weekly quizzes, discussion boards, group participation, and exams will be assessed for a final grade in the class.

Learning Objectives

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

Use a systems-based approach to describe host homeostatic responses to specific health challenges
Compare and contrast the associations between normal physiology and pathophysiology in altered health states
Understand the pathophysiological basis for disease manifestation and progress in the body, and in primary and secondary organ systems
Characterize the basic concepts of homeostasis and pathophysiology at the cellular and molecular level relate to fluid/electrolyte, respiratory, nutrient, mucosal, and reproductive health, and for behavior and movement.

Course Topics

Module 1
- Applying a systems-based approach to describe host homeostasis
- Regulation of host health status
- Homeostasis during different life cycle stages
Module 2
- Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis
- Respiratory homeostasis
Module 3
- Metabolic/Nutrient homeostasis
- Mucosal homeostasis
Module 4
- Reproductive homeostasis
- Importance of movement and behavior to host homeostasis
- Overview of movement
Module 5
- Problems with fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis
- Problems with respiration and gas transport homeostasis
Module 6
- Problems with metabolic/nutrient homeostasis (e.g. ketosis, hypocalcemia, impaired growth)
- Problems with mucosal homeostasis
Module 7
- Problems with reproductive homeostasis
- Problems with movement and behavior

Recommended Prerequisites

VCM 507: Veterinary Form and Function, VCM 509: Biology of Veterinary Pathogens

Speak to an advisor to learn more.

We would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Contact an Advisor