Lecture: 2 hours/week
Lab: 2 hours/week
This course may include working with cadavers, models and live animals, demonstrations, case studies, group work, classroom presentations, flipped classroom, simulations and/or online quizzes.
1. Veterinary medical terminology
- vocabulary, root words, suffixes, prefixes, abbreviations and pronunciation
2. The cardiovascular system
- major cardiovascular structures and functions
- names and positions of cardiac valves
- types of blood vessels
- electrocardiogram (ECG) production: electrical conductivity through the heart
3. The lymphatic system
- major lymphatic system structures and functions
- relationship between the hematologic and lymphatic systems
- immunity
4. The respiratory system
- major respiratory system structures and functions
- comparative anatomy of the lungs of different species
5. The urinary system
- major urinary system structures and functions
- nephron components and urine formation
- blood pressure regulation by the renal system
6. The endocrine system
- major endocrine system structures and functions
- hormones secreted by endocrine glands and their target organs
- normal glucose metabolism and regulation
7. The reproductive system
- major reproductive system structures and functions
- male and female reproductive system comparison
- estrous cycle of various species
- clinical signs of impending parturition
8. The sensory system
- major sensory system structures and functions
- eye and ear components and physiology
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune systems.
- Describe the pathway of electrical conductivity through the heart.
- Describe the fetal circulatory system and the changes occurring at birth.
- Describe the structure and function of the respiratory system including the transport of gases in the blood.
- Describe the structure and function of the urinary system and explain the process by which the kidney produces urine.
- Describe the structure and function of the endocrine system and explain the feedback mechanism that controls release of endocrine hormones.
- Describe the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems.
- Describe the estrous cycle and factors influencing its stages.
- Describe the types of uteri and the types of placentation in various species.
- Identify the major structures and functions of the eye and ear, including the mechanisms of sight and hearing.
- Describe the steps necessary to perform a necropsy, including correct specimen collection techniques.
Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program.
Evaluation will be based on the following:
Quizzes (3) 20-60% (no quiz worth more than 20%)
Assignments 10-30%
Final Examination 25-40%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.