Curriculum
The LSU Vet Med curriculum is divided into Phase I and Phase II. Phase I takes place during Year I and Year II and the Fall Semester and approximately the first month of the Spring Semester of Year III. It consists of labs and lectures. Phase II begins in the Spring Semester of Year III and consists of rotations in our Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Phase I: Year I
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 5161 | Form and Function 1 | 4 |
| 5150 | Clinical Skills 1 | 1 |
| 5181 | Veterinary Professional Development 1 | 2 |
| 5162 | Form and Function 2 | 3.5 |
| 5175 | Fundamentals of Diagnostics and Surgery 1 | 1 |
| 5141 | Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine 1 | 2.5 |
| 5010 | Special Topics in Veterinary Medicine | 2 |
| Total | 16 |
Course Descriptions
- 5161 Form and Function 1 covers the entire musculoskeletal system, peripheral nerves, and blood vessels of appendages by synthesizing material from cell biology, microanatomy, physiology, embryology, and gross anatomy. Students will understand the hierarchical organization (cells, tissues, organs, organ systems) of the whole, normal-functioning organism, primarily using the domestic canine as a model specimen with supplementary feline info.
- 5150 Clinical Skills 1 is a mastery course that uses instructional videos, models, mannequins, simulators, and other teaching methods to enable students to learn and practice technical and non-technical skills related to correct handling and physical exam of different species and to become familiar with common veterinary equipment and procedures.
- 5181 Veterinary Professional Development 1 involves a combination of didactic instruction, small group learning, and interactive laboratory sessions to enable students to develop their professional skills and identity as veterinarian. This course encompasses wellbeing, communication, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, finance, and career options.
- 5162 Form and Function 2 will cover the cavities and spaces of the body and the organ systems within as well as the head and organ systems within by synthesizing material from cell biology, microanatomy, physiology, embryology, and gross anatomy. Students will understand the hierarchical organization (cells, tissues, organs, organ systems) of the whole, normal-functioning organism, primarily using the domestic canine as a model specimen with supplementary feline info.
- 5175 Fundamentals of Diagnostics and Surgery 1 introduces students to the principles of radiographic image formation and interpretation, clinical pathology, and principles of surgery. The basic physics of radiographic image formation as it applies to radiation safety, radiographic interpretation, radiographic misinterpretation, quality control, artifacts, and correction of nondiagnostic images will be emphasized. Surgical principles will include asepsis, sterilization, and instrument identification.
- 5141 Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine 1 develops clinical reasoning, problem oriented approaches, and seeking and filtering information.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 5163 | Form and Function 3 | 3.5 |
| 5151 | Clinical Skills 2 | 1 |
| 5172 | Clinical Immunology | 2 |
| 5182 | Veterinary Professional Development 2 | 1.5 |
| 5164 | Form and Function 4 | 5.5 |
| 5176 | Fundamentals of Diagnostics and Surgery 2 | 1 |
| 5142 | Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine 2 | 3 |
| 5010 | Special Topics in Veterinary Medicine | 2 |
| 5001 | Problem-based Learning 1 | 2 |
| Total | 21.5 |
Course Descriptions
- 5163 Form and Function 3 provides additional knowledge base in microanatomy, physiology, and gross anatomy from both a systems and a comparative perspective. The main goals are to solidify a knowledge base in how organ systems normally work for most species, and to explore normal clinically relevant microanatomy, physiology, and gross anatomy, demonstrating an application of that knowledge in various large animal, avian, and alternative species. It will cover the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system using bovine, equine, and poultry model specimens for gross anatomy and cover clinically relevant comparative content in small mammals, porcine, and alternative species.
- 5151 Clinical Skills 2 is a mastery course that uses instructional videos, models, mannequins, simulators, and other teaching methods to enable students to learn and practice technical and nontechnical skills related to correct handling and physical exam of different species and to become familiar with common veterinary equipment and procedures. This course builds on Clinical Skills 1 lecture and labs.
- 5172 Clinical Immunology is designed to provide the student with a fundamental knowledge of basic immunology and principles of host defense and vaccination strategies and protocols across species.
- 5182 Veterinary Professional Development 2 involves a combination of didactic instruction, small group learning, and interactive laboratory sessions foster development of professional identity and professionalism. This course encompasses wellbeing, communication, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, finance, and career options
- 5164 Form and Function 4 provides additional knowledge base in microanatomy, physiology, and gross anatomy from both a systems and a comparative perspective. The main goals are to solidify a knowledge base in how organ systems normally work for most species, and to explore normal clinically relevant microanatomy, physiology, and gross anatomy, demonstrating an application of that knowledge in various large animal, avian, and alternative species. It will take a systems approach to cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal (and accessory organs), and genitourinary topics.
- 5176 Fundamentals of Diagnostics and Surgery 2 highlights options available to veterinarians for detecting disease visually and to introduce clinical pathology diagnostic methods. This course provides an introduction to suturing and tissue handling. For diagnostic imaging emphasizes radiology.
- 5142 Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine 2 develops clinical reasoning, problem-oriented approaches, and selecting information.
- 5001 Problem Based Learning 1 Small group problem-based learning using clinical veterinary cases, with emphasis on the problem-oriented approach to veterinary problem solving.
Phase I: Year II
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | Problem-based Learning II | 80 | 2.00 |
| 5202 | Animals in Society I | 11 | 0.50 |
| 5223 | Veterinary Pharmacology | 70 | 4.50 |
| 5235 | Veterinary Parasitology | 80 | 4.00 |
| 5236 | Veterinary Virology | 32 | 2.00 |
| 5241 | Systemic Pathology I | 100 | 4.50 |
| 5250 | Clinical Skills 2 | 13 | 0.50 |
| 5270 | Clinical Pathology & Diseases of the Hemolymphatic System | 80 | 4.00 |
| 5273 | Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases | 44 | 2.50 |
| Total | 510 | 24.50 |
| Course | Title | Contact Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5010 | Special Topics in Veterinary Medicine | 10 | 1.00 |
| 5203 | Animals in Society II | 11 | 0.50 |
| 5242 | Systemic Pathology II | 30 | 1.50 |
| 5251 | Clinical Skills 2 | 13 | 0.50 |
| 5253 | Epidemiology and Public Health | 45 | 3.00 |
| 5260 | Principles of Veterinary Surgery | 25 | 1.50 |
| 5261 | Diseases of the Cardiovascular System | 33 | 2.00 |
| 5262 | Small Animal Orthopedics | 25 | 1.50 |
| 5263 | Urinary System Diseases | 30 | 2.00 |
| 5265 | Avian, Zoo and Exotic Animal Diseases | 30 | 2.00 |
| 5266 | Diseases of Farm Animals | 70 | 4.00 |
| 5267 | Veterinary Anesthesiology | 26 | 1.50 |
| 5272 | Clinical Veterinary Oncology | 30 | 2.00 |
| 5365 | Integumentary System | 40 | 2.50 |
| 5371 | Business Management | 20 | 1.00 |
| Total | 458 | 27.75 |
Phase I: Year III
In Year III, students choose a concentration, which will determine the blocks or rotations taken during Phase II. The concentrations are:
- Companion Animal (pets)
- Mixed Animal (pets, horse, farm animals, exotics)
- Equine (horses)
- Food Animal (farm animals, production animals)
- Zoological Medicine/Exotic (exotic pets, zoo animals)
- Public Practice (Public Health/Service, Governmental Advocacy, Research, Food Safety/Poultry, One Health)
| Course | Description | Contact Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5011 | Advanced Veterinary Anesthesiology and Surgery (elective) | 31 | 1.50 |
| 5264 | Diseases of Dogs and Cats | 58 | 3.50 |
| 5315 | Veterinary Radiology and Imaging | 37 | 2.00 |
| 5320 | Large Animal Clinical Nutrition | 20 | 1.00 |
| 5325 | Small Animal Clinical Nutrition | 20 | 1.00 |
| 5350 | Clinical Skills Laboratory | 15 | 0.50 |
| 5351 | Veterinary Neurology | 29 | 1.50 |
| 5352 | Veterinary Ophthalmology | 25 | 1.50 |
| 5361 | Comparative Theriogenology | 48 | 3.00 |
| 5362 | Diseases of Horses | 68 | 4.00 |
| 5363 | Emergency Medicine | 33 | 1.50 |
| 5373 | Toxicology | 40 | 2.50 |
| Total | 424 | 23.50 |
| Course | Description | Contact Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5366 | Population Medicine | 41 | 2.50 |
| 5370 | Ethics and Jurisprudence | 20 | 1.00 |
| 5372 | Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases | 40 | 2.50 |
| Total | 101 | 6.00 |
Phase II
| Course | Description | Contact Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5010 | Special Topics in Veterinary Medicine (see tab) | 20 | 2.00 |
| 5441 | Diagnostic Microbiology | 40 | 1.00 |
| 5442 | Diagnostic Parasitology | 40 | 1.00 |
| 5443 | Clinical Anesthesiology | 80 | 2.00 |
| 5452 | Diagnostic Pathology | 160 | 4.00 |
| 5454 | Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging | 160 | 4.00 |
| 5455 | Avian, Zoo, Exotic and Marine Animal Medicine | 40-160 | 1.00-4.00 |
| 5456 | Companion Animal Medicine and Health Maintenance | 160 | 4.00 |
| 5457 | Companion Animal Surgery | 160 | 4.00 |
| 5458 | Equine Medicine and Surgery | 160 | 4.00 |
| 5460 | Applied Veterinary Dermatology | 80 | 2.00 |
| 5462 | Externship | 80-200 | 2.00-5.00 |
| 5463 | Special Training: Cardiology, Companion Animal Orthopedic Surgery, Companion Animal Soft Tissue Surgery, Clinical Pathology, Equine Ambulatory Medicine, Equine Breeding Farm Management, Equine Race Track Practice, Exotic & Zoologic Animal Management, Farm Animal Health Maintenance, Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Oncology, Small Animal Community Practice, Small Animal Critical Care, Large & Small Animal Emergency, Shelter Medicine, Ultrasonography |
40-160 | 1.00-4.00 |
| 5465 | Applied Veterinary Theriogenology | 40-160 | 1.00-4.00 |
| 5467 | Applied Veterinary Ophthalmology | 40-160 | 1.00-4.00 |
| 5468 | Farm Animal Health Management | 160 | 4.00 |
| Total | 2080-2400 | 52-53 |
Possible Topics for VMED 5010: Special Topics in Veterinary Medicine
- Clinical Immersion—VTH or Extramural Placements
- Service Learning
- Selected Topics in Feline Medicine
- Anatomy and Physiology of Marine Mammals
- Clinical Application of the Skin and Skin Appendages of Domestic Animals Relevant to Surgery and Medicine Diseases
- Electrodiagnostic Tests in Veterinary Neurology
- Emerging and Exotic Animal Diseases of Animals (online course)
- Human-Animal Bond
- Husbandry Considerations for the Non-traditional Pet
- Integrative Medicine
- Introduction to Biomechanics for Clinicians
- Introduction to the Cat and Feline Medicine
- Introduction to Laboratory Animal Medicine
- Ornamental Fish Medicine
- Raptor Medicine and Surgery
- Shelter Medicine and Solutions to Overpopulation
- Topics in Ecosystem and Conservation Medicine
- Veterinarians in the Community
- Veterinary Medicine in International Development
- Zoo Med: What's your Diagnosis?
- Advanced Bovine Theriogenology
- Advanced Business Management
- Advanced Endocrinology
- Advanced Equine Gastrointestinal Diseases
- Advanced Equine Lameness
- Advanced Equine Musculoskeletal
- Advanced Equine Respiratory Disease
- Advanced Food Animal
- Advanced Small Animal Gastroenterology
- Advanced Small Animal Ultrasound
- Advanced Small Ruminant Medicine and Surgery
- Diagnostic and Surgical Techniques in Avian and Exotics
- Equine Dentistry
- Practice Valuation
- Selected Topics in Feline Medicine
- Small Animal Behavior
- Small Animal Nutrition: Practical Tips and Case Management
- Topics in Ecosystem and Conservation Medicine
- Veterinary Dentistry