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Curriculum
The DVM degree is achieved after a four-year
course of study. At the University of Missouri-Columbia, the
first two years are largely spent in classroom and laboratories
with the second two years devoted to clinical study in the
MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Students at the MU College
of Veterinary Medicine spend the first two years of study
in laboratories and classrooms. The second two years involves
clinical work in the teaching hospital. |
The first two years of the professional
curriculum are designed to provide the student with a solid
foundation in basic medical science. Courses of study include
gross and microscopic anatomy, molecular biology, physiology,
microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, parasitology, toxicology,
public health, clinical pathology, radiology, clinical medicine
and surgery, and anesthesiology.
These courses are taught in the laboratory
and lecture format familiar to science students. In some areas,
a computer-based or autotutorial teaching approach is used.
Other areas use problem-based teaching methods.
After successfully completing the second
year of the professional program, the student enters a segmented
curriculum for the years of clinical training. In this concept
of veterinary medical training, the final two years are divided
into 12 six-to-eight-week rotations. Students must successfully
complete seven required rotations for graduation. Each six-to-eight-week
rotation is a complete instructional unit. Students are given
the opportunity to concentrate their studies in an area of
special interest while gaining exposure to all aspects of
veterinary medicine. The required rotations are food animal
medicine and surgery, equine medicine and surgery, small animal
medicine, small animal surgery, medical services (radiology
and anesthesiology), diagnostic pathology and special species
medicine, and focused specialties (ophthalmology, theriogenology,
and small animal specialty medicine).
In addition to the seven required rotations,
2 six-to-eight-week rotations are required in elective courses.
Clinical year students are also scheduled 3 six-week periods
of free time for preceptorships in private practice, industry,
additional course work, or vacation.
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