Academics

Pre-Clinical Sciences

Pre-Clinical Sciences are taught at the CVCM during the first five semesters of the program. 

Semesters 1 and 2 focus on developing an integrated understanding of the structure and interrelated function of the normal animal, as a foundation for an understanding of the mechanisms of disease.  Course content is delivered via a modified approach to the study of body systems, in which the relevant structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are presented together.  This approach helps the student to develop a comprehensive and practical understanding of the body’s systems, and begins to train the mind in the discipline of clinical reasoning – “thinking like a doctor”.

Semesters 3 and 4 are devoted to developing a practical understanding of disease - its causes and effects, diagnosis, and treatment.

The entire curriculum is taught with the One Health philosophy in mind.  One Health recognizes the interaction between the health of animals, humans, and our shared environment, at both the individual and population levels.