2026-2027 Academic Catalog

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Biomed & Veterinary Sciences (BMVS)

BMVS 2994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 4014 - Animal Domestication and Genetic Resources (1 credit)

Considers the process, history, sociology and geography of animal domestication. Includes behavioral, physiologic and morphological changes incurred by domesticated stocks. Examines genetic variability of domestic species, considers breed groups and uniquely adapted breeds. Considers reasons for erosion of genetic variability and mechanisms to counteract such erosion. International in scope. Pre: senior status or enrollment in veterinary professional curriculum.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

BMVS 4024 - Diseases of Poultry (2 credits)

Biology control and prevention of poultry diseases. Taught alternate years.

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd)

BMVS 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 4994H - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits)

Honors section

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 5005 - Emerging Infectious Diseases (1 credit)

Stand-alone, fully on-line, asynchronous distance and distributed learning course, accessible as streaming videos on the internet or on CDs. 5005: The course defines and discriminates amongst numerous factors influencing the emergence of infectious diseases. Selected emerging food-borne, bacterial, viral, zoonotic diseases of animals and humans are described and analyzed. 5006: The course expands the pathology of emerging infectious diseases. Additional viral, parasitic and zoonotic diseases of animals and humans are described and analyzed. Xenotransplantation is also discussed from the perspective of zoonotic diseases. Third year standing in the DVM curriculum, or good standing in a graduate studies program is required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

Course Crosslist: VM 9085

BMVS 5014 - Animal Pathology Residency (1-5 credits)

Training in diagnostic pathology through weekly rotations in the necropsy and surgical biopsy service of the teaching hospital. Students will perform necropsies and histopathologic examinations of necropsies and surgical biopsies and write diagnostic reports. The course is taken in weekly intervals of necropsy and/or surgical biopsy, with a credit hour given for each 2-week interval. Variable credit. May be repeated with a maximum of 5 hours. DVM degree required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (15 Lab, 1-5 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 5 credit hours

BMVS 5094 - Grant Writing and Ethics (3 credits)

A framework for writing clear, concise grant proposals in a team-oriented, multidisciplinary approach from concept development through submission to a funding agency. Potential ethical dilemmas that may arise in academic, industrial, or federal research settings will be discussed. PRE: Undergraduate courses in one of the following: organic chemistry (CHEM 2565/2566), cell and molecular biology (BIOL 2104), Concepts of Biochemistry (BCHM 2024), or equivalent. Graduate standing required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

Course Crosslist: CHEM 5094, FST 5094

BMVS 5114 - Critical Skills in Biomedical Research (3 credits)

This course is intended to reach a broad population of students in biological/biomedical research programs and help them develop critical skills in analytical thinking and scientific communications. The course contents include reviews of past and current conceptual advancement, technology development, and controversial topics, in contemporary biomedical research, including but not limited to molecular & cellular biology, genomics, neurobiology, and cancer. The course also includes in-depth analyses of experimental designs and data interpretations, and important considerations for the appropriateness and limitations of experimental approaches and models. This course may be repeated up to 1 time for a total of 6 credit hours. Pre: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or equivalent.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours

BMVS 5174 - Responsible Research Conduct (1 credit)

Scientific integrity and responsible conduct of research as related to studies in life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities. Conflict of interest, human and animal subjects in research, mentor/mentee responsibilities, collaborative research, peer review, research misconduct, responsible authorship and publication, data management, sharing, and ownership, and legal issues in research. Pre: Graduate Standing.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

BMVS 5194 - Clinical Micropathology (1 credit)

This course presents practical topics in diagnostic pathology. It covers the entire spectrum of disease processes, including the background of clinical, gross anatomic physiologic information required for integration with the microscopic changes observed to arrive at a correct diagnosis. DVM degree and permission of the instructor required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

BMVS 5224 - Biomedical Engineering and Human Disease (3 credits)

Comprehensive overview of a variety of human diseases, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and cancer, designed primarily for graduate students majoring in engineering and other related areas who have a long-term academic and professional goal in the field of biomedical engineering and life sciences. Introduction to state-of-the-art biomedical engineering approaches used for the study of early detection/diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease. Graduate standing required.

Prerequisite(s): BMES 5004 or BMVS 4064 or BMES 4064

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

Course Crosslist: BMES 5024

BMVS 5244 - Veterinary Pharmacology (1-5 credits)

Principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, including interaction of drugs with receptors; absorption, distribution and clearance; drug metabolism and drug interactions. Study of drugs by pharmacological classes, the general mechanisms of action, usefulness and side effects. Pharmaceutical calculations and prescription writing. May be repeated for a maximum of 5 credits. Pre-requisite: Graduate standing required

Instructional Contact Hours: (1-5 Lec, 1-5 Crd)

BMVS 5274 - Systems Pathology (3 credits)

This lecture only course covers the pathology and pathogenesis of specific lesions and diseases of each organ system at the gross and microscopic level. Emphasis is on diagnostic characteristics and interpretation of diseases. Pre: DVM or equivalent.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

BMVS 5284 - Cellular Pathology (3 credits)

This course presents the mechanisms involved in cellular reaction to injury, inflammation, tissue repair and regeneration, circulatory disturbances (thrombosis, embolism, infarction, hemorrhage, edema, congestion, shock) and neoplasia and other alterations of cell growth. Emphasis will be placed upon disease processes at the cellular and tissue levels.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

BMVS 5324 - General Neurochemistry (3 credits)

Biochemical mechanisms involved in normal and abnormal nervous system function including discussions of experimental techniques, structural components, neurotransmitters, cerebral blood flow and metabolism, sensory systems, learning, mental disorders, and neuropharmacological agents.

Prerequisite(s): (BCHM 4116 or BCHM 5124) or (BCHM 4116 or BCHM 5124)

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

BMVS 5564 - Introduction to Clinical Research (2 credits)

Design of studies in veterinary related clinical research, planning and implementation of experimental and survey data collection, management and analysis of data, evaluation of analysis and critical evaluation of published information. Instructor approval required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd)

Course Crosslist: VM 8534

BMVS 5594 - Current Technologies in Biomedical Sciences (1 credit)

Current methodologies and techniques for hypothesis-driven scientific experimentation in biomedical research, including molecular biology approaches, microscopy, animal models, molecular applications, cell culture systems, large-scale omics methodologies, bioinformatics analyses, and clinical studies. Cutting-edge and novel approaches for designing experiments and interpreting the resulting data; review of scientific literature; and important considerations for the appropriateness and limitations of specific methods, approaches, and experimental models. Pre: Graduate standing.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

BMVS 5624 - Molecular Virology (2 credits)

The principles and mechanisms of virus replication at the molecular level including transcription, translation and posttranslational modifications of virus genes, virus interaction with host, antivirals, vaccines and host defense mechanisms against virus infections. The replication and pathogenesis mechanisms of several important DNA and RNA virus families including biothreat viruses. Graduate standing required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd)

BMVS 5764 - Aquatic Medicine and Fish Health (2 credits)

The etiology, diagnosis, pathology, pathogenesis, chemotherapy, control and management of infectious and non-infectious diseases of aquatic organisms, especially pertaining to cultured food and tropical fish. Hands on experience with water quality evaluation, diagnostic techniques and the identification of common pathogenic organisms. Pre-requisite: Second year standing in the DVM curriculum.

Prerequisite(s): VM 8364 or FIW 4514

Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd)

Course Crosslist: VM 8494

BMVS 5794 - Clinical Neuropathology (1 credit)

This course uses necropsy tissues of clinical cases to present the mechanisms involved in neurologic disease of animals. Gross, microscopic, and radiologic approaches will be employed. Emphasis will be placed upon the correlation of clinical and pathological findings. May be repeated. Pre: Instructors approval required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 4 credit hours

BMVS 5814 - Functional Morphology and Natural History of Reptiles and Birds (1 credit)

Anatomical features will be described that are unique to, or are characteristic of, each major group covered. Adaptation and successful exploitation of habitat. Use of anatomical features and functions. Selected attributes of the groups natural history, members of the group common to the local and extended area, those commonly kept as pets. Pre-requisite: Graduate Standing required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

Course Crosslist: VM 8254

BMVS 5894 - Final Examination (3 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

BMVS 5904 - Project and Report (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 5944 - Seminar in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences (1 credit)

Presentations by graduate students on current topics in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences. Topics and responsibility for seminars is rotated among the professional departments of the college. Maximum 4 credits.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

BMVS 5954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 5974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 5984 - Special Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 5994 - Research and Thesis (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 6014 - Veterinary Clinical Sciences Residency (0 credits)

Advanced course with training and instruction in veterinary patient management. Supervised practicum in veterinary diagnosis and therapy in a veterinary teaching hospital. Material will include development of knowledge and skills for problem solving, performance of techniques, and effective communication. Regularly scheduled rounds and conferences will supplement daily activities. 0 credit. DVM degree required.

Instructional Contact Hours: (0 Lec, 0 Crd)

BMVS 6064 - Advanced Topics in Veterinary Medicine (1-6 credits)

Students will critically review and actively participate in discussion of current and important historic veterinary and comparative medical literature relevant to students residency specialty. DVM degree is required. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 12 credit hours.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1-6 Lec, 1-6 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 12 credit hours

BMVS 6074 - Clinical Topic Rounds (1-6 credits)

Practical, advanced training in specialty medicine. Students will participate in critical reviews of cases and current literature applicable to selected cases. Relevant information will include advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques applicable to the specialty and species being studied. An in-dept knowledge of the pathophysiology of animal disease processes and clinical problem solving will be developed. Students will be expected to gain an understanding of the general problem area to be studied and critically evaluated current literature and application to the case(s) being studied. DVM degree is required. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 12 credit hours.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1-6 Lec, 1-6 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 12 credit hours

BMVS 6084 - Veterinary Speciality Clinics (3 credits)

Practical, advanced training in specialty medicine. Students will learn advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques applicable to the specialty and species being studied. An in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of animal disease processes and clinical problem solving will be developed. Students will be given responsibility for case management with faculty guidance. DVM degree is required. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits with different content.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 12 credit hours

BMVS 6094 - Board Certification Topics (1 credit)

Structured preparation for the specialty examinations associated with residency programs and board certification. Topics will vary depending on the particular learning objectives required by the clinical discipline. Pre-requisite: Graduate standing and clinical resident in the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours with different content.

Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 6 credit hours

BMVS 6534 - Mechanisms of Disease in Veterinary Medicine (3 credits)

Advanced study of topics concerning the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current therapy of diseases in Veterinary Medicine. Pre: DVM or equivalent, or consent of instructor. May be repeated to a maximum of 18 credits.

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

Repeatability: up to 18 credit hours

BMVS 6714 - Immunology in Health & Disease (3 credits)

Analysis of emerging, cutting edge and paradigm changing concepts of cellular and molecular immunology in human and animal health and disease. Innate immunity, adaptive immunity, developmental immunology, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, cancer immunology, and transplantation immunology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 5734 or BCHM 5124

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

BMVS 6724 - Mol Mech of Path Bacteria (3 credits)

Molecular mechanisms employed by pathogenic bacteria to cause infection. Classical and contemporary methods for studying host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. Hypothesis-driven scientific experimentation in pathogenic bacteriology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 5634 or BIOL 5674

Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd)

BMVS 6984 - Special Study (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course

BMVS 7994 - Research and Dissertation (1-19 credits)

Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course