Veterinary Medicine, VMD
The School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet), an integral part of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary university, exists to better the health and welfare of animals and humans. The synergy generated by Penn Vet’s interaction with the University community and the biomedical establishment in the Delaware Valley creates unique challenges and opportunities to excel in teaching, research and service.
Offering the VMD, Penn Vet is committed to innovative educational programs to train veterinarians and biomedical scientists; pioneer research and the discovery of new knowledge in the basic and applied sciences; and maintaining a strong commitment to specialized veterinary medical care and service.
For more information: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/
Curriculum
Our students benefit from Penn Vet’s commitment to making veterinary medicine more inclusive. Their educational experience is also enriched through interactions with the vibrant, multifaceted biomedical establishment in and around both the University of Pennsylvania and the larger Philadelphia region, with its many facilities in healthcare, research, and technology.
The Core Curriculum
The Core Curriculum is the central component of a Penn Vet education. Course requirements for the entire first and second years are based on this curriculum, as are the courses for the fall term of the third year. In the spring term of the third year, students move into the clinical aspect of the curriculum. In the fourth year, the Core Curriculum is combined with foundation clinical rotations. All students must complete the entire Core Curriculum, while also satisfying clinical competency requirements for each class year.
The VMD Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
VBMS 6010 | ||
| Histological Basis of Pathology | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Cellular and Biochemical Foundation of Disease | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine I | ||
VPTH 6150 | ||
| Spring | ||
| Quarter 3 | ||
VBMS 6010 | ||
| Introduction to the Neurosciences | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine II | ||
VPTH 6150 | ||
| Quarter 4 | ||
| Introduction to the Neurosciences | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine III | ||
| Introduction to Radiology | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Immunology | ||
VPTH 6150 | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| General and Systemic Pathology | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Surgical Principles | ||
VMED 6180 | ||
| Spring | ||
| Quarter 3 | ||
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | ||
| Introduction to Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Medicine | ||
| Veterinary Medicine/Surgery I | ||
| Clinical Pathology | ||
| Clinical Orthopedics | ||
VMED 6180 | ||
| Quarter 4 | ||
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | ||
| Principles of Epidemiology | ||
| Veterinary Public Health | ||
| Infectious & Metabolic Diseases | ||
| Veterinary Medicine/Surgery I | ||
| Clinical Pathology | ||
| Anesthesia | ||
VMED 6180 | ||
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Quarter 1 | ||
| Veterinary Medical Genetics | ||
| Clinical Reproduction | ||
| Veterinary Medicine/Surgery II | ||
| Veterinary Ethical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine V | ||
| Clinical Exercises | ||
Electives | ||
| Quarter 2 | ||
| Veterinary Medicine/Surgery III | ||
| Dermatology | ||
| Clinical Animal Behavior | ||
| Clinical Exercises | ||
| Emerging and Exotic Diseases | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Veterinary Medicine V | ||
Electives | ||
| Spring | ||
| Quarter 3 | ||
Large Animal Block Electives - New Bolton Center | ||
| Quarter 4 | ||
Small Animal Block Electives | ||
| Year 4 | ||
Clinical Rotations | ||
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2022 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.