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Prof Susan Rhind, Rachel Whittington, Dr Andrew Gardiner, Dr Jessie Paterson, Dr Gurå Therese Bergkvist, Dr Catriona Bell, and Kay Aitchison

This course is for anyone interested in learning more about Veterinary Medicine, giving a “taster” of courses covered in the first year of a veterinary degree and an idea of what it is like to study Veterinary Medicine.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Information
Please read through the components of this section before starting on the actual course content. Enjoy the course!
Basic Animal Care
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for those interested in learning more about Veterinary Medicine, providing a taster of courses covered during the first year of a veterinary degree, helping students consider whether it is the right path for them
Led by instructors from the University of Edinburgh, known for their contributions to Veterinary Medicine and research
Provides a comprehensive introduction to key aspects of Veterinary Medicine, including foundational knowledge in body systems anatomy, clinical skills, and professional skills
Covers the past, present, and future of Veterinary Medicine, giving students a broad understanding of the field's evolution and potential future directions
Multi-modal course with a mix of videos, readings, and discussions, offering varied learning experiences

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Reviews summary

Introduction to veterinary medicine

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction tailored for anyone considering a veterinary career. Students praise the well-structured content covering essential first-year topics like anatomy, clinical skills, and professional practice. The instructors are frequently highlighted as knowledgeable and passionate, making the complex subjects accessible. While it's a demanding course requiring significant study time, particularly for those without prior biology background, many found it an invaluable resource for confirming their interest and preparing for further study. It successfully functions as a realistic 'taster' of veterinary school life.
Prior science knowledge aids understanding.
"Having some prior knowledge in biology or chemistry is really helpful, but not strictly necessary."
"I found that my high school biology helped me understand the anatomy parts quicker."
"If you don't have a science background, be ready to do extra reading to keep up."
"It assumes a certain level of scientific literacy, which might be challenging for complete beginners."
Covers a wide range of foundational topics.
"The content covers a broad range of topics from anatomy to professional skills, giving a good overall view."
"I appreciated the diverse modules, offering insights into different aspects of veterinary medicine."
"The syllabus is well-designed to introduce the core subjects you'd encounter in the first year."
"It provided a solid foundation and overview of what the veterinary field entails."
Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructors are so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the subjects they teach."
"I found the teaching staff to be excellent and very approachable through the forums."
"Their passion for the topics made the lectures very engaging and easy to follow."
"The course is delivered by experienced university lecturers who explain things very clearly."
Helps decide if vet medicine is the right path.
"Taking this course solidified my decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine."
"It was an excellent way to confirm whether this field is truly for me before applying to university."
"I learned so much and it definitely made me excited about the prospect of becoming a vet."
"This course was instrumental in helping me decide if I have what it takes."
Gives a good feel for vet school demands.
"This course gave me a realistic feel for what vet school would be like."
"It really shows you the type of content and workload expected in first year."
"This course is perfect for anyone considering vet med and wanting a taster of what it will be like to study at university level."
"I feel much more prepared for university-level science now."
Requires significant time commitment and study.
"Be prepared for a heavy workload, especially if you are new to some of the science topics."
"This course is challenging and requires dedication, just like actual vet school."
"I had to spend more time studying than I initially anticipated to keep up with the material."
"It is quite information-dense, so make sure you allocate enough study time each week."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in EDIVET: Do you have what it takes to be a veterinarian? with these activities:
Revise High School Math for Veterinary Medicine
Review high school math concepts to strengthen your foundation for Veterinary Medicine.
Browse courses on High School Mathematics
Show steps
  • Identify areas of high school math that are relevant to Veterinary Medicine
  • Review textbooks or online resources
  • Complete practice problems to test your understanding
Review Veterinary Basic Animal Care
Review the Overview of Week 1 materials to brush up on skills related to animal care.
Show steps
  • Complete Week 1 Overview Reading
Complete Case Studies on Animal Anatomy
Improve your understanding of animal anatomy by working through a series of case studies.
Browse courses on Animal Anatomy
Show steps
  • Gather case studies on animal anatomy
  • Read and analyze each case study
  • Identify anatomical structures and apply your knowledge
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Use a Veterinary Encyclopedia to Learn Anatomical Terms
Consult a Veterinary Encyclopedia to reinforce your understanding of anatomical terms covered in Week 2.
Show steps
  • Access a veterinary encyclopedia or online resource
  • Search for anatomical terms introduced in Week 2
  • Read and comprehend definitions and explanations
Contribute to an Open Source Veterinary Software Project
Immerse yourself in Veterinary Medicine by contributing to an open source project related to the field.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source veterinary software project
  • Identify an area to contribute your skills
  • Fork the project and make your changes
  • Submit your changes to the project

Career center

Learners who complete EDIVET: Do you have what it takes to be a veterinarian? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Veterinary Doctor
Veterinary Doctors, also known as Veterinarians, diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, injuries, and illnesses in animals. This course introduces you to Veterinary Medicine by covering topics like basic animal care, anatomy, and professional skills, giving you a foundation in the field.
Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinary Surgeons perform surgical procedures on animals to treat injuries, correct deformities, and remove diseased tissue. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine and skills, which can help you understand the surgical process and how it relates to veterinary care.
Veterinary Pathologist
Veterinary Pathologists study the causes and effects of diseases in animals. This course provides you with a foundation in veterinary medicine, including anatomy, clinical skills, and veterinary history, which can help you understand the pathological processes and diseases affecting animals.
Veterinary Epidemiologist
Veterinary Epidemiologists investigate the distribution and patterns of disease in animal populations. This course introduces you to veterinary medicine, animal care, and clinical skills, which can provide a foundation for understanding how diseases spread and how to prevent and control them in animal populations.
Veterinary Microbiologist
Veterinary Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can cause disease in animals. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine, including animal care, anatomy, and clinical skills, which can help you understand how microorganisms affect animal health and how to prevent and treat infections.
Veterinary Parasitologist
Veterinary Parasitologists study parasites, such as worms, protozoa, and ectoparasites, that can cause disease in animals. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine, including animal care, anatomy, and clinical skills, which can help you understand how parasites affect animal health and how to prevent and treat parasitic infections.
Veterinary Immunologist
Veterinary Immunologists study the immune system of animals and how it protects them from disease. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine, including animal care, anatomy, and clinical skills, which can help you understand how the immune system works and how to prevent and treat diseases in animals.
Veterinary Toxicologist
Veterinary Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on animals. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine, including animal care, anatomy, and clinical skills, which can help you understand how toxic substances affect animals and how to prevent and treat poisoning.
Veterinary Geneticist
Veterinary Geneticists study the genes and genetic disorders of animals. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine, including animal care, anatomy, and clinical skills, which can help you understand the role of genetics in animal health and how to diagnose and treat genetic disorders.
Veterinary Public Health Officer
Veterinary Public Health Officers work to prevent and control diseases that can spread between animals and humans. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine, including animal care, anatomy, and clinical skills, which can help you understand the principles of public health and how to prevent and control diseases in both animals and humans.
Veterinary Medical Writer
Veterinary Medical Writers create written materials about veterinary medicine, including journal articles, books, and websites. This course provides an overview of veterinary medicine, including animal care, anatomy, and clinical skills, which can help you understand the medical terminology and concepts needed for writing about veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technicians assist veterinarians in providing care to animals. This course provides you with an overview of veterinary medicine, which can help you understand the basic principles and procedures of veterinary care and assist veterinarians in providing quality care to animals.
Animal Caretaker
Animal Caretakers provide basic care to animals in a variety of settings, including animal shelters, boarding facilities, and private homes. This course provides you with an overview of basic animal care, which can help you understand the needs of different animals and how to provide them with proper care.
Animal Trainer
Animal Trainers work with animals to teach them specific behaviors. This course provides you with an overview of animal care and behavior, which can help you understand the principles of animal training and how to effectively train animals.
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals, their behavior, and their habitats. This course provides you with an overview of animal care, anatomy, and behavior, which can help you understand the principles of zoology and how to study animals in their natural environments.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in EDIVET: Do you have what it takes to be a veterinarian?.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of veterinary microbiology and microbial disease. It valuable resource for veterinary students, veterinary practitioners, and veterinary microbiologists.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of veterinary anatomy. It is an essential resource for students and practitioners alike.
A comprehensive textbook on veterinary ethics that covers all aspects of the subject. It valuable resource for students and practitioners of veterinary ethics.
A comprehensive textbook on veterinary parasitology that covers all aspects of the subject. It valuable resource for students and practitioners of veterinary parasitology.
A comprehensive textbook on veterinary surgery that covers all aspects of small animal surgery. It valuable resource for students and practitioners of veterinary surgery.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of veterinary microbiology and infectious diseases. It is an essential resource for students and practitioners alike.
Canine and Feline Gastroenterology comprehensive textbook that covers the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases in dogs and cats. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Textbook of Small Animal Surgery comprehensive textbook that covers the principles and techniques of surgery in small animals. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Veterinary Parasitology comprehensive textbook that covers the diagnosis and management of parasitic infections in animals. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Veterinary Immunology comprehensive textbook that covers the principles of immunology in animals. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Veterinary Epidemiology comprehensive textbook that covers the principles of epidemiology in animals. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Veterinary Practice Management comprehensive textbook that covers the principles of management in veterinary medicine. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Veterinary Ethics comprehensive textbook that covers the principles of ethics in veterinary medicine. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Veterinary Legal Medicine comprehensive textbook that covers the principles of law in veterinary medicine. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.
Veterinary History comprehensive textbook that covers the history of veterinary medicine. It valuable resource for veterinarians and students alike.

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