MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY
COURSE SYLLABUS
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
COURSE NUMBER: AGR 329
CREDIT HOURS: 4
I.
TITLE:
Veterinary Hematology and Microbiology
II.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to introduce the veterinary technology student to basic concepts,
theories, and techniques of veterinary hematology and microbiology. Normal blood
morphology and values of various species of animals will be covered along with common
microorganisms of animal diseases.
III.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this course is to provide a working background in veterinary clinical
hematology and clinical microbiology for the veterinary technology student.
IV.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will learn basic theories, principles, and techniques necessary for efficient work in the
veterinary hematology and microbiology laboratory. Labs will complement lecture material to
allow students to utilize the concepts discussed. After completing this course, students should
be comfortable performing hematological techniques and basic microbiology laboratory skills.
CONTENT OUTLINE:
A. Microbiology
1. Introduction and Brief History
2. Diagnostic clinical microbiology
3. Specimen collection and culturing
4. Microbial nutrition and growth
5. Diagnostic methods
For specifics on laboratories see outlines and schedules provided by laboratory instructor.
All information will be posted on blackboard as attachment information for this syllabus.
B. Hematology—focus on production, function and morphology
1. Introduction – Review basic techniques
2. Common cells in the peripheral blood
3. Variation in species: RBC and WBC morphology
4. Hematopoiesis
5. Leukocyte Response and Evaluation
For specifics on laboratories see outlines and schedules provided by laboratory instructor,
Barbie Papajeski. All information will be posted on blackboard as attachment information
for this syllabus.
C. Outside Assignments
i. Participation in AHT Day
ii. To be announced as needed
V.
INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
There will be outside lab assignments that will be turned in prior to the next lab. Late
assignments will not be accepted. Each week there will be a 2-hour lab which will correspond
with the material covered in lectures. Some degree of variation may occur among labs and
lectures. If a student has scheduled a course which overlaps lab time, it is the student’s
responsibility to keep up with the remaining lab students. Please see specific laboratory
information provided by instructors.
VI.
FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES:
Laboratories:
Microbiology
Safety
Sample collection techniques
Macroscopic exam of colony growth (gross morphology)
Streaking techniques
Staining procedures
Microscopic morphology
Isolation of pure culture
Hematology
Blood smears and staining techniques
RBC morphology of various species; PCV & TPP
Differentials, absolute WBC counts and WBC counts
Platelet estimation
CBC
Outside class assignment
Participation in AHT Day
Laboratory requirements:
1. Students are required to wear ceil blue scrubs and white lab coats in the lab. No
scrubs, no lab coat, no lab, no grade. This will be counted as an absence.
2. Following lab exercises, it is the student’s responsibility to see that all supplies are
put away and the work areas are thoroughly cleaned. Failure to do so will result
in point deduction from lab exercise for every one in that lab.
3. It is the responsibility of student who arrives late or has scheduled classes which
conflict, to catch up on activities of the lab and gather other needed information
from a lab partner.
4. Every student is required to do his/her own work and will be graded accordingly.
Sharing or copying is considered plagiarism.
5. All students are required to have the following:
a. Name tag—professional-not hand written
b. White lab coat
c. Ceil blue scrubs
d. Safety goggles
e. Sharpie marker and pencil
f. Three ring binder for lab note book
g. **Hemacytometer cover slip and high quality microscope slides. A supply
fee will be collected in order to purchase specific cover slips and microscope
slides. See lab instructor for details.
Any student breaking equipment will be charged an additional fee
accordingly.
VII.
RESOURCES:
Veterinary journals, Vet Tech magazine & Internet
VIII.
GRADING PROCEDURES:
Laboratory skills tests will be given periodically and will count as a regular exam grade.
Missed laboratory tests will not be made up.
A minimum of three 1-hour exams will be given (2 in hematology, 1 in microbiology) each
worth 100 points. There will also be a final exam for each section. Refer to Final Exam
Schedule for date and time. Due to the content of material being covered, the instructor reserves
the right to adjust number of exams. Students with unexcused absences from a scheduled exam
tests will not be allowed to make up the exam. All make-up tests will be in essay form.
Assignments handed in after the scheduled time and date will not be accepted. NO
EXCEPTIONS! That includes forgetfulness, printer problems, hungry dogs, etc.
The final exam will be given as scheduled in the schedule booklet.
Students will be required to create a working laboratory procedure manual. This will include
each procedure learned, necessary supplies, complete and thorough, step by step instructions on
performing the skill, normal values as they pertain to the species and any other supplemental
information that will enable the student to better utilize and understand each technique. See
laboratory instructor for specifics.
Due to the amount of the material, pop quizzes will be given routinely. Students with
unexcused absences will not be allowed to make up quizzes.
Grading Scale:
90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
Below 60 = E
The final grade is determined by weighted average derived from 70% lecture exams and 30%
laboratory.
IX.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Due to the nature and amount of material to be covered--Students are required to attend
class. Three absences will be allowed (excused or unexcused). After the third absence
there will be an automatic deduction of one letter grade for each additional absence.
X.
MSU School of Agriculture Policy on Cell Phone Usage
The School of Agriculture recognizes that in today’s world cell phones are a
familiar and often necessary form of communication for students.
It shall be the policy of the School that no cell phone usage shall be allowed in class
and/or labs without the prior consent of the course instructor. This shall include
verbal calling, incoming calls, email, text messaging, and use of cell phone calculators
on tests and quizzes.
Cell phones must be kept on vibrate and out of sight and use (i.e. secured to a
person’s belt or kept in a bag or purse away from desks and lab counters).
Should a student’s cell phone be visible, ring, or other form of unauthorized usage
that is interruptive to the class or lab, the student may be asked to leave class and not
return for that class/lab period.
Upon prior consent of the instructor, a student may obtain permission to use their
phone in case of an emergency or in critical family situations.
XI.
NOTE: The School of Agriculture Faculty have adopted and implemented an Academic
Honesty Policy in addition to the University Honesty Policy, which can be found in the current
Undergraduate Bulletin and Graduate Bulletin. The policy sets guidelines regarding acts of dishonesty
and the procedure to follow should an event occur. It is each Agriculture student’s responsibility to
obtain and read a copy of this document. The School’s Academic Honesty Policy can be obtained by
asking for a copy from any Agriculture Faculty member or the Secretary.
XII.
TEXT AND REFERENCES:
a. Laboratory Procedures for Animal Health Technicians, 4th edition, Hendrix (required)
b. Hematology Techniques and Concepts for Veterinary Technicians (required)
d. Veterinary Hematology Atlas of Common Domestic Species, Reagan (required)
c. Medical dictionary, resource
XIII.
PREREQUISITES:
AGR 310, AGR 322
XIV.
Instructor Information:
Felecia Jones, M.S., LVT
Office 115A
A. Carman Animal Health Technology Center
College Farm Road
Murray, KY 42071
809-7007-Office
felecia.jones@murraystate.edu
Laboratory Instructors:
Hematology Laboratory:
Barbie Papajeski
Office 115 D
A. Carman Animal Health Technology Center
College Farm Road
Murray, KY 42071
809-7009 Office
809-3062 Campus office
barbie.papajeski@murraystate.edu
Microbiology Laboratory:
Anna Doom
Office 115 E
A. Carman Animal Health Technology Center
College Farm Road
Murray, KY 42071
809-7006 Office
809-3062 Campus office
anna.doom@murraystate.edu
STATEMENT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
Murray State University endorses the intent of all federal and state laws created to prohibit discrimination.
Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability in employment, admissions, or the provision of
services and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services
necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal access to participate in all programs and activities.
For more information, contact Sabrina Y. Dial, Director of Equal Opportunity, Murray State University,
103 Wells Hall, Murray, KY 42071-3318. Telephone: 270-809-3155 (voice), 270-809-3361 (TDD).