Pierce College Ag 401: Orientation to Veterinary Science Section #6538 Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:35 pm Canoga Park High School – Room 12 Instructor: Mrs. Debbie Swarens, RVT, BS Web Page: www.csun.edu/~djs57601 Office Hours: 4:35 – 5:00 pm Wednesdays Office Phone: (818) 719-6443 E-mail: swarendj@piercecollege.edu Course Objectives: At the completion of the course, the students will: 1. Have an understanding of the veterinary profession, including job tasks, the job market, and educational requirements. 2. Have knowledge of medical terminology as it pertains to the veterinary profession. 3. Be able to discuss current topics and issues related to veterinary science. 4. Know about Pierce College and its Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technology programs. Texts: Medical Terminology, A Programmed Text, 9th edition, by Dennerll, et al. (Also recommended: a good medical dictionary such as Stedman’s Medical Dictionary or Dorland’s Medical Dictionary). All handouts needed for the course will be supplied. However, I recommend that you buy the textbook (available at the Pierce College Bookstore). It comes packaged with audiotapes and software that will enhance your learning experience. The textbook is required for AG 402. Course Format: We will be covering six units from the textbook, Medical Terminology, A Programmed Text, 9th Edition, by Dennerll, et al. Quizzes and exams will be based on the six units we cover. In addition to learning medical terminology, we will also be exploring many career options within the field of Veterinary Science. We will have guest speakers come to share their experiences working in the field of Veterinary Medicine. Although this portion of the class will not be tested, you will be expected to participate during the discussions in order to receive credit for those class meetings. As time permits, we will discuss current events that pertain to veterinary science. Attendance to each class meeting is crucial. Please arrive ON TIME and ready to work. The Pierce College attendance policy states, “Any student who has unexcused absences equaling one week’s worth of class time prior to census date may be excluded.” An attendance sheet will be available each class meeting – be sure you sign it or you may be marked “absent.” If you know you are going to miss a class, please contact me (see contact information above) then your absence may be “excused.” Cell phones and pagers should be turned off or, if one is absolutely necessary, put it on vibrate. If you MUST answer your cell phone or pager during class time, please QUIETLY leave the room and QUIETLY return when done. Quizzes will be given at the beginning of the class period so BE ON TIME. Mid-term and Final Exams will be cumulative, i.e. any material covered so far is fair game. Take good notes and get notes from a classmate if you missed a class. Students are responsible for dropping the class themselves at the Admissions and Records Office, by the computerized Student Information System: (http://www.laccd.edu/student_information/sis_logon.asp) or by the STEP telephone system: (818) 988-2222. Failure to properly drop the class by the “Last Day to Drop” (May 2, 2006) will result in a class grade of F. Do not rely on the instructor to drop you. Since this is a “short-term” class, the dates to drop are different from what is listed in the Schedule of Classes: Last Day to Drop With Refund: 02/24/06 Last Day to Drop Without “W”: 03/13/06 Last Day to Drop With “W”: 05/02/06 This is a college-level course. You are expected to conduct yourself as a college student. Please read the “Conduct Code for Students” found in the Schedule of Classes regarding expectations for student academic integrity. Tentative Schedule: Date Medical Terminology Unit; Discussion Topic Feb. 15 Course overview; syllabus Feb. 22 Unit 1 in textbook March 1 Unit 2 in textbook; laws and regulations Unit 1 quiz March 8 Unit 3 in textbook Unit 2 quiz March 15 Midterm Exam Quiz/Exam Exam March 22 Horse Racing Industry March 29 Unit 4 in textbook April 5 Receptionist Video April 12 Spring Break – no class April 19 Guest Speaker – Dr. Shapiro April 26 Guest Speaker – Jeanette Tonnies May 3 Guest Speaker – Dr. Yates May 10 Guest Speaker – Karin Steinhauer May 17 Guest Speaker – Liz White May 24 Final Exam Unit 4 quiz Final Exam Grading: 4 Quizzes 20 points each 80 points 5 Homework 10 points each 50 points 14 Class meetings 5 points each 70 points 1 Mid Term Exam 50 points 50 points 1 Final Exam 50 points 50 points Total points 300 points A = 90 - 100%; B = 80 - 89%; C = 65 - 79%; D = 50 - 64%; F = <50%