AG35: Veterinary Science
Instructor:
Mr. Kevin Hicks B.S.
Phone: 480-308-7488
E-mail : klhicks@mpsaz.org
Course web page:
Text:
- Lawhead, J. B. & Baker, M., 2003. Introduction to Veterinary Science
- Warren, D. M., 2002. Small animal care and management: 2nd edition.
- Romich, J.A., 2000. An illustrated guide to veterinary medical terminology
Course Description:
Training in and supervised performance of skills necessary in husbandry and clinical care and
treatment of animals. Occupational hazards and safety in livestock, companion animal, and
laboratory animal facilities. Introduction to medical terminology. Restraint and handling,
feeding, and housing of a variety of species. Physical examination of various species of
animals. Principles of sanitation, disinfections, sterilization, and aseptic technique. Principles
and techniques of medication administration, fluid therapy, and vaccination. Familiarization with
operation of various types of animal care equipment. Introduction to laboratory techniques.
Professional ethics and the human-animal bond. Also, Survey of the total animal industry,
including the basis for genetic improvement, principles of nutrition and reproduction, and
scientific analysis of meat, milk, and egg production. Study of local agricultural production
businesses. Prerequisites: Biology (AG30 or SC49) and AG34 or approval from instructor.
Course Competencies:
AG35
Veterinary Science
1. Explain the classification of animals according to their digestive systems.
2. Identify and list the functions of the major anatomical systems of animals.
3. Define the concepts of nutrition and metabolism, and explain the importance of each in maintaining
animal health.
4. Explain the role of nutrients in the growth and development of animals.
5. Identify the environmental factors that affect animals.
6. Explain the roles of vaccination and disease prevention in maintaining animal health.
7. Identify common animal diseases, and explain the sources through which animals can contract diseases
of various kinds.
8. Explain common patterns of animal behavior.
9. Describe the roles of female and male hormones in animal reproduction.
10. Explain the process by which genes and chromosomes are expressed in animals.
11. Describe how the principle of population genetics apply to production livestock.
12. Describe mating systems commonly used with production livestock to improve the animals.
Attendance:
Attendance will be taken daily and absences may affect your grade.
Evaluation Procedures and Grading:
Unit tests may be given at the end of each unit. There will be a mid-term and final exam. There will also
be quizzes as the teacher sees fit. Points will come from a variety of assignments, labs, and quizzes.
Students will be required to have a Supervised Agricultural Experience program (SAE) and participate in
FFA activities as mandated by the state department of education. These activities will be figured in as
part of the final exam grade.
Each student will be given 100 responsibility points at the beginning of each semester. Students will lose
10 points for various offenses outlined in the class rules. These include but are not limited to coming to
class unprepared, unauthorized talking, lack of note taking, cell phone or i-pod usage, inappropriate
language, tardiness, and horseplay.
The semester grading scale is based on the standard for the Mesa School District and is
as follows:
A=
B=
C=
D=
F=
90%-100%
80%-89%
70%-79%
60%-69%
59% or below
Late Assignments:
Late assignments will only be accepted if approved by the instructor. Make up work can be made up at
lunch, after school, or before school unless other arrangements are made. Late work more than one
week past its due date will lose 50% for each week after that.
Homework:
Students are expected to study content from this course for at least 10 minutes each day and complete
homework assignments in a timely manner. Students are also to conduct a Supervised Agricultural
Experience program, which students are expected to keep accurate records outside of class time.
Materials Needed for this Course:
Students should have the following materials for this course:
- A three-ring binder or folder with paper and a means to store course documents and take notes
- Writing utensils (pencils and pens)
- It is recommended that students store extra clothes, shoes, or boots at the school for days that
labs are done on the land lab with farm animals (so they don’t stink the rest of the day). Student
storage bins are provided.
Disclaimer Statement:
The pace and character of this course may be adjusted to reflect the needs of the class.
Agri-Science Program Semester Final Requirements
SEMESTER 1
I. Classroom (100 points)
 Class written final or portfolio during finals week (100 points)
II. FFA (100 pts)
 Attend/Complete one of the following FFA activities (75 points)
o District or State CDE event
o CDE State Test
o FFA sponsored activity (after school)
o Entertainment book sale (sell 2 books)
o National convention
o After school officer meeting
o Other activity as approved by the advisor
o NOTE: every additional activity will be 5 points E.C. up to 125%
o NOTE: activity (verification required) in other clubs on campus = 10 points E.C.
up to 125%
 Complete FFA Knowledge Portfolio assignment (25 points)
III. SAE (100 points)
 Complete online record book system (100 points)
IV. Responsibility Points (100 points)
 Behavior points given at beginning of semester
______________________________________________________________________
SEMESTER 2
I. Classroom (100 points)
 Class written final or portfolio during finals week (100 points)
II. FFA (100 points)
 Attend/Complete one of the following FFA activities (75 points)
o District or State CDE event
o FFA sponsored activity (after school)
o After school officer meeting
o Raise an animal and show it at county fair
o Other activity as approved by the advisor
o NOTE: every additional activity will be 5 points E.C. up to 125%
o NOTE: activity (verification required) in other clubs on campus = 10 points E.C.
up to 125%
 Complete FFA Knowledge Portfolio assignment (25 points)
III. SAE (100 points)
 Complete a proficiency award application (100 points)
IV. Responsibility Points (100 points)
 Behavior points given at beginning of semester
MESA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CTE – AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
AG35 VETERINARY SCIENCE SCOPE AND
SEQUENCE
SEMESTER I
Unit
Unit Titles & Topics
1
IntroductionSyllabus, Leadership, SAE, FFA, etc.
2
Careers-
Standard(s)
3.0, 4.0, 5.0,
7.0, 8.0, 9.0
1.0, 2.0
Lab(s)
None
None
Resumes, Cover Letters, Career exploration
3
Quality Assurance & EnvironmentCertification
4
Animal Behavior & SafetySafety & sanitation
Handling & restraints, Learning & training, Communication,
Group behavior and order, Grazing & feeding,
Mother/infant, Sexual behavior
5
Anatomy & Physiology of Animals-
10, 15, 19, 20,
22, 23, 27
4.0, 5.0, 10.0,
29
15.1-10, 28.2
Classification of animals by digestive system
Overview of major organ systems: circulatory, respiratory,
nervous, integumentary, muscular, skeletal, endocrine
Medical terminology, excretory
6
Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology-
15.12, 31
Hormones, Anatomy & Physiology, Gestation, Parturition,
and Lactation
7
DiseasesType and classification, Disease agents, Parasites
22.1-4, 28.3.3,
28.3.4
Proper Injections (1
hr)
Withdrawal Time (1
hr)
Sterile Technique (1
hr)
Behavior (1 hr)
Heart Dissection (2
hrs)
Lung Dissection (1
hr)
Eye Dissection (1 hr)
Skin (1 hr)
Chicken Wing (2 hrs)
Urinalysis (1 hr)
Male Dissection (1
hr)
Female Dissection
(1 hr)
A.I. (2 hrs)
Fecal (1 hr)
Gross Smear (1 hr)
SEMESTER II
8
Nutrition-
23
Enzyme (1 hr)
Macromolecule (2
hrs)
ELISA (2 hr)
Dispensing Meds (1
hr)
Physicals/TPR (1 hr)
Quality Yield Grading
(2 hrs)
None
Balanced nutrition, Feeds & feeding, Pricing, BCS scoring,
Pearson’s square
Nutrietns & nutrition, Metabolism, Enzymatic digestion,
Absorption, Nutrient transport
Growth & development, ADG, Rations, Production needs
9
Animal Health-
10
Meat Science
15.11, 15.13,
22.5-7, 28.3.1,
28.3.2, 28.3.5,
28.3.6
28.2.1, 32.4.2
11
Tools & Equipment
28.3.1
12
Sutures & Surgery
22.7, 28.3.1,
28.3.5, 28.3.6
13
Genetics, Selection, Heredity &
Breeding Systems-
11.5
Immunology, Vaccination programs, Medications, Physicals
Gloving & Gowning
(1 hr)
Suturing (4 hrs)
Make-a-Baby Animal
(5 hrs)
Basics of Genetics
Expressions of genes, environmental influences on gene
expression
Heritability and mating systems
14
Managing a Vet Office
4.0, 5.0, 6.0,
27.0
None