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%