Lecture: 2 hours/week
and
Lab: 3 hours/week
This course may involve lectures, hands-on laboratory tasks, demonstrations, case studies, group work, classroom presentations, flipped classroom, simulations and/or online quizzes.
Introduction to laboratory equipment:
- function, care and maintenance of compound microscope, refractometer and centrifuge
- calibration of instruments
Sample handling:
- sample collection, preparation and analysis
- accurate record keeping
- laboratory requisition forms
Parasitology:
- life cycles of internal and external parasites common in veterinary medicine and their zoonotic potential
- diagnostic techniques, gross and microscopic identification
Hematology:
- function and formation of blood cells
- diseases and abnormalities of blood
- hemostasis
- packed cell volumes and serum protein measurement
- Complete blood counts:
- blood films
- hemacytometer techniques
- red blood cell indices
- differential white blood cell count
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- set up and safely maintain a veterinary hospital laboratory;
- implement quality control methods for a veterinary hospital laboratory;
- use common laboratory equipment, including refractometers and centrifuges;
- use equipment and instrumentation used in parasitology and hematology;
- calibrate and maintain a compound microscope;
- identify the major parasites of small and large animals;
- describe the life cycles, zoonotic potential and control methods for common veterinary parasites;
- perform diagnostic tests routinely used in veterinary parasitology;
- use standard laboratory techniques to collect laboratory samples;
- describe the function, formation and abnormalities of components of blood;
- perform routine testing used in hematology, such as complete blood count;
- prepare samples for submission and complete laboratory submission forms.
Assessment will be in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.
In order to achieve a grade of C (or higher) in the course, students must:
- demonstrate competency (a performance of 60% or higher) in an evaluation of each of the assigned essential skills
- attend a minimum of 80% of the scheduled labs
- achieve a final minimum grade of 60% in each of the lecture and lab components of the course
Evaluation will be based on:
Lab evaluations: 10-30% (no single evaluation worth more than 10%)
Assignments: 10-30% (no single assignment worth more than 20%)
Quizzes: 10-20% (no single quiz worth more than 10%)
Term test(s): 10-20%
Final examination(s): 30-40%
Total: 100%
Consult the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- Sirois, M. (Current Edition). Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. Elsevier.
Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to maintain a minimum grade of a C in all courses in order to progress in the program.
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