VTEC 1211: Veterinary Pharmacology
AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM
In this course, students acquire an understanding of the basics of general pharmacology and pharmacology terms. Students examine preventative medicine and the role of a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in animal disease prevention and treatment. Topics include legal regulations, drugs and the body and drug dosages.
Learning outcomes
- Outline legal regulations regarding use of prescriptions and various drug classes.
- Define and describe the terms pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Explain how and where drugs/drug classes work in the body.
- Explain when and how common veterinary drugs are used.
- Proficiently calculate drug dosages for medications as directed by a veterinarian.
- Competently fill prescriptions for animals as directed by veterinarians.
Course topics
Module 1: Laws and Regulations
Module 2: Administering Drugs
Module 3: Pharmacokinetics
Module 4: Nervous System Drugs
Module 5: Anti-inflammatory and Pain-Reducing Drugs
Module 6: Cardiovascular and Respiratory System Drugs
Module 7: Gastrointestinal Drugs
Module 8: Urinary and Endocrine System Drugs
Module 9: Drugs for Skin, Eyes, and Ears
Module 10: Antimicrobial Drugs
Module 11: Antiparasitic Drugs
Module 12: Behaviour Modifying and Antineoplastic Drugs
Required text and materials
The following material is required for this course:
- Romich, J., & Wagner, S. (2021) Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians (3rd ed.). Cengage.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0357361474
Additional requirements
The other resource that students need for this course is the following:
- A computer with Internet access
- A video recording device
- Calculator
Optional materials
- Lake, T., & Green, N. (2023) Essential Calculations for Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Lake and Green (4th ed.) Elsevier.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-7020-8401-0
Additional Resources:
Students may also find the following resource useful for looking up any terms in the course:
- Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual (11th ed.). Merck & Co. ISBN-13: 978-0911910612. (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: Prescription and Controlled Drug Log | 5% |
| Assignment 2: Preparing Medications and Vaccines | 5% |
| Assignment 3: Math Review | 5% |
| Assignment 4: Common Veterinary Drugs | 10% |
| Assignment 5: Client Handout and Patient Discharge | 5% |
| Assignment 6: Case Studies | 5% |
| Assignment 7: Practical Critical Thinking Questions | 5% |
| Quizzes (12 × 1.25%) | 15% |
| Discussions (5 × 1%) | 5% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
