VPHY 5216 - Fall 2005

Course ID: VPHY 5216
Instructor / Coordinator: Scott Brown
Semester: Fall 2005

Required elements

  • Principal course assignments:

  • The format of the course will employ problem-based learning principles, with students organized in discussion groups responsible for cooperatively resolving case modules. The instructor(s) will serve as a tutor or facilitator (“guide”) rather than a lecturer (“content expert”) by helping direct the student’s path of inquiry. Active participation with utilization of outside resources (e.g., textbooks, journal articles, and university faculty) will be required from all students.

  • Specific course requirements for grading purposes:

  • An examination (50% of final grade) given at the end of the course will focus on understanding the process of applying a mechanistic problem-based approach to clinical disease. The examination will utilize case modules and follow a format similar to that used for cases in class. The remaining 40% of the course grade will be based upon evaluations of a student’s performance completed by the tutor (35%) and fellow discussion group members (15%) at the end of each case.

  • Grading policy:

  • An examination (50% of final grade) given at the end of the course will focus on understanding the process of applying a mechanistic problem-based approach to clinical disease. The examination will utilize case modules and follow a format similar to that used for cases in class. The remaining 40% of the course grade will be based upon evaluations of a student’s performance completed by the tutor (35%) and fellow discussion group members (15%) at the end of each case. If a student wishes to contest scoring on the examination, a written petition explaining the student's position must be submitted within 5 days following the return of graded material to the insturictor along with the student’s original examination. The course coordinator reserves the right to regrade the entire written examination and the examination grade may increase, remain the same, or decrease as a result of this review process. The guidelines for assigning grades will be: Final Grade (%) Letter Grade 90 - 100 A 80 - 89 B 70 - 79 C 60 - 69 D 59 - below F The information in this syllabus is subject to change.

  • Attendance policy:

  • Unexcused absences from the examination will be recorded as a zero. An absence from a group session or examination is excused only after a written request has been approved by both the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the instructor for that session. If an examination occurs during an excused absence, the student is responsible for scheduling a make-up exam with the instructor. Attendance of scheduled classes and deliberation sessions, preparation ahead of meetings, and participation in discussions is required. Each unexcused absence from a group discussion session will result in the deduction of 5% from the final grade. Because this is a group-based endeavor, excused absences to attend outside meetings will not be possible.

  • Required course material, including texts:

  • No specific texts are required. Active participation with utilization of outside resources (e.g., textbooks, journal articles, and university faculty) will be required from all students.

  • Policy for make-up of examinations:

  • If an examination occurs during an excused absence, the student is responsible for scheduling a make-up exam with the instructor.

Course information

  • Prerequisites:

  • None; Course limited to 8 students

  • Objectives:

  • This course will utilize a problem-based approach to the application of physiological, pharmacological, biochemical, medical, and surgical principles to clinical problems. The students will develop the ability to take a mechanistic approach to the understanding of clinical cases.

  • Topical outline:

  • The course will address 3 or 4 cases in a sequential manner.

Students are expected to abide by the academic honesty policies and guidelines outlined in the College of Veterinary Medicine Student Handbook.

  • Details of authorized assistance allowed during examinations:

  • None authorized.

All academic work must meet the standards contained in 'A Culture of Honesty'. Each student is responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work.