Veterinary medicine is challenging, and it’s commonly accepted that comparative gross anatomy courses are among the most time-consuming and detail-oriented parts of the curriculum. A survey conducted by UGA professors found that more than 85 percent of 110 first-year veterinary students surveyed wished they had taken a pre-anatomy course before they entered veterinary school.

These students in their first year found it difficult to keep up with the sheer volume of details and species differences. While many had taken human anatomy courses, there were no pre-veterinary anatomy courses preparing students specifically for veterinary education.

Recognizing this, Dr. Sheba MohanKumar and Dr. P.S. MohanKumar set out to fill the gap. The professors developed an online comparative veterinary anatomy for pre-veterinary students. Their hope was to prepare students for courses in comparative veterinary gross anatomy in vet school – any vet school.

Available for any student enrolling in a veterinary program nationwide, VBDI 4999E “Comparative Veterinary Anatomy for Pre-Veterinary Students” is offered online during the summer semester. The course, the first of its kind, is taught as a 12-week online course consisting of online modules with quizzes, a midterm and final. It is designed to help pre-veterinary students understand the general principles of anatomy and appreciate the anatomical differences in species.

This year, Drs. Sheba and P.S. MohanKumar are adding to their repertoire. The professors plan to offer a pre-endocrine course for pre-veterinary students, VBDI 4998E “Principles of Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology.”

If you are a UGA student, you can register for VBDI 4999E now on Athena anytime before the end of drop/add. If you are a non-UGA who wishes to register for the online course, please visit the UGA Admissions website for information about transient students. Applications for non-UGA students must be submitted by May 1.

More information about VBDI 4998E will be available soon.