CGH Selectives
Selectives
From key concepts to international experiences.
On this page, selectives are divided into core and optional selectives due to the requirements of the Certificate in Global Health. Students enrolled in the certificate program must complete 3 core selectives, 4 optional selectives and a compulsory elective. Students not enrolled in the certificate program may choose any of the selectives listed on this page. |
Core Selectives
The selectives listed below provide a foundation of basic knowledge in global health. For students enrolled in the Certificate in Global Health, these selectives are compulsory.
Selective | Code | Compulsory/Optional |
Global Health Challenges | VMP 991 162 | Compulsory |
Global Health Research Methods | VMP 991 163 | Compulsory |
Globalization, Int Trade and Vets | VMP 991 250 | Compulsory |
Optional Selectives
The selectives listed below explore different topics of global health in greater depth. Students enrolled in the Certificate in Global Health must complete 4 credits (only 1 credit from the ‘blue’ optional selectives can be taken).
Find more details about each selective below.
Core Selectives
Global Health Challenges | VMP 991 162 (1 credit)
This course provides an introduction to global health issues and challenges. It will allow students to develop an understanding of key concepts, tools and frameworks essential for continued study in global health. The focus of this course will be on global disease burden, health determinants and disparities, health policy and actors, and the challenges facing global health. The course will highlight the importance of understanding and addressing global health through multidisciplinary frameworks.
Course currently offered Fall semester week 1.
Global Health Research Methods | VMP 991 163 (1 credit)
This course provides an introduction to the methodological approaches and techniques used in global health research, including quantitative fieldwork, quantitative surveys, experimental designs, intervention trials, and program evaluation. The strengths and weaknesses of each methodology will be explored with students identifying how best to determine the most appropriate method for specific research questions. The course will take a problem-based approach, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of global health research.
Course currently offered Spring semester week 1.
Globalization, International Trade and Vets | VMP 991 250 (1 credit)
Students will be presented with globalization and international trade cases. Discussions and activities will focus on the role of the veterinarian in meeting health and welfare challenges, food security, animal movement/certification, regionalization/compartmentalization and transboundary diseases, and other import/export issues associated with animal agriculture and transformation industries. Students will prepare a presentation for class on a globalization/international trade topic and lead a discussion considering social, professional, and cultural ramifications of public health and public policy decisions.
Course currently offered Fall semester week 2.
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Optional Selectives
Surveillance in Veterinary Medicine | VMP 991 151 (1 credit)
Students will be presented with surveillance cases covering operational and strategic decisions, and animal, laboratory, national and international surveillance programs. Information on risk-based surveillance and its applications to small, large, and wildlife populations, as well as, antibiotic resistance will be discussed. Students will prepare a presentation for class discussion on a surveillance program for a disease or micro-organism of their choice. The selective will include a field trip and presentations from invited local and regional surveillance experts.
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 1
Intro to Research | VMB 991 105 (1 credit)
This one-week selective is aimed at introducing students in the DVM program to research (basic science and clinical) ongoing at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Following an overview/introductory session, students will be divided into small groups (ideally 1-2 students per lab) and assigned to one of several research active laboratories across the CVM. During this week, students will engage in a lab-intensive research project aimed at providing hands-on experience. Students will engage either in research on basic mechanisms of disease, research that directly benefits large and small companion animals and research that impacts food animal medicine. At the end of the week, the selective group will meet to present the work they each completed during this experience. A summary of research projects available will be provided closer to the time of the selective and students offered the chance to indicate any preferences. This selective is required for the Clinician Scientist Focus Area and will fulfill the research requirement for clinical competency skills.
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 1
Special Topics in Toxicology | VMB 991 223 (1 credit)
This course complements the core course in veterinary toxicology and poisonous plants. This course will differ in that the course content will focus on topics that relate to food animal, equine, avian, and wildlife toxicology. This course will present common toxic agents and their mechanisms of action, clinical signs and lesions, diagnosis, and treatment, especially as they relate to domestic and wild animals. The course will also include additional training in poisonous plant identification (laboratory).
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 2
Developmental Toxicology | VMB 991 301 (1 credit)
Exposure of pregnant animals to chemicals and other environmental agents can induce abnormal embryonic development, leading to birth defects. In this course, we will use chemical teratogens in the laboratory to induce abnormal organ formation in live aquatic animal models. Molecular biological assays will then be performed to examine the effects of these chemical treatments on gene expression patterns and the development of organ anatomy in the embryo. This selective will fulfill the research requirement for clinical competency skills.
Course currently offered Fall semester in both Week 1 and Week 2.
Infectious Disease Dynamics | VMP 991 160 (1 credit)
The objective is to learn principles underlying the spread and control of infectious diseases in populations. The course combines case-studies with computational simulations labs that illustrate the principles. We will combine lectures, group learning, and hands-on computer labs. Students interested in infectious diseases, population health, food animals and wildlife are encouraged to take the course.
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 1
Food Animal Residue Avoidance | VMP 992 114 (1 credit)
This course utilizes the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) as a tool for exposing students to the principles of food animal pharmacology relative to controlling drug residues. The course would involve limited formal lectures, review of historic FARAD case studies, answering the FARAD national hot-line and some specifically formulated independent problem solving sessions. Students will also experience hands on drug residue analysis and participate in a drug residue trial in organic dairy cattle.
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 1
Topics in Veterinary Microbiology | VMP 991 144 (1 credit)
This selective is intended to expose students to topics in veterinary microbiology. We will review bacteriology case reports, discuss the importance of biosecurity and infectious disease control, review zoonotic organisms and organisms important to public health, and spend time in the laboratory learning techniques for pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility
determination.
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 1
Global Emerging Infectious Diseases | VMP 991 256 (1 credit)
An increasing number of animal diseases emerge as threats to human health and societal stability. This course summarizes recent clinical incursion of disease in the United States and elsewhere, analyzes reasons that diseases spillover from animals to humans, examines dynamics at the human animal interface which allow emergence, critiques human and animal policies and
response structures and practices risk communication for emerging global threats. Lecture, small group exercise, individual web based modules and field experience are employed for learning. Instructor Permission required.
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 1
Molecular Epidemiology | VMP 991 167 (1 credit)
DVM students will learn about the principles of molecular epidemiology and help them to study diseases in animals and humans. Students will learn about pathogen source tracking, disease investigations, disease surveillance and insights in disease transmission dynamics from an individual to the global level. The selective is pertinent to students interested in veterinary public
health and pursuing a career working for the CDC, FDA or USDA. This course counts toward the clinical competency research requirement.
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 1
Immunodiagnostics | VMP 991 143 (1 credit)
Immunodiagnostics is designed to give veterinary students hands-on experience in performing routine assays used in clinical medicine. This course will examine the principles of diagnostic immunoassays including antigen/antibody reactions, diffusion assays, ELISAs, PCR, and flow cytometry, and enable future clinicians to better interpret and understand results of diagnostic
assays used in daily practice. This course will fulfill the research requirement for clinical competency skills.
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 1
Epi/Public Health Experiential Learning in Spanish | VMP 991 264 (1 credit)
Students will be exposed to concrete experiences at veterinary practices serving the Hispanic/Latino community and small farms owned/managed by Hispanic/Latino or farms where there is a Hispanic/Latino workforce. Students will prepare reflective observations including cultural and language barriers encountered, discuss their experience with classmates, and engage
in veterinary epidemiology and public health consultation under faculty supervision.
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 2
Principles of Vaccination | VMP 991 268 (1 credit)
This course is designed to give the students an overview of the different classes of vaccines and the role of their components in inducing a protective immune response. In addition, we will look at the production process of a vaccine and evaluate the requirements of future vaccines to overcome the reluctance of the population towards vaccination.
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 2
World Travel: Health and Safety | VMC 991 225 (1 credit)
Discussion of resources and approaches to planning and conducting safe travel in underdeveloped countries. Particular emphasis on field projects but with consideration of general travel. Examination of infectious disease risks, preventative measures, packing, customs, passport, visa, evacuation and other insurance, specimen and research permits, and embassy interactions. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the course will be conducted at the NC Zoo. Thursday and Friday will be conducted in Raleigh.
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 2
Vet Med Terminology in Spanish | VMP 991 139 (1 credit)
This selective will mimic an immersion program and will feature a combination of short talks with role-playing and practice drills. Students will prepare a presentation in Spanish for the rest of the group in common veterinary topics. As a group, the students will write a series of factsheets covering different aspects of the veterinary practice. Students are encouraged to review
Spanish grammar before taking the selective and listen to Spanish radio or TV, and check all the Itunes U free available materials in Spanish. This course is open to students who have taken a combination of two years (minimum) of Spanish classes in high school and in college. Students who have learned Spanish while working abroad or who have spoken Spanish at home growing
up, are exempt from the high school or college-level course requirement. Students who have studied other Romance languages (such as Portuguese, Italian, or French), or have lived in countries where other Romance languages are spoken, are recommended to check with the instructor prior to registration if they want to participate in the selective.
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 1
Global Health: Uganda | VMP 991 265 (1 credit)
This international faculty-led selective to Uganda will introduce DVM students to global health issues and challenges. It will allow students to develop an understanding of key concepts, tools and frameworks essential for continued study in global health. This selective will highlight the importance of understanding and addressing global health through multidisciplinary frameworks and collaborations. The selective will involve classroom-based teaching (twinned with Ugandan veterinary students), labs, field visits and group assignments. There will also be engagement with various Ugandan veterinary and health institutions.
https://cvm.ncsu.edu/education/dvm/program/international-programs/uganda-global-health/
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 2
Vet Int Experience | VMP 991 112 (1 credit)
This selective is recommended for veterinary students who are interested in a veterinary experience in an international setting. This extramural experience must be approved and be under the guidance of a supervising veterinarian or CVM faculty member. Requirements: Non-Clinical Extramural Registration form — due one month prior. Student will be required to submit a
placement evaluation report package as detailed by the Course Coordinator within one month after experience.
go.ncsu.edu/CVMInternationalPrograms
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 1
Vet Int Experience | VMP 991 212 (1 credit)
This selective is recommended for veterinary students who are interested in a veterinary experience in an international setting. This extramural experience must be approved and be under the guidance of a supervising veterinarian or CVM faculty member. Requirements: Non-Clinical Extramural Registration form — due one month prior. Student will be required to submit a placement evaluation report package as detailed by the Course Coordinator within one month after experience.
go.ncsu.edu/CVMInternationalPrograms
Course currently offered Fall semester Week 2
Vet Int Experience | VMP 991 312 (2 credit)
This selective is recommended for veterinary students who are interested in a veterinary experience in an international setting. This extramural experience must be approved and be under the guidance of a supervising veterinarian or CVM faculty member. Requirements: Non-Clinical Extramural Registration form — due one month prior. Student will be required to submit a
placement evaluation report package as detailed by the Course Coordinator within one month after experience.
go.ncsu.edu/CVMInternationalPrograms
Course currently offered Fall semester across both Week 1 and Week 2.
Vet Int Experience | VMP 992 112 (1 credit)
This selective is recommended for veterinary students who are interested in a veterinary experience in an international setting. This extramural experience must be approved and be under the guidance of a supervising veterinarian or CVM faculty member. Requirements: Non-Clinical Extramural Registration form — due one month prior. Student will be required to submit a
placement evaluation report package as detailed by the Course Coordinator within one month after experience.
go.ncsu.edu/CVMInternationalPrograms
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 1
Vet Int Experience | VMP 992 212 (1 credit)
This selective is recommended for veterinary students who are interested in a veterinary experience in an international setting. This extramural experience must be approved and be under the guidance of a supervising veterinarian or CVM faculty member. Requirements: Non-Clinical Extramural Registration form — due one month prior. Student will be required to submit a
placement evaluation report package as detailed by the Course Coordinator within one month after experience.
go.ncsu.edu/CVMInternationalPrograms
Course currently offered Spring semester Week 2
Vet Int Experience | VMP 992 312 (2 credit)
This selective is recommended for veterinary students who are interested in a veterinary experience in an international setting. This extramural experience must be approved and be under the guidance of a supervising veterinarian or CVM faculty member. Requirements: Non-Clinical Extramural Registration form — due one month prior. Student will be required to submit a
placement evaluation report package as detailed by the Course Coordinator within one month after experience.
go.ncsu.edu/CVMInternationalPrograms
Course currently offered Spring semester across both Week 1 and Week 2.
OPTIONAL ELECTIVE
One Health: Philosophy to Practice | VMP 986 (2 credits)
This course will introduce a diverse student body to One Health and its implementation across disciplines; facilitate understanding of the interactions linking veterinary medicine, human medicine, and environmental health; and promote cross-campus and cross-discipline interactions. 2-credit interactive seminar with team project. Participants include students and faculty from NC State, UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University, plus non-governmental organizations, private sector members and government professionals. The course is open to professional DVM and NCSU graduate students interested in the science/practice/policies related to animal health, human health and/or environmental health.
https://cvm.ncsu.edu/dvm-students/curriculum/electives-selectives/
Course currently offered Spring semester Tues 5:30 – 7:30 NC Biotech Center, RTP
ZOO MED FOCUS AREA
Due to the requirements of the Zoo Med Focus area, DVM students wishing to complete both the Zoo Med Focus area and the Certificate in Global Health will need to take the optional elective route (VMP 986) instead of pursuing 4 optional selectives.