Wildlife | Zoological Medicine | One Health Electives
Elective course offerings at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine related to wildlife health, zoological medicine, and One Health
The College of Veterinary Medicine’s Courses of Study for 2025-2026 can be found here.
Comparative Anatomy: Pattern and Function [VTMED 6103]
The goal of this course is to study anatomical variability among amniote (mammals, birds, and reptiles) and anamniote (amphibian and fish) species.
Anatomy and Histology of Fish [VTMED 6120]
This course provides an overview of the diversity of anatomy and histology of fish.
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases [VTMED 6421]
This course introduces the epidemiologic methods used in infectious disease investigations, and discusses the importance of surveillance systems in detecting modern epidemics and in the development of effective disease prevention and control strategies.
Fish Health Management [VTMED 6432]
This lecture and laboratory course provides an overview of the aquatic environment and the important infectious and non-infectious diseases of aquatic animals in commercial aquaculture, aquarium systems, and natural waters.
Veterinary Aspects of Captive Wildlife Management [VTMED 6527]
This course concentrates on principles of captive zoo animal and wildlife management, both clinical and non-clinical. Students are challenged to learn and integrate a variety of disciplines that are essential to managing wildlife successfully in a captive or semi-free-ranging environment.
Avian Biomedicine and Diseases [VTMED 6565]
The course is designed to introduce veterinary students to avian biology, anatomy, physiology and diseases.
Clinical Aspects of Non-Traditional Species [VTMED 6569]
This course provides instruction in the clinical management of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and exotic small mammals for students entering a variety of practice situations including private practice, zoo medicine and wildlife medicine.
Clinical Wildlife, Exotic, and Zoo-Animal Medicine [VTMED 6603]
This course introduces students to primary medical care of non-traditional pet species, zoo animals, and native wildlife.
Conservation Medicine [VTMED 6735]
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of free-ranging and captive wildlife conservation and engages veterinary students in issues of sustainable development relating to wildlife. The course presents information that is fundamental for veterinarians contemplating a career in conservation medicine, wildlife health, or zoological medicine.
One Health: Conservation with Communities [VTMED 6743]
This course integrates life sciences, social sciences, medical sciences, and the humanities to explore the concept of One Health, the idea that the health of the environment, animals and people are all inextricably linked. The course provides a comprehensive framework that will enable students to critically examine their perspectives and expand their view of the world, skills that are essential to a career in interdisciplinary Conservation Medicine.