Course Descriptions - Prefixes Q-Z

SOCI1001 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr.
This course explores the scientific dimensions of the sociological enterprise. Students are introduced to orienting concepts like culture, socialization and role; the constructed nature of human meaning systems; and theory building in sociology.

SOCI2001 Criminology 3 cr.
Crime and the law are examined from diverse theoretical perspectives. Students use computer applications to interpret national crime statistics and the results of self-report and victim surveys. Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001.

SOCI2400 Social Problems 3 cr.
This course will provide students with insight into social problems by examining specific social problems from both a sociological/adult view and from a child’s perspective. Issues to be covered include, but are not limited to, gender identity and socialization, violence in society, media influences, substance abuse, and family-related problems such as child abuse and neglect, and family violence. Special emphasis will be given to the current legal and socioeconomic trends that affect both adults and the education of young children, including anti-bias curriculum issues, the changing family, and political influences. Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001.

SOCI3001 Individual and Society 3 cr.
American society is studied for its impact on the formation of individual biographies. Relationships among modernization, culture, identity and personality are examined in detail. All topics are grounded in theories depicting the interplay of structure and action in everyday life. Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001.

SOCI3100 Juvenile Delinquency 3 cr.
This course investigates the history and causes of American delinquency. Special consideration is given to cultural definitions of the child, their historical transformation and their impact on the criminal justice system. Theories of delinquency are examined in detail. Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001.

SOCI3200 Deviance and Social Control 3 cr.
This course examines the forms and causes of individual, professional and organizational deviance. The role of society in the definition and management of misconduct is evaluated. Examples of deviant activities that may be considered include suicide, mental illness, alcoholism, cults, white-collar crime and political corruption. Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001.

SOCI4001 Data Analysis 3 cr.
The fundamentals of quantitative analysis are introduced in a computer environment. Analytical procedures are presented as tools for exploration and discovery and as tools for the verification of research hypotheses. The course provides experience in the use of database, spreadsheet and statistical programs. Problems for analysis are found in both institutional and social research settings. Prerequisites: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001, and MATH2200.

SPAN1001 Conversational Spanish I 3 cr.
The course is designed to develop the student’s knowledge of the four foundational skills of a foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Course methodology is based on audio-lingual approach, using guided conversation and oral and written dialogues to introduce grammatical structures. Oral and written drills, individual oral assignments, impromptu discussions and readings serve to reinforce learned materials. Emphasis is on enhancing the student’s conversational ability. Course content covers a variety of topics, culturally enriching, practical and flexible to the needs of the student.

SPAN1002 Conversational Spanish II 3 cr.
This course is designed to further develop the student’s ability to speak and understand Spanish. Conversation is stressed. Readings are used as further basis of conversation and grammar review. Prerequisite: SPAN1001.

SPMG2302 Introduction to Sports Management 3 cr.
This course is designed to give students basic skills to develop and implement an employee health/fitness program. Emphasis is placed on facility development management, programming and leadership procedures.

SPMG3700 Sports Management Seminar 3 cr.
This course is intended to provide the student with the knowledge and understanding of the operations of various public and private sports facilities. This includes both the business and the athletic/recreational aspects of the organizations. Included are many speakers from various sports organizations, field trips and individual student projects connected to selected facilities in the area.

SPMG4100 Sports Facility Management 3 cr.
This course deals with the business side of sports programs and facility marketing and management. It addresses the issues of facility type, location, scheduling, construction and maintenance, as well as the management and conduct of recreation programs for nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, and profit-making enterprises like health/fitness centers, country clubs/resorts and sport retail operations.

SPMG4200 Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports 3 cr.
This course will provide the sports professional with an understanding of the legal system as a whole and the unique legal problems and responsibilities faced in managing a sports activity. The sports professional will be educated to identify potential legal liability and to avoid unnecessary legal risks. Prerequisite: LGLS2205.

SPMG4900 Practicum in Sports Management 3 cr.
This is a 150-hour supervised field experience under the direct guidance of a qualified professional manager. Assignments are made with a member of the department faculty. This offers students an opportunity to gain substantial practical experience within their major.

VTSC1101 Clinical Veterinary Experience I 4 cr.
Lecture and laboratory introduce the role of the veterinary technician. Medical terminology, principles of animal behavior, basic nursing care, client communication, medical record keeping and career choices are discussed in lecture. Laboratories include animal restraint and handling, nursing skills, physical exams and clinical rotations through the Becker Veterinary Clinic. Students are responsible for completing a kennel duty rotation. Students are required to have a lab coat, name tag, and stethoscope. These may be purchased through the College at a reduced cost or students may provide their own, approved by the course director. Open only to Veterinary Technology and Science and Pre-Vet students. A grade of C (73%) or better is required in both lecture and lab for graduation from the Veterinary Technology and Science programs. Prerequisite OR corequisite: BIOL 1005

VTSC1102 Clinical Veterinary Experience II 4 cr.
This course consists of both lecture and laboratory components which focus, in greater detail, on the aspects of veterinary nursing which were introduced in VTSC1101. These nursing aspects include more advanced techniques such as venipuncture, intravenous catheterization, bandaging, and introduction to electrocardiography. It also encompasses a clinical symptoms approach to common diseases, poisonings and emergency medicine. Students are required to participate in clinical work consisting of rotations through the Becker Veterinary Clinic, laboratory techniques review, and kennel duty. Prerequisite: C (73%) or better in VTSC1101 and BIOL 1005; prerequisite OR corequisite: BIOL 1006. A grade of C or better is required in both the lecture and laboratory portion for graduation from the Veterinary Technology and Science Programs.

VTSC1200 Veterinary Pharmacology 2 cr.
A study of commonly used drugs in veterinary medicine and their practical application for the veterinary technician. Emphasis on classification of drugs, their uses and side effects; weights and measures; drug dosage calculations; the handling, labeling and dispensing of medications; and pharmacy inventory and maintenance. This course requires a strong background in algebra, the metric system, and an understanding of word problems. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101, BIOL1005, CHEM1001, and MATH1200 or MATF1002 with concurrent enrollment in MATH1200. A grade of C or better is required for graduation from the Veterinary Technology and Science Programs.

VTSC2000 Laboratory Animal Science 2 cr.
This course introduces the student to the laboratory animal research environment and to the selection, care, and use of laboratory animals. Topics include restraint, identification, husbandry, breeding, nutrition, behavior, and anatomy and physiology of small animal laboratory species. The course also surveys common disease, breeding, housing, governmental regulations, sentinel programs, equipment and research ethics in biomedical research. Laboratories will include animal restraint, physical examination, gavage, injection and sampling techniques, radiology, parasitology, anesthesia, and necropsy as applied to laboratory animals. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in VTSC1101/1102/1200, BIOL1005/1006, and CHEM1001/1002. Usually offered in the spring. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2001 Veterinary Radiology 2 cr.
Lectures explore the theory and principles of radiology and radiation safety. Laboratories train students in the basic skills of radiology including operating the x-ray machine, manual and automatic film processing, animal restraint and positioning, and special diagnostic techniques. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in VTSC1101/1102/1200, BIOL1005/1006 and CHEM1001/1002 or by permission on instructor. A grade of C or better is required for graduation from the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2101 Veterinary Hematology 3 cr.
The two hours of lecture covers the theory behind laboratory work involved with hematology and clinical chemistry. The 2 hour laboratory provides the hands-on experience in doing clinical laboratory examinations on blood and body fluids. Open to sophomore Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Science students. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101/1102/1200, BIOL1005/1006, CHEM1001/1002. The student must pass both the lecture and the laboratory sections with a C or better to complete the course with a minimum grade of C, which is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2102 Clinical Pathology 3 cr.
The two hours of lecture will present the theory behind clinical urinalysis, parasitology and cytology of domestic and non-domestic species. The two hour laboratory provides clinical experience in urinalysis, cytological examinations and the various methods used to detect parasites. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101/1102 and 1200, BIOL1005/1006 and CHEM1001/1002. The student must pass both the lecture and the laboratory sections with a C or better to complete the course with a minimum grade of C, which is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2201 Farm Animal Practice 2 cr.
The student is introduced to five common domestic large animal species. Emphasis is placed on anatomy, restraint, physical examination, nursing care, diagnostic techniques, reproduction and common diseases. Open only to sophomore Veterinary Technology and Science students. Offered only in the fall. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101/1102/1200, BIOL1005/1006 and CHEM1001/1002. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2500 Veterinary Anesthesia & Surgery 4 cr.
The two hours of lecture topics include principles of patient evaluation, anesthetic drugs, equipment management, instrumentation, anesthetic pollution safety, surgical nursing, dental diseases, overview of common surgical procedures and anesthetic emergencies. The laboratory consists of 4 hours and emphasizes practical aspects of aseptic technique, patient monitoring, surgical instrumentation, preparation for surgical procedures and dental prophylaxis. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101/1102/1200, BIOL1005/1006 and CHEM1001/1002 or by permission of the instructor. The student must pass both the lecture and the laboratory sections with a C or better to complete the course with a minimum grade of C, which is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2900 Career Internship 2 cr.
Offers clinical experience in animal care, medication and treatment of veterinary patients and exposure to diagnostic techniques, technical laboratory skills and record keeping used in veterinary practice. Students perform their externships between the freshman and sophomore years or during intersession for a minimum of 200 hours. Students must have acquired a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in order to participate in internships. Transportation and locating an appropriate externship site are the sole responsibility of the student. The externship site must be pre-approved by the course coordinator prior to the end of the semester preceding the internship. Also, during the semester, students participate in a seminar class.   Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101/1102, VTSC1200 , BIOL1005/1006 and CHEM1001/1002. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2902 Practical Experience I  1 cr.
As part of the second year of the Veterinary Technology curriculum students participate in both exam room sessions in the Lenfest Animal Health Center and in field trips, accompanied by faculty and staff to nearby animal shelters and humane societies.  The intent and purpose is for students to practice skills learned in VTSC1101, VTSC1102 and on the internship.  A minimum number of sessions will be required of all students, and will be scheduled by staff to fit the students' class schedules and availability of facilities.  Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101/1102, VTSC1200, BIOL1005/1006, CHEM1001/1002. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC2904 Practical Experience II  1 cr.
This course is a continuation of the experiences in VTSC2902.  Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1101/1102, VTSC1200, BIOL1005/1006, CHEM1001/1002. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

VTSC30UG Special Topics Course 3 cr.
Courses offered under the designation Special Topics may represent emerging issues or specialized content not represented in the curriculum.  Each special topics course has a course description which is archived at http://www.becker.edu/pages/1193/.asp.  Student may take course multiple times to earn credit for a different topic.

VTSC3100 Laboratory Animal Management 3 cr.
Introduces scientific and technical information about organizations, associations and regulations that apply to animal laboratory care in a research facility. Specifically details the responsibilities of AALAS, AAALC, FDA, NABR, etc. and defines all standards that must be followed in the organized field of laboratory animal science. Managerial skills and responsibilities needed to oversee the functioning of research institutions are covered in detail. Prerequisite: ANSC 2000 or VTSC2000. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program.

VTSC3200 Clinical Animal Behavior 3 cr.
This course takes an in-depth look at animal behavior in a variety of species in subject areas such as communications, social structure, biological rhythms, sexual and maternal behavior, development, learning, training, aggression, enrichment and abnormal behavior as it relates to drugs, pain, medical problems, environmental issues and stress. A variety of evaluation methods will be covered as well. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC1200, VTSC2201, and VTSC2000.  VTSC 2000 may be taken concurrently.

VTSC3400 Immunology 3 cr.
This course surveys the basic principles of immunology and some basic epidemiological principles. Principles of maintaining animal health, selected zoonotic diseases, and public health concerns are also covered in this course. Regulatory medicine and disease eradication/control programs are explored through the Internet. The course instructor assumes the student has prior knowledge of basic cell biology, hematology, parasitology, and microbiology. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC2101/2102 and BIOL2502.  A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program.

VTSC3401 Pathophysiology of Disease 3 cr.
Presented in an organ system format, this course provides a comparative approach to animal health and disease of the major domestic animal species. Eight major systems will be explored (integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurosensory, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal and reproductive). The anatomy and physiology shared by all animals is reviewed with the comparative differences emphasized. Clinical signs of organ dysfunction, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests and treatment/prevention strategies are discussed using examples of selected important diseases. The course instructor assumes that the student has prior knowledge of basic physiological principles, common diagnostic procedures, and common therapeutic practices in veterinary medicine. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC2000/2101/2102/2201. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program. Offered in the fall only.

VTSC3402 Advanced Veterinary Nursing Techniques 3 cr.
This course is designed to give the veterinary science student interested in clinical medicine a more advanced understanding of diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures. Selected topics such as various intravenous catheterization techniques, CPR, oncology therapeutics, physical therapy, fluid therapy, and advanced diagnostic imaging will be discussed. The laboratory is designed to give the student a ‘hands-on’ approach to these techniques. The course instructor assumes that the student has prior knowledge of basic physiological principles, common diagnostic procedures and common therapeutic practices in veterinary medicine. Prerequisites:  C or better in VTSC2000/2001/2101/2102/2201/2500. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program. Usually offered in the spring.

VTSC3405 Pain Medicine 2 cr.
This short course in pain medicine, offered as an elective to Veterinary Science majors, covers the following topics about pain: physiology, assessment, ethical and societal issues, farm animal issues, drug treatments, non-pharmacological treatments, alternative treatments (physical therapy/acupuncture). The veterinary technician will learn skills that will enhance his/her ability to recognize pain and to advocate for the patients. Prerequisites: VTSC1200/2500 or by permission of Instructor. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program.

VTSC3600 Clinical Veterinary Nutrition 3 cr.
This course covers nutrients and their function in the health of the domestic, lab, and exotic species of animals. The first half of the semester provides the backbone for the second half by discussing nutrients, feeds and rations, and commercial diets of healthy animals. The second half of the semester deals with the role nutrition plays in certain diseases of dogs and cats. Different feeding modalities will also be covered in the second half of the semester. Prerequisites: C or better in CHEM3003. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program. Usually offered in the fall.

VTSC3701 Equine Biomechanics and Conformation - See EQST3701 Equine Biomechanics and Conformation

VTSC4102 Laboratory Animal Diseases 3 cr.
Introduces the more common diseases, clinical signs, diagnostic tests, recommended treatments and possible prevention of these diseases in a laboratory research facility. Also describes zoonotic and public health concerns regarding these diseases as well as the potential problems these illnesses cause in a research study being conducted. Students will acknowledge these problems and make practical educated decisions to benefit all those involved, both researchers and laboratory animals. Prerequisites: BIOL3001, VTSC3100, PHIL3200, VTSC3401 or by permission of the instructor. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program.

VTSC4201 Equine Pathology and Diseases 3 cr. - See EQST4201 Equine Pathology and Diseases

VTSC4401 Companion Animal Diseases 3 cr.

This course introduces the more common diseases, clinical signs, diagnostic tests, recommended treatments, and prevention strategies. The companion animal species covered in this course include dog, cat, horse, pig, bird, reptile and ruminant. Prerequisites: C or better in VTSC3401. A grade of C or better is required for graduation from the Veterinary Science program.

VTSC4500 Senior Seminar 2 cr.
This senior capstone course is designed to provide a weekly seminar series presented by the students. The seminars are presented in an informal setting to permit free exchange between the students and the presenters. A wide range of topics are discussed to introduce the student to career opportunities and activities in various fields of medicine and research. The student is expected to do journal research and write and present reports based on their findings. Students may be required to participate in the yearly Vet Tech continuing education seminar. A case study with references is also required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: VTSC4900/4901 or 4902. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program.

VTSC4900 Preceptorship Module I - 3 cr.
This is the first part of the basic clinical experience requirement for all veterinary science students. Module 1 consists of 400 hours which must be performed in two or more Clinical, Zoo, Wildlife, Research, On Campus or other preceptorship sites approved by the Outreach Program Liaison, with a minimum of 100 hours at each site. The student can begin these hours following completion of all 2000 level Veterinary Science courses and should register for the course in the semester in which they expect to complete the required hours. All 400 hours of Module I must be completed prior to beginning the Module II Preceptorship. Prerequisite: C or better in VTSC 2000, 2001, 2101, 2102, 2201, 2500, 2900. A grade of C or better is required for graduation.

VTSC4901 Preceptorship Module II a - 3 cr.
Module II of the preceptorship is a structured program that provides students with career-related experiences and education under direct supervision at approved preceptorship sites. Students may choose one of 3 options for a total of 3, 6, or 9 credits. The minimum for Module 2 is 200 hrs, representing the 3 credits of VTSC 4901.  The preceptorship may be completed in one semester or spread across multiple semesters. Students should register for the module in the semester in which they expect to complete the required hours. The final Module II Preceptorship hours are meant to be taken concurrently with the capstone course VTSC 4500 Senior Seminar. These hours may be completed at any of the above and previously described Clinical/Zoo/Wildlife/ Research or other approved sites. Prerequisite or corequisite: VTSC 4900. A grade of C or better is required for graduation.

VTSC4902 Preceptorship Module II b - 3 cr.
An additional 200 hrs preceptorship, combined with VTSC 4901 for a total of 400 module 2 hours. Prerequisite or corequisite: VTSC 4901. A grade of C or better is required for graduation. 

VTSC4903 Preceptorship Module II c - 3 cr.
An additional 200 hrs preceptorship, combined with VTSC 4901 and 4902 for a total of 600 module 2 hours. Prerequisite or corequisite: VTSC 4902. A grade of C or better is required for graduation.