Educational Programs
The Department of Veterinary Sciences plays a vital role in helping to develop an appreciation for and an understanding of biomedical research by offering teachers, regional youth and the public a unique avenue to actively participate in the research process.
Our formal education programs provide opportunities for individuals to dramatically increase their content knowledge in the sciences; access to scientists, veterinarians and other career role models in the sciences to both educators and students; practical hands-on student activities that coordinate with national science standards and curricular frameworks; and professional development for employees.
Additional programs dedicated to promoting scientific literacy in the basic and applied research areas are being developed by the staff and scientists. General information found below on our current programs is outlined according to the target audience.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Behavioral Science Internship Program
Internships of varying lengths are formalized with various academic institutions to provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to assist with on-site primate behavioral research.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Graduate training leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree is available for students in the Department of Veterinary Sciences (DVS) through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Basic research faculty are available for training graduate students, and the department offers a unique learning environment for research on a large variety of primate species, including chimpanzees, rhesus monkeys, squirrel monkeys and owl monkeys.
Veterinary School Lab Animal Resident Program
The department is affiliated with Texas A&M University Veterinary School’s Laboratory Animal Medicine resident program. Students rotate through the Center for a unique experience working with four species of primates, large animals and rodents, within an active research environment. Faculty also serve as mentors to non-senior veterinary students who rotate through on a short term basis.
Secondary School Programs
Student Internship Program
In the interest of providing local area high school seniors an opportunity to develop work skills, explore careers and receive mentorship from scientists, a non- paid educational internship experience is available on a competitive basis. Students work at the DVS in one of three areas (behavioral studies, veterinary services, laboratory services and business administration) for one to two semesters (minimum of nine hours per week). Articulation agreements with the college or university that the student plans to attend are possible.
Animal Biomedical Science Course
The DVS is an industry partner in Elgin High School's Animal Biomedical Science Course, a nationwide model. In this partnership, our faculty and staff participate in teaching students about biomedical science and careers by giving lectures, mentoring students in job shadow opportunities and providing facility tours and activities.
Biotechnology Course
The DVS has a program formalized with Bastrop and Elgin High Schools whereby the faculty and staff lecture, mentor and provide facility tours and activities to students in a model biotechnology course.
Outreach Programs
Primate Training and Enrichment Workshop
A four-day program developed at the DVS for professionals working with primates is taught at the DVS twice a year. The workshop includes lectures, demonstrations and skill-building lessons.
Learn more about the workshop and download applications:
Primate Training and Enrichment Workshop
DVS Community Open House
The DVS provides an opportunity for the local community and students to tour the facility and interface with faculty scientists and staff at our annual Open House.
Volunteer Program
A volunteer program offering opportunities to participate in the environmental enhancement of primates or assist with clerical, library and laboratory duties is available. A minimum six-month commitment is required.
Employee Education Programs
AALAS Certification
In the interest of improving animal care personnel's job knowledge, potential for regular promotion and career development, DVS offers the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification training programs. Certification is required for animal caregivers at the Animal Technician I level and above.
Guest Lecturers and Seminars in the DVS Continuing Education Series
Guest lecturers are invited to address various topics of interest. Professional and/or technical personnel visiting our facilities are often requested to make a presentation to our personnel on their particular animal resources or research area.
DVS Visiting Scientists Lecture Series
In this program a limited number of nationally known scientists are invited to visit our facility and present a special seminar on their area of expertise for our personnel and invited guests.
Journal Club
Faculty, students and research staff participate in a journal club to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of basic biomedical research.
Animal Care and Use Training
All personnel working with animals are required to complete the approved training program of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Continuing Education Program
A continuing education program open to all employees and invited guests includes topics on safety, special interest, supervisor and computer training. On-line educational programs are available through the M. D. Anderson intranet.