MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) PROGRAM OUTLINE

The MSc degree program in the School of Veterinary Medicine provides a unique opportunity to conduct research in developing countries in the tropics. The program is centered upon active and original bench and/or field research, and presentation of a thesis and can be pursued as a standalone MSc degree or as part of a dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Science (DVM/MSc) degree.

The MSc requires completion of 34 graduate credits as prescribed by the program. Under the supervision of an academic advisor and supervisory committee, students prepare a research project proposal. Once approved, an ongoing research experience is conducted throughout the period of enrollment in the degree program. The program culminates with a final comprehensive oral examination and defense of the thesis.

The major selected determines the research area and graduate coursework requirements for the completion of the program.

Course Structure

All students entering the DVM/MSc or MSc program in the SVM must complete a total of 34 graduate course credits. The 34 total credits comprise:

Thesis work (900 level): 22 credits
Core Courses (800 level): 6 credits
Selective Courses (800 level): 6 credits

Total: 34 credits

THESIS: The following 22 credits of 900 level courses have to be completed:

Guidelines for the preparation of a research proposal through to the submission of a thesis, its subsequent examination and eventual binding follow those provided by the School of Graduate Studies (GSP). Students must prepare a research proposal and present an outline of the proposed work to their Supervisory Committee. The proposal must be prepared and presented prior to commencement of field or laboratory work. Students in the DVM/MSc program must complete their MSc thesis and defense prior to leaving Grenada for their Clinical Rotations.

CORE COURSES:  The following 6 credits of Core Courses (800 level) have to be completed by all MSc students irrespective of their major field:

SELECTIVE COURSES: The remaining 6 credits of Selective Courses (800 level) are determined by the selected major.  The student’s Supervisory Committee will select the courses in consultation with the student. The requirements of each 800 level course will be clearly defined in the graduate course descriptions. Stand-alone MSc students, who do not have a DVM or equivalent veterinary degree, may be required to take “up-graded DVM courses” (800 level) as determined by their Supervisory Committee More specific requirements for each of the offered MSc majors can be  found in the individual degree outlines.

DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

The following concentrations are offered as an MSc:

• Anatomical Pathology
  St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine offers a program leading to the dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Science (DVM/MSc) degree in Veterinary Pathology. The MSc in Veterinary Pathology is also open for stand-alone graduate students, who hold a DVM degree or equivalent veterinary degree.There is a real need for more specialists in this field due to the increasing numbers of universities, diagnostic laboratories and research institutions worldwide. So, it has become a necessity to establish a program of a master degree by courses and complementary research as a way of training that keeps pace with the progress of scientific research and meets the requirements of development and the increasing need for qualifying adequate numbers of graduates in this field.The program provides broad theoretical and practical training in veterinary pathology with special emphasis on diagnostic pathology. Thus knowledge and experience will be acquired in various diagnostic techniques and on making proper correlations between gross and histopathological changes with clinical and laboratory findings to reach an appropriate diagnosis. This will qualify the successful candidates to work as specialists in the field of diagnosis of animal diseases as well as in teaching and research pertaining to this field.
• Anatomy
  A dual DVM/MSc or stand-alone (MSc) degree program is offered in Veterinary Anatomy within the Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology Academic Program of the School of Veterinary Medicine. It is designed to broaden and deepen knowledge in anatomy for those students who are already enrolled in the DVM degree program, and who have the potential to combine the requirements for both degrees during the first three years of the DVM degree program or to train veterinarians or other scientists, in the basic aspects of gross anatomical, histological and developmental sciences, with particular emphasis on areas relevant to veterinary anatomy, in order to be able to enter a career in teaching and research and/or to be able to undergo a Ph.D. degree program by building upon the foundation already established at the M.Sc. level, in any of these basic anatomical areas.The broad areas of studies in Veterinary Anatomy include, but are not limited to, aspects of gross anatomy, histology, embryology and developmental biology, cytology, neuroanatomy, comparative and avian anatomy, and histochemistry. The requirements for admission into, and for the successful completion of, the degree program, are as prescribed by the School of Graduate Studies of the St. George’s University.
• Bacteriology
  St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SGU-SVM) is dedicated to providing graduate students the opportunity for in-depth study of bacteria and bacteriology topics of veterinary importance. A program is available leading to the dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Science (DVM/MSc) degree in Bacteriology. The MSc in Bacteriology is also open for stand-alone graduate students, who hold a DVM degree/ BSc in Biological science/ or equivalent degree.Areas of study in Bacteriology include:
  • Study of zoonotic bacteria.
  • Identification of novel bacterial species, environments or relationships.
  • Identification of antimicrobial resistance trends in bacteria.
  • Molecular analysis of bacterial components and pathways.
  • Study of interrelationships between bacteria and environment.
  • Study of host-pathogenic/symbiotic bacteria interrelationships.
  • Clinical, diagnostic and public awareness applications of bacteriological studies.
• Animal Product Processing, Entrepreneurship, and Food Safety (APPES)
• Clinical Pathology
  Clinical pathology is an important branch of veterinary medicine. Better understanding of this subject helps to control the majority of routine and critical medical decisions, and is central to the advancement of scientific research. Considering the importance of clinical pathology in various fields such as clinical practice, referral or diagnostic labs, pharmacology industry and research, the St.George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine offers a program leading to the dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/ Master of science (DVM/MSc) degree in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. The MSc in Veterinary Clinical Pathology is also open for stand-alone graduate students, who hold a DVM or equivalent degree.  This program focuses on basic and advanced levels of information in Clinical Pathology, accompanied by research. This program deals with three major areas :
  • Hematology
  • Biochemistry
  • Diagnostic cytology.
• Marine Medicine
  The veterinary profession is increasingly involved with less-traditional areas of specialization, and marine medicine is one such area. The enhanced demand for fish products from farming (aquaculture), the ever-increasing pressures on the aquatic environment from human populations, and the use of fish as pets and experimental animals have resulted in a need for veterinarians with an awareness of, and an expertise in, diagnosing and controlling aquatic animal disease.
• Parasitology
  Veterinary Parasitology is an integral part of Veterinary Medicine. All of the domestic animal, avian, wildlife and exotic species taught in the DVM program harbor parasites. Many of these parasites are zoonotic and are considered to be of public health significance. The St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine offers a program leading to the dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Science (DVM/MSc) degree in Veterinary Parasitology. The MSc in Veterinary Parasitology is also open for stand-alone graduate students, who hold a DVM degree.The courses will focus on the biology, epidemiology and control of clinically important parasites of domestic, wildlife and exotic species. Emphasis is placed on clinical and diagnostic issues relating to host-parasite interactions and the development of evidence-based parasite control programs.
• Pharmacology
  The DVM/MSc dual degree course  and stand alone MSc degree in Pharmacology offered at St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine provides a wide and solid scientific base in fundamental and applied Pharmacology. This course enables the students to strengthen their future career opportunities in pharmacology or cognate areas.
• Virology
  St. George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine Grenada, West Indies offers a program leading to dual doctor of Veterinary Medicine/ Master of Science (DVM/MSc) degree in Veterinary Virology. The MSc in Veterinary Virology is also open for stand alone graduate students, who hold a DVM degree or equivalent veterinary degree.All of domestic animal, avian, wildlife, exotic species and even plants suffer from viral diseases. Many of the viral diseases are zoonotic ( Influenza, SARS and others) and are of significant public health importance.

  There is a real need for more specialists in Veterinary Virology to serve as useful resource for clinicians, teachers, researchers and those involved in many aspects of comparative medicine.
  The course will focus on fundamental principles of virology through theoretical and practical training in veterinary virology with special emphasis on diagnostic and preventive measures.

• Wildlife Conservation Medicine
  In response to the growing need for veterinarians trained in aspects of wildlife and its conservation, the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine offers a program leading to the dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Science (DVM/MSc) degree in Wildlife Conservation Medicine. Aspects of conservation biology and veterinary medicine are integrated to highlight the interdependency of animal, human and environmental health. Three key areas are addressed: Wildlife conservation and protected area management, Management of free-ranging wildlife including diseases, epidemiology and immobilization, and Management and rehabilitation of captive wildlife.