2021 - 2022 College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021 - 2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

VETS 347 - Study Abroad South Africa


Credit Hours: 4
Lecture Hours: 1
Laboratory Hours: 9

Prerequisite(s): UNIV 305  

Restriction(s): Instructor permission is required

Corequisite(s): None

This 4 credit hour lab experience will be held during 3 weeks in various locations around South Africa. The program travels through different parts of South Africa, exploring the unique wildlife management principles applied towards a sustainable future for both man and nature. Concerned institutions, individuals and the diverse local tribes form an integral part in conservation to ensure the survival of the species diversity on the African continent. Currently a 22 day study program is presented in partnership with EcoLife Expeditions, SA. The Vets-in-the-Wild program is structured around personal hands-on experiences by participants and supporting lectures by various experts in their respective fields of discipline. Facilities and institutions visited include national and provincial parks, private other nature reserves, veterinary services, wildlife rehabilitation facilities and academic institutions and relevant Non-Governmental Organizations. Major components of the Program are comparison of wildlife conservation facilities and efforts, comparative clinical pathology, wildlife anesthesia and immobilization.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:
  1. Understand the unique concepts of wildlife management in southern Africa through application of ecologically sustainable principles.
  2. Understand the role which humans play in conservation, as a result of reaping the benefits of their input and protection of nature and tapping in on the tourism industry.
  3. Become knowledgeable of the huge pressures on the natural environment by both humans and wildlife through population dynamics and industry.
  4. Acquire hands-on knowledge of the natural surroundings, animal behavior, signs of the wild and survival skills in harsh environments of southern Africa.
  5. Understand the effects of diseases in free roaming wildlife and how to monitor these and prevent the spread by using ecological principles and fences.
  6. Be able to assist in the capture of wildlife by understanding the pharmacological functioning of a variety of capture drugs and tranquilizers.
  7. Know how to handle and care for various wild animals in a captive, quarantine and or rehabilitation facility.
  8. Develop skills working with community owned animals to help provide routine veterinary health care.