Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences

Department website: http://vetmed.tamu.edu/vibs/

Interim Head: Christine M Budke

The Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (VIBS) has a mission to educate the next generation of veterinarians and biomedical scientists and to conduct novel biomedically-oriented research that is integrative in scope, approach and methodology. VIBS training programs deliver quality learning experiences for undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary medical professional students, preparing them for contributions to society through professional service, scientific inquiry, communication in scholarly journals, and robust educational outreach programs developed within the department and in partnership with outside agencies and organizations. State-of-the-art research is conducted across a variety of interactive focus areas, each of which brings the expertise of multiple disciplines to bear on complex issues of societal importance and maximizes each student’s and investigator’s potential for interdisciplinary synergy. The department is comprised of faculty with specialties in anatomy, epidemiology/public health, genetics/genomics, neuroscience, reproductive biology, and Science and Technology Journalism (STJR). Many of the department faculty participate in University-wide training programs in Neuroscience, Reproductive Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

VIBS 102 Scientific Notations on Neuroscience Overview

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Survey of neuroscience on the basic neuroscience core ideas and neurological disorders; includes in-class scientific writing practice. Prerequisite: NRSC-TPC majors only; concurrent enrollment in VIBS 101 or NRSC 101.

VIBS 111 Biodefense, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Concepts presented in all aspects of bioterrorism, local state and federal agencies, definition of all levels of bioagents, detection methods, bioagent dissemination, genetic modification of bioagents, vaccination strategies, health system preparedness. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification; or approval of instructor.

VIBS 201/NRSC 201 History of Neuroscience

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Wide spectrum of neuroscience discovery beginning at the turn of the 20th Century; emphasis on key discoveries and their rationale, experimental design, experimental methods, major findings and interpretation of results. Prerequisites: Sophomore classification. Cross Listing: NRSC 201/VIBS 201.

VIBS 204 Fundamentals of Food Toxicology and Safety

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Toxicity and safety of various foods and food additives, ingredients and contaminants; occurrence, control and prevention of food transmitted diseases. Prerequisite: Sophomore classification and CHEM 101.

VIBS 210 Twenty-first Century Global One Health

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. In depth presentation of concepts of surveillance, epidemiology and resistance, tropical medicine and One Health, climate change and One Health, conservation medicine and One Health and protection science policy and One Health. Prerequisites: BIMS 110, VIBS 111, or equivalent; freshman or sophomore classification.

VIBS 211 Twenty-first Century Biological Threats

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. In depth presentation of different forms of bioterrorism, agroterrorism, sociological perspectives, surveillance, dual use research, advanced vaccine development, global health security and career opportunities. Prerequisites: BIMS 101; BIMS 110, VIBS 111, or equivalent; freshman or sophomore classification.

VIBS 222 Great Poisonings of the World

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Exploration of the effect of intentional and accidental man-made and natural poisonings on humans and the environment and their impact on public policy. Prerequisite: Freshman or sophomore classification.

VIBS 243 Introductory Mammalian Histology

Credits 2. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours. Biological aspects of the human body by integrating histology and anatomy and physiology; emphasis on the transition of cell and tissue organization to organ systems that comprise mammalian organisms; builds upon concepts introduced in lower-level biology and builds a foundation to succeed in upper-level histology, anatomy and physiology.

VIBS 277 Essential Neuroscience - From Molecules to Nervous Systems

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Neuroscience from the molecular to system levels; fundamental principles and knowledge of neuroscience; current research information on neuroscience. Prerequisites: Sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

VIBS 285 Directed Studies

Credits 0 to 4. 0 to 4 Other Hours. Directed studies in specific problem areas of veterinary anatomy and public health. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of department head.

VIBS 289 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 4 Lab Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of veterinary anatomy or topics not covered in other courses. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

VIBS 305 Biomedical Anatomy

Credits 4. 2 Lecture Hours. 4 Lab Hours. Comprehensive mammalian gross anatomy, using the dog and goat as model species; and introducing horse, cat, and ox structures where appropriate; includes laboratory dissection, prepared specimen examination, anatomical nomenclature, and the application of anatomy to clinical situations; general basic physiology will be presented to relate structure to function. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in BIOL 112 and CHEM 228; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

VIBS 310 Biomedical Writing

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Mechanisms by which knowledge is shared among researchers, clinicians and other science professionals, then disseminated to the general public; an assortment of written assignments to develop writing skills specific for communicating scientific concepts to a variety of audiences. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIOL 112, CHEM 228, PHYS 202 and MATH 142 or 151; junior or senior classification.

VIBS 311 Biomedical Explorations through Narrative

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. Familiarization with the writing style required for biomedical and health science; instruction in writing styles and appropriate techniques to increase and strengthen writing abilities. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BIOL 112, CHEM 228, PHYS 202 and MATH 142 or 151; junior or senior classification.

VIBS 343 Histology

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Normal tissues of vertebrates including histogenesis of some; histogenesis and organography of mammalian tissues. Prerequisites: BIOL 112; CHEM 228; junior or senior classification; BIMS major with a minimum overall 2.5 Texas A&M GPA.

VIBS 401/NRSC 401 Developmental Neurotoxicology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Effects of exposure to toxic substances on the developing nervous system; content to include mechanisms of toxicity of substances potentially devastating to the developing nervous system including lead, mercury and other heavy metals, alcohol, nicotine (smoking), pesticides, flame retardants, and others. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CHEM 258 or CHEM 228; junior or senior classification; VIBS 277 or NRSC 277 recommended. Cross Listing: NRSC 401/VIBS 401.

VIBS 402/BIMS 402 Anatomy

Credits 4. 2 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours. Clinical and functional anatomy focused on pre-professional training; includes anatomy of all major body systems. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in BIOL 112 and CHEM 258; junior or senior classification; minimum GPA 2.75; or approval on instructor. Cross Listing: BIMS 402/VIBS 402.

VIBS 407/NRSC 407 Core Ideas in Neuroscience

Credits 2. 2 Lecture Hours. General overview of selected core ideas across the full spectrum of neuroscience. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; background in science courses recommended. Cross Listing: NRSC 407/VIBS 407.

VIBS 408 Neuroscience and Religion

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Emphasis on the biology of the human mind in the context of religious implications. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; concurrent enrollment in NRSC 407/VIBS 407 or VIBS 407/NRSC 407.

VIBS 411 Tumor Cell Biology and Carcinogenesis

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Principles of tumor biology; role of gene-environment interactions; molecular mechanisms regulating cancer initiation and progression; therapeutic treatment of cancer. Prerequisites: BIMS 320/GENE 320 or equivalent; junior or senior classification.

VIBS 413 Introduction to Epidemiology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Study and measurement of disease and health in populations; examples from literature and current events; emphasizes concepts and appreciation for epidemiologic approaches and applications in life. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

VIBS 420 Computer Applications in Public Health Research

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Introduction to the use of computers for public health research applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data base management and telecommunications. Prerequisites: Senior classification or approval of instructor; BIMS major with a minimum overall 2.5 Texas A&M GPA.

VIBS 422 Endocrine Toxicology

Credits 4. 4 Lecture Hours. Impacts of endocrine toxicology on endocrine system; prevalence, environmental and occupational use and disposal of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); structure, toxicokinetics and mechanism of action of EDCs; effects of EDCs on the development and function, disorders and diseases of the endocrine and reproductive organs. Prerequisites: Senior classification; approval of instructor.

VIBS 424/VTPP 424 Biomedical Neuroendocrinology and Endocrine Disorders

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Neuroendocrine (hypothalamus-pituitary) control of puberty, menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, labor, lactation, female reproductive cycles, male reproductive functions, thyroid and parathyroid, adrenal and kidney, diabetes, obesity, sleep, memory, learning and aging and their endocrine disorders; overview on biosynthesis, transport and signaling of peptide and neuropeptide hormones, steroids and prostaglandins. Prerequisites: Honors, junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: VTPP 424/VIBS 424.

VIBS 426/ENTO 426 Methods in Vector-Borne Disease Ecology

Credits 3. 1 Lecture Hour. 5 Lab Hours. Methodological understanding of how vector-borne diseases are studied in the field and laboratory; hands-on exploration of the ecology disease systems in a one health framework; concepts of design, execution and presentation of research projects; outdoor field work and bio-safety level 2 laboratory. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor. Cross Listing: ENTO 426/VIBS 426.

VIBS 443 Biology of Mammalian Cells and Tissues

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours. Molecular phenomena placed in context with tissues, organs and organ systems; cell and tissue structures visualized by light microscopy and electron micrographs for functional relationships; clinical correlations reveal relevance of histology in specific disease states; conceptual thinking exercises facilitate problem solving skills. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification in life sciences and interest in health related careers.

VIBS 445 Learning and Applying Peer Teaching Principles in Biomedical Anatomy

Credits 3. 2 Lecture Hours. 4 Lab Hours. Application of peer teaching techniques in an undergraduate lab course; discussion of current pedagogical theories and practices; focus on using effective communication in the classroom; development of personal teaching philosophy, assessments and learner-centered engagement strategies. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in VIBS 305 and approval of instructor.

VIBS 446 Functional Anatomy of Domestic Animals

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 4 Lab Hours. Comprehensive mammalian gross anatomy, includes dog, cat, ruminant, and equine species. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in BIOL 112 and CHEM 228; junior or senior classification; minimum GPA 2.75 or higher; or approval of instructor.

VIBS 447 Neurophysiology of Music

Credits 2. 2 Lecture Hours. Exploration of the heritability and genetics of musical talent, the physiology and physics of hearing, and the neurophysiology of processing sound using primarily German and Austrian compositions. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

VIBS 450 Mammalian Functional Neuroanatomy

Credits 4. 3 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours. Functional morphology of the domestic animal and human brain using gross specimens, microscopic sections, interactive computer-, DVD- and video-assisted instructional programs supplemented with clinical case studies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; BIMS, biology, biochemistry, or psychology majors, or neuroscience minors with overall 3.5 Texas A&M GPA; or approval of instructor.

VIBS 456 Science in Cinema and Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of the role science depicted in popular culture plays in shaping basic science literacy. Prerequisites: VIBS 310; majors only; junior or senior classification; approval of instructor.

VIBS 485 Directed Studies

Credits 0 to 4. 0 to 4 Other Hours. Directed individual study of a selected problem in veterinary anatomy (with emphasis on neuroscience, cell biology, reproduction, developmental biology, marine mammal anatomy) approved by instructor or selected problems in veterinary public health (with emphasis on food safety, toxicology, epidemiology, informatics, zoonoses). Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

VIBS 489 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 0 to 4 Lecture Hours. 0 to 4 Lab Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of veterinary anatomy (with emphasis on neuroscience, cell biology, genetics, reproduction, developmental biology, marine mammal anatomy) or selected topics in veterinary public health, epidemiology, zoonoses, food hygiene, food toxicology and mycotoxicology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor; BIMS major with a minimum overall 2.5 Texas A&M GPA.

VIBS 491 Research

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Other Hours. Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in veterinary integrative biosciences. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification in Biomedical Sciences or approval of instructor; grade of C or better in VIBS 310 or VIBS 311.

Andersson, Leif B, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, 1984

Arosh, Joe A, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, University, Madras. India, 1985
PHD, Universite Laval, 2004

Banu, Sakhila K, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University of Madras, 2002

Barron, Chrissy, Instructional Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2012

Budke, Christine M, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Purdue University, 2001
PHD, Philosophisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultat der Universitat Basel, 2004

Burghardt, Robert C, Senior Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Wayne State University, 1976

Cai, James, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University of Hong Kong, 2006

Chaney, Kristin P, Clinical Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Colorado State University, 2003

Curley, Kevin, Instructional Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2012

Davis, Lauren K, Instructional Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2015

Dunham, Thomas Leigh, Lecturer
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2023

Foley, Nicole M, Research Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University College Dublin, 2017

Frank-Cannon, Tamy C, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1996
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2005

Gaddy, Dana, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Baylor College of Medicine, 1991

Gastel, Barbara J, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
MD, Johns Hopkins University, 1978

Gorman, Courtney T, Lecturer
Vet Integrative Biosciences
MS, Texas A&M University, 2020

Hamer, Sarah A, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Michigan State University, 2011
PHD, Michigan State University, 2010

Hartberg, Yasha M, Instructional Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Binghamton University, 2016

Hiney, Jill K, Research Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1996

Hoffman, Anton G, Clinical Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Texas A&M University, 1986
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1992

Johnson, Gregory A, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University of Wyoming, 1997

Juarez, Jose, Research Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2021

Kneese, Dana A, Clinical Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2013
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2009

Ko, Gladys Y, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Kent State University, 1996

Levent, Gizem, Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Ankara University, 2012
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2019

Li, Jianrong, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1997

Murphy, William J, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, The University of Tulsa, 1997

Ndeffo Mbah, Martial Loth, Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University of Cambridge, UK, 2010

Nghiem, Peter P, Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2008
PHD, George Washington University, 2014

Norman, Keri N, Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2010

O'Hara, Todd, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, University of Wisconsin, 1992
PHD, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1988

Pine, Michelle D, Clinical Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1991
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2002

Powell-Pierce, Alexandra, Lecturer
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PhD, Texas A&M University, 2023

Raudsepp, Terje, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 1999

Rijnkels, Monique G, Research Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Leiden University, 1997

Ritter, Nicola L, Instructional Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2014

Skow, Loren C, Senior Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Texas A&M University, 1976

Srivastava, Vinod K, Research Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Avadh University, Faizabad, India, 1986

Tayce, Jordan D, Instructional Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Texas A&M University, 2008

Welsh, Jane, Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, London University, 1981

Wilson, Patrick, Clinical Associate Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
DVM, Washington State University, 1990

Yang, Junhua, Assistant Professor
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, University, Hangzhou, China, 2015

Yeoman, Michelle S, Lecturer
Vet Integrative Biosciences
MS, Texas A&M University, 2013

Young, Colin R, Lecturer
Vet Integrative Biosciences
PHD, Kings College London, University of London, 1977