The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine has launched an online, undergraduate equine course. It will include everything from common health issues and anatomy to history of the species and an understanding of equine-related business and research. “Because it’s online, we are able to offer this course to students at universities where they might not have a strong equine sciences department,” said Patrick Larkin, Ph.D., an adjunct lecturer in the college’s department of large animal clinical sciences who serves as course coordinator. “It’s also good exposure for students to decide whether or not they want to go into this field.” The course is aimed at sophomore or higher-level students and features pre-recorded lectures. Students must log in to the course website to watch lectures and complete assignments and may post questions in a discussion forum, Larkin said. About 30 students from across the country and the world are enrolled in the course this semester, according to the university. “This class offers students who are interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology the opportunity to take a class in their area of interest and to network with experts in the equine field,” Larkin said. “Because it’s online, this class allows us to reach out to those students in that the class actually goes to them and they do not have to come here to UF to take it.”
