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Veterinary Methodology and Paraclinical Skills
Module 1 - Master veterinary methodology and paraclinical skills for systematic clinical decision-making.
This course is a part of
Companion Animal Clinical Science - Core course - Module 1
The course adopts a veterinary methodology with a paraclinical perspective on the work-up of companion animal patients. It emphasises the importance of a systematic approach to clinical decision-making, centred on the companion animal patient.
This approach is illustrated through the use of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR), alongside the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in key paraclinical methods.
The course provides the students with theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for using microscopy as a solid diagnostic tool in companion animal practice.
The course also emphasizes the importance of systematic evaluation of radiographs and provides students with knowledge of different image modalities applicable in companion animal clinical practice.
Knowledge of ethics, welfare, management and communication tools both in respect to fellow colleagues but also the clients met in clinical practice are also parts of the course.
For more details about the course, please refer to the course curriculum.
Read more about the specialisation tracks and the Master's programme on the main page:
Course Directors on Veterinary Methodology and Paraclinical Skills
Annemarie Thuri KristensenProfessor |
Lise Nikolic NielsenProfessor MSO |
Course details on Veterinary Methodology and Paraclinical Skills
Dates and examination
Course dates
Offered next time spring 2026.
The course is available every second year.
Examination
Please find dates and details about the exam in the exam schedule.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
- Define veterinary methodology and paraclinical tools in systematic clinical decision making in dedicated companion animal clinical practice
- List the systematic approach to the complex companion animal patient using POMR and be able to explain, reflect about and demonstrate overview of systematic clinical decision making
- List and explain the systematic approach to microscopy of companion animal cytology and hematology specimens including sample collection and preparation procedures.
- Explain the systematic approach to interpretation of laboratory results.
- List and explain the systematic approach to evaluation of existing and new veterinary imaging approaches in companion animal clinical practice and their advantages and disadvantages.
- Reflect about key ethical and welfare considerations, and the key communication and management issues in companion animal practice
Skills
- Apply the methodologies and tools and use and adjust relevant equipment
- Prepare blood smears
- Evaluate and interpret normal and abnormal blood and cytology smears from companion animal patients including differentiating between inflammatory categories and malignant and benign lesions. Plan and implement additional work up based on analysis and interpretation of these in complex clinical situations
- Apply the systematic approach to reading and interpreting radiographs in companion animal patients and plan and implement additional work up based on analysis and interpretation of these in complex clinical situations
- Communicate effectively and discuss relevant problems and questions within the systematic approach to complex patients with both peers and and clients
Competences
- Collaborate and communicate within and between both specialist, dedicated companion animal and mixed practice peers and lay persons involved in companion animal patient management
- Plan and reflect about the use of veterinary methodology and paraclinical tools
Admission criteria
This course is only available for students enrolled on Master of Companion Animal Clinical Science.
You must meet the following criteria to be admitted to this course:
- Hold a degree in Veterinary Medicine
- Have a minimum of 2 years of relevant job experience from companion animal practice
- Be proficient in English
Read more about admission on the main page of Master of Companion Animal Clinical Science.
Prices and payment conditions
EU/EEA citizens*
31,500 DKK
Non-EU/EEA citizens
36,800 DKK
Tuition fees include course materials and lunch/coffee. Books are not included in the tuition fees and must be purchased by the participants.
*Citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland is entitled to a subsidised tuition fee, due to EU legislation, hence the difference in price.
Location
University of Copenhagen
University Hospital for Companion Animals
Dyrlægevej 16
1958 Frederiksberg
Denmark
Contact
Christine Gulstad
Study Administration Officer
Tel.: +45 35 32 12 73
Annemarie Thuri Kristensen
Professor
DVM, PhD, DACVIM-SA, ECVIM-CA and Oncology
Professor Annemarie T. Kristensen is the Study director at Master Companion Animal Clinical Sciences as well as lecturer at the compulsory part of the Masters programme and at the Internal Medicine, Surgery and Oncology specialisation tracks.
Clinical and research interests: Clinical and comparative veterinary research, especially diagnostic, pathogenetic, and therapeutic aspects of hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer.
Post doctoral research associate at The Platelet Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota.
Worked for six years with research within hemostasis, thrombosis, angiogenesis and atherosclerosis at Novo Nordisk A/S. In 2000 recruited as Associate Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine, Dept. of Clinical Studies, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen. Since 2007 full professor Companion Animal Clinical Oncology. Since 2004, Section Head, Medicine, Oncology and Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Dept. of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Director ECVIM- internal medicine and oncology residency programmes. Study director, Master Companion Animal Clinical Sciences and Vice chair Danish Research Council for Technology and Production.
Lise Nikolic Nielsen
Professor MSO
DVM, PhD, CertSAM
Lise Nikolic Nielsen is a professor in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. She completed a small animal internship and a residency in small animal internal medicine and oncology at Glasgow University Veterinary School as well as achieved an English Certificate in Small Animal Medicine.
She is currently a Danish recognized specialist in companion animal medicine and has an interest in hemostatic diseases.