Biotechnology & Veterinary Medicine

The veterinary challenges of the next century will include mastery of new knowledge in biotechnology. For students who intend to pursue scientific careers, the fields of study within biotechnology are on the frontier of new thought and exert a great attraction for serious basic scientists. For students who feel a strong commitment to the welfare of animals and the vital interaction between the human and animal communities, veterinary medicine exerts a strong appeal. At Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University , men and women who intend to make considerable professional contributions to science, animals, and humans will enjoy superior education as they work towards their goals.

Massachusetts has one of the greatest concentrations of industrial biotechnology companies in the world. Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has developed strong collaboration with leading biomedical research institutions in Massachusetts, such as MIT, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park, and others. These collaborations extend and enhance the school's core research capabilities, and faculty members are an integral part of this biomedical community.

• The Importance of Biotechnology in Veterinary Medicine
• The Biotechnology & Veterinary Medicine Program
• Division of Biotechnology

The Importance of Biotechnology in Veterinary Medicine

The transfer of genetic material by micromanipulation requires highly specialized technical skills, intense concentration, and patience. Techniques such as this are vital for biotechnologists working in transgenic science: the transfer of specific genetic information between animals of the same or different species. The study of biotechnology and transgenics add to the basic understanding of genetic function and dysfunction.

The veterinarian's understanding of transgenic animals is vital in bridging the gap between the research laboratory and the farm community. During the 21st century, transgenic livestock may be raised by many farmers. Various health and reproductive problems have appeared in some of the first transgenic livestock and, although many of these problems will be resolved through further research, veterinarians of the next century must understand technologies involved in gene manipulation.

An obvious immediate challenge to today's veterinarians is to develop the ability to provide medical care to these valuable animals. Because the veterinarian will assume an important role in the new wave of biotechnology, the most current information available is offered in the Tufts veterinary curriculum. Students with superior backgrounds in the basic sciences and a strong interest in genetic sciences will be in demand to contribute to biotechnology as veterinarians and as scientists.

The Biotechnology & Veterinary Medicine Program

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University encourages students who are gifted in this field, and whose intense interest in genetic discoveries is sincere, to consider a five-year dual-degree program as an attractive option of study. In collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), the third-oldest independent science and engineering school in the country, Tufts provides an opportunity for a limited number of students to pursue the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in applied biotechnology simultaneously. While preparing themselves for careers in biotechnology, students acquire an in-depth background in microbial genetics, DNA technology, and genetic engineering, and learn how to apply these these technologies to animal biology.

Veterinarians with this education are a unique resource for solving problems in a variety of health-related fields as well as in animal agriculture. Graduates of the program will be particularly well-suited for applying molecular techniques to the solution of practical commercial problems, and through their work will provide a bridge between the worlds of research and application.

Division of Biotechnology

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has created a Division of Biotechnology which emphasizes the school's broad commitment to the field of biotechnology and veterinary medicine.

Basic discoveries in molecular genetics can be practically applied and commercially developed for the benefit of human and animal lives. Tufts, through its transgenic science program, is dedicated to broadening the utility and commercialization of these discoveries. Our faculty have expertise in reproductive biology, embryo manipulation, and developmental biology, including the areas of molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and membrane physiology. Additionally, our faculty have participated in research leading to breakthroughs in microinjection technology, which is a critical element in the production of transgenic animals.