Patrick M Larkin, PhD

Dr. Larkin is the Program Director of the online undergraduate Dog, Cat, & Horse Classes that are offered here at the College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also the Technical Administrator of The Visual Guide of Animal Reproduction database.

The Dog Class (VME-3001) is an online course (3 credits) specifically designed for undergraduate students that are planning careers in Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technical Programs. Students that take the class are introduced to a number of topics, including evolution, domestication, anatomy, biology, role in society, physiology, behavior, and health of the dog.

The Cat Class (VME-3002) is an online course (3 credits) specifically designed for undergraduate students planning careers in Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technical Programs. Students that successfully complete the class will learn about number of topics, including anatomy, neuroscience, urology, endocrinology, reproduction, various feline medical case studies, shelter medicine, and health of the cat.

The Horse Course (VME-4906 or VME-6934) is an online course (3 credits) for upper level undergraduate students, post-baccalaureate students, or graduate students. The class is designed for students planning careers in large animal Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Technical Programs. This course covers many important topics in the domesticated horse field including reproduction, anatomy, the musculoskeletal system, GI physiology, preventative health care, as well as current research. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course.

The Visual Guide of Animal Reproduction (VisGAR) database contains a collection of curated images in a variety of species that are utilized as an important educational resource by practicing DVMs, researchers, and students around the world.

— Developing molecular diagnostics for the seafood industry that can be used to distinguish high value seafood items (i.e. grouper) from commonly substituted lower value fish like tilapia

— Examining the impacts of anthropogenic chemical at the molecular level in a variety of species including fish (sheepshead minnows, fathead minnows, and largemouth bass) , invertebrates (grass shrimp and blue crabs), and dolphins