foundation of medical knowledge and includes investigation at molecular, cellular, organismal, and populational levels. Veterinary Pathobiology The Department of Veterinary Pathobiology ("VTPB") at Texas A&M University is one of the largest and most active in the country. The department offers programs of graduate instruction and research leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics, Microbiology, and Pathology, and the Master of Science degree in Parasitology. These degree programs provide the opportunity for coursework of suitable breadth and depth within the major and supporting fields in conjunction with research experience in an area of interest. Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology The Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology has multiple missions in the areas of teaching, research, and service with an emphasis on both veterinary and human physiology and pharmacology. Teaching responsibilities within the department fall into three general categories: 1) undergraduate instruction leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science, 2) graduate instruction leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Biomedical Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Toxicology and 3) professional instruction leading to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The primary research focus areas within the department include toxicology, cardiovascular sciences, reproductive sciences and pharmacology. The department has a well-funded, well-published, and internationally renowned faculty including: 28 full-time faculty, 17 visiting and adjunct faculty, and 113 technical and administrative support staff. Departmental extramural grant support is 8 million dollars per year and the department's research and teaching facilities encompass over 100,000 square feet within the college. The Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology is the only department of its kind in the state of Texas and interacts extensively with the Colleges of Agriculture, Science, Engineering, Education, the Texas A&M Health Science Center, and the School of Rural Public Health. Long-standing collaborative interactions also exist with Texas AgriLife Research and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station. Large Animal Clinical Sciences Focused mainly on research into care of larger animals such as horses and cattle. Small Animal Clinical Sciences Focused mainly on research and care of "companion animals" (e.g. cats and dogs primarily, but also birds and smaller animals). Biomedical Sciences The Texas A&M Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences was established in 1999 and is headed by David S. Carlson. The graduate school offers master's and doctoral programs in biomedical and public health sciences. Veterinary Medical