Animal Science (B.S.)

Animal Science (B.S.)
Students with sheep

 

About the Animal Science program


What is Animal Science?

Animal science provides a strong foundation in animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics and physiology, preparing students for a variety of animal-centered careers or further studies in veterinary medicine or graduate school. Students choose from a wide array of electives, delving into topics ranging from animal health and management practices to agriculture and food policy.

Why Study Animal Science at UNH?

At UNH, you won’t just learn in the classroom about animal science, you’ll have regular opportunities to gain hands-on experience at our many on-campus animal facilities and through our well-establish network of local and regional collaborators. This interactive approach to learning is built into our core and elective curriculum and is augmented by the activities of the student clubs associated with the animal science program. Examples of engaged learning include participating in the Poultry Experiential Education Program (PEEP) or the Cooperative Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) classes and assisting with research projects lead by our faculty and graduate students.

Potential careers

  • Animal care and production
  • Animal business management
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Animal feed industry
  • Advocacy and policy consulting
  • Government (USDA)
  • Cooperative Extension
  • Food inspection and safety
  • Veterinary medicine
     
Contact

Associate Chair | Director - UNH Pre-Veterinary Advising Program
CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Phone: (603) 862-0176
Office: Agriculture, Nutrition, & Food Systems, Kendall Hall Rm 227, Durham, NH 03824
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Curriculum & Requirements

Animal Science is the study of the biology and management of animals that enhance human life and well-being.  Completion of the Animal Science B.S. is designed to prepare students for a variety of animal-focused careers. The Animal Science B.S. is one of many pathways for admission to veterinary school. Because admission to veterinary school is highly competitive due to the limited number of available spaces and the high standards for admission, students are advised to choose an academic program that deeply interests them. Simply taking the prerequisite courses required by veterinary schools without considering alternate career goals is not advisable.

ANSC Sample Student Schedule by Semester

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
ANSC 421 Introduction to Animal Science 4
BIOL 411 Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular 4
CHEM 403 General Chemistry I 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing (WI) or Discovery course (Not SS, FPA, or WC) 4
 Credits16
Spring
ANSC 406 Careers in Animal Science 1
BIOL 412 Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology 4
CHEM 404 General Chemistry II 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing (or Discovery course) 4
Elective 4
 Credits17
Second Year
Fall
ANSC 511 Animal Anatomy and Physiology I 4
ANSC 612 Genetics of Animals 4
Discovery course 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Spring
ANSC 512 Animal Anatomy and Physiology II 4
ANSC 543 Technical Writing in Animal Sciences (WI) 2
BIOL 528 Applied Biostatistics I 4
Discovery Course 4
Elective 2
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
ANSC 625 Animal Diseases 4
BMS 503
BMS 504
General Microbiology
and General Microbiology Laboratory
5
Discovery course 4
Elective 4
 Credits17
Spring
ANSC 609 Principles of Animal Nutrition 4
BMCB 501 Biological Chemistry 4
Discovery course 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
ANSC Reproduction course or Discovery course 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Spring
ANSC 602 Animal Rights and Societal Issues (WI) 4
ANSC Reproduction course or Discovery course 4
Capstone course 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits130

ANSC Sample Student Schedule by Semester - Pre-Veterinary/Graduate School Intent

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
ANSC 421 Introduction to Animal Science 4
BIOL 411 Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular 4
CHEM 403 General Chemistry I 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing (WI) or Discovery course (Not SS, FPA, or WC) 4
 Credits16
Spring
ANSC 406 Careers in Animal Science 1
BIOL 412 Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology 4
CHEM 404 General Chemistry II 4
MATH 424B Calculus for Life Sciences 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing (or Discovery course) 4
 Credits17
Second Year
Fall
ANSC 511 Animal Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIOL 528 Applied Biostatistics I 4
CHEM 651
CHEM 653
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
5
Discovery course 4
 Credits17
Spring
ANSC 512 Animal Anatomy and Physiology II 4
CHEM 652
CHEM 654
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
5
ENGL 501 Introduction to Creative Nonfiction (WI and FPA DISC) 4
Elective 4
 Credits17
Third Year
Fall
ANSC 612 Genetics of Animals 4
ANSC 625 Animal Diseases 4
BMS 503
BMS 504
General Microbiology
and General Microbiology Laboratory
5
Discovery course or Elective 4
 Credits17
Spring
ANSC 609 Principles of Animal Nutrition 4
BMCB 658
BMCB 659
General Biochemistry
and General Biochemistry Lab
5
Discovery course 4
Elective 4
 Credits17
Fourth Year
Fall
PHYS 401 Introduction to Physics I 4
ANSC Repro Course or Discovery course 4
Discovery course or Elective 4
Elective 4
 Credits16
Spring
ANSC 602 Animal Rights and Societal Issues (WI) 4
PHYS 402 Introduction to Physics II 4
ANSC Repro Course or Discovery course 4
Capstone 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits133

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students will be required to earn a C- or better in all required courses for the animal science major to receive credit toward graduation. Students failing to do this will need to retake the course in order to receive credit.

Foundation Courses
BIOL 411Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular4
BIOL 412Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology4
CHEM 403General Chemistry I4
CHEM 404General Chemistry II4
BIOL 528Applied Biostatistics I4
BMS 503
BMS 504
General Microbiology
and General Microbiology Laboratory
5
BMCB 501Biological Chemistry 14
Requirements for All Animal Science Majors
ANSC 406Careers in Animal Science1
ANSC 421Introduction to Animal Science4
ANSC 511Animal Anatomy and Physiology I4
ANSC 512Animal Anatomy and Physiology II4
ANSC 543Technical Writing in Animal Sciences (or equivalent) 22
ANSC 602Animal Rights and Societal Issues4
ANSC 609Principles of Animal Nutrition4
ANSC 612Genetics of Animals4
ANSC 625Animal Diseases4
Reproduction Course
Select one of the following:4
ANSC 701
Physiology of Reproduction
ANSC 715
Physiology of Lactation
ANSC 724
Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination
BMS 702
Endocrinology
Major Electives
Select 3 electives from the following list. Electives less than 3 credits must be combined to equal 3 credits or more to count as 1 elective. At least 2 electives must be at the 500 level or above. At least 3 elective credits must be fulfilled with courses from the Experiential category.12
AAS 421
Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques
AAS 423
Dairy Selection
AAS 425
Introduction to Dairy Herd Management
AAS 432
Introduction to Forage and Grassland Management
AAS 434
Equipment and Facilities Management
ADMN 502
Financial Accounting
ANSC 427
Introduction to Equine Science
ANSC 515
Explorations in Veterinary Medicine
ANSC 526
Equine Conformation, Movement, and Performance
ANSC 536
Preparation and Competition Techniques for the Modern Sport Horse
ANSC 548
Agricultural Business Management
ANSC 600
Field Experience
ANSC 603
Introduction to Livestock Management
ANSC 605
Poultry Production and Health Management
ANSC 627
Animal Health Applications
ANSC 647
Equine Stable Management
ANSC 650
Dairy Industry Travel Course
ANSC 665
Agricultural & Equine Event Design, Planning and Management
ANSC 670
Exotic Companion Species Health and Management
ANSC 690
Livestock and Wildlife in Namibia: Challenges, Opportunities and Geography
ANSC 695
Supervised Teaching Experience (Course can only be used once for elective credit)
ANSC 698
Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) (Each semester counts as 1 elective. However, if taken in the senior year >90 credits, 1 semester can count as the capstone and 1 as an elective.)
ANSC 701
Physiology of Reproduction
ANSC #708
Ruminant Nutritional Physiology
ANSC 710
Dairy Nutrition
ANSC 715
Physiology of Lactation
ANSC 724
Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination
ANSC 727
Advanced Dairy Management I
ANSC 728
Advanced Dairy Management II
ANSC 750
Collaborative Farm Design and Development
ANSC 795
Investigations
ANSC 799
Honors Senior Thesis
BMCB 753
Cell Culture
BMS 602
Pathogenic Microbiology
BMS 623
Histology: Microscopic Cellular Structure and Function
BMS 655
Human and Animal Parasites
BMS 702
Endocrinology
BMS 703
Infectious Disease and Health
BMS 704
Pathologic Basis of Disease
BMS 705
Immunology
BMS 706
Virology
BMS #711
Toxicology
BMS 712
Experiences in Applied Veterinary Diagnostics
BMS 718
Mammalian Physiology
CMN 500
Public Speaking
EREC 411
Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives
EREC 680
Agricultural and Food Policy
MEFB 773
Physiology of Fishes
MGT 535
Organizational Behavior
SAFS 632
Urban Agriculture
ZOOL 610
Principles of Aquaculture
ZOOL 613W
Animal Behavior
ZOOL 777W
Neuroethology
Experiential Electives
A total of at least 3 elective credits must be fulfilled with courses in this category. ANSC 795 and 799 projects approved to meet this requirement should include a significant component of hands-on live animal experience
AAS 421
Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques
AAS 423
Dairy Selection
ANSC 515
Explorations in Veterinary Medicine
ANSC 526
Equine Conformation, Movement, and Performance
ANSC 603
Introduction to Livestock Management
ANSC 605
Poultry Production and Health Management
ANSC 647
Equine Stable Management
ANSC 698
Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM)
ANSC 728
Advanced Dairy Management II
ANSC 795
Investigations
ANSC 799
Honors Senior Thesis
Total Credits76
1

 Students interested in graduate school should take 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 651/CHEM 653 and CHEM 652/CHEM 654) and one semester of General Biochemistry (BMCB 658/BMCB 659) in place of BMCB 501.

2

ENGL 501 Introduction to Creative Nonfiction, ENGL 502 Professional and Technical Writing, ENGL 503 Persuasive Writing or ENGL 419 How to Read Anything

 
 

Capstone Experience

The capstone requirement  must be completed during the senior year, and may be satisfied through completion of ANSC 698 Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM)ANSC 728 Advanced Dairy Management II, ANSC 750 Collaborative Farm Design and Development, or the ANSC 797 Equine Capstone Experience. An ANSC 799 Honors Senior Thesis, which typically includes mentored research and some form of experiential learning, can also fulfill the capstone requirement. 

Requirements for Students Interested in Graduate/Veterinary School

BMCB 658
BMCB 659
General Biochemistry
and General Biochemistry Lab
5
CHEM 651
CHEM 653
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
5
CHEM 652
CHEM 654
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
5
MATH 424BCalculus for Life Sciences4
PHYS 401Introduction to Physics I4
PHYS 402Introduction to Physics II4

Students interested in veterinary medicine should consult the pre-veterinary medicine program website.

Students will gain a fundamental knowledge of the animal science related disciplines of:

  • Anatomy & physiology: Students will be able to recognize the complimentary relationship of anatomic structure and function and accurately describe the basic physiologic processes of mammalian organ systems.
  • Nutrition: Students will be able to identify, compare, contrast, and link different concepts regarding animal feeding and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and protein in major livestock species and equine.
  • Genetics: Students will understand basic principles and applications of inheritance, the difference between qualitative and quantitative genetics, and be able to discuss the various disciplines within genetics.
  • Disease: Students will understand the modes of transmission of infectious diseases, recognize signs of illness associated with notable diseases in livestock species, and be able to appropriately apply general concepts of disease prevention and biosecurity to a variety of management situations.
  • Reproduction: Students will comprehend the mechanisms and endocrine control of gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, and lactation and understand the variety of factors that can influence reproductive success.
  • Animal Ethics: Students will recognize the numerous ways that humans use, benefit from, and conflict with non-human animals and have an awareness of the variety of motivations and influences that drive these relationships.
  • Students will be able to develop critical questions that facilitate their independent investigation of topics related to animal science and demonstrate an integration of discipline specific knowledge through engaging in experiential education opportunities.
  • Students will be able to conduct literature searches using relevant databases to critically evaluate both academic and popular press resources pertinent to the animal sciences.
  • Students will be able to construct well-supported, effectively organized written arguments to express informed perspectives on animal science related topics. These writings will demonstrate professional style, appropriate mechanics (grammar, punctuation, and spelling), and the correct use of citations.

Explore Program Details

What is CREAM?

CREAM is a student-run cooperative in which 25 UNH students operate and manage a small business consisting of a registered Holstein dairy herd. CREAM is a yearlong course that gives students the opportunity to gain hands on experience in working with the dairy cows. Each Fall, the herd is passed on to a new group of students with the help of a transition team of student advisors, as well as dairy center personnel, and faculty advisors. CREAM has been operating at UNH since 1997 and has progressed as a program each year due to the dedication and commitment of the students, faculty, and dairy center staff.

CREAM

UNH PEEP, the Poultry Experiential Education Program, provides students with real-world experience and knowledge in poultry production and management. Through classroom discussions and weekly laboratories, students learn about poultry anatomy and physiology, management practices, biosecurity, diseases, food safety, and much more. They are able to immediately apply this knowledge as they work together to raise a small broiler poultry flock over the course of a semester. PEEP was started in the Fall of 2018 and is currently associated with the ANSC 605 Poultry Production and Health Management course.

Take a deeper look at what it means to be a pre-veterinary student at UNH and discover why UNH students have an average 92% acceptance rate to veterinary schools — nearly double the national rate.

During our one-hour on-campus information sessions, faculty members will provide you with an overview of the pre-veterinary program from exceptional experiential learning to expert pre-veterinary advising, discuss majors and curriculum and answer any questions you might have. You will also have an opportunity to talk with current students about their experiences. Find out why UNH should be the top choice for all students considering a career in veterinary medicine — register to attend an on-campus info session today.

The sessions and tours are held throughout the year.

Learn More and Register

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