ANIMAL SCIENCES (ANSC)

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
1415A Animal Sciences Center, 301-405-1373
www.ansc.umd.edu
ansc@umd.edu
Chair: T. Porter
Professors: R. Erdman, R. Kohn, I. Mather, M. Ottinger, R. Peters, T. Porter, M. Varner, I. Vijay
Associate Professors: C. Angel, J. Doerr, I. Estevez, T. Hartsock, C. Keefer, W. Stricklin, L. Woods, N. Zimmermann
Assistant Professors: B. Bequette, A. Burk, I. Hamza, F. Siewerdt, J. Song, L. Taneyhill, M. Updike
Lecturers: C. Hakenkamp
Affiliate Professors: S. Schoenian
Professors Emeriti: L. Douglass (Prof Emeritus), J. Heath, J. Majeskie, J. Soares, J. Vandersall, D. Westhoff, W. Williams

The Major

The Department of Animal and Avian Sciences provides a challenging program for academically talented students interested in the application of biology and technology to the care, management and study of domestic and aquatic animals. In addition to emphasizing the traditional farm species of dairy and beef cattle, sheep, swine and poultry, our program includes options in equine studies, laboratory animal management, and sciences which prepare students for veterinary or graduate school. Animal sciences majors explore a wide range of subjects -- from fundamental biology to animal nutrition, physiology and genetics -- while integrating science and economics into animal management.

Our department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. One-third of our animal sciences seniors enter veterinary school, while others go on to graduate school. Our graduates also pursue a variety of careers such as research technicians, sales or marketing representatives, or animal producers.

Academic Programs and Departmental Facilities

Our up-to-date facilities in the Animal Sciences Center, which opened in 1991, include new classrooms, an inviting lecture hall and a large social area for students. The newly constructed teaching labs, animal rooms and a surgery suite are located adjacent to the teaching farm where horses, sheep, beef and dairy cattle are maintained.

Requirements for the Major

Animal Sciences prepares students for veterinary school, graduate school and careers in research, sales and marketing, biotechnology, aquaculture, and animal production. The curricula apply the principles of biology and technology to the care, management, and study of dairy and beef cattle, horses, fish, sheep, swine, and poultry. Students complete the Animal Sciences core courses and choose a specialization area: Animal Biotechnology, Animal Care and Management, Equine Studies, Laboratory Animal Management, and Sciences/Professional Option to prepare for admission to graduate, veterinary, pharmacy, nursing or medical school. Please note: there is a $50 per course fee for Animal Science Laboratory courses.

	ANIMAL SCIENCES CORE
	All undergraduates majoring in Animal Sciences must complete the following course requirements:	Credits
ANSC101	Principles of Animal Sciences	3
ANSC103	Principles of Animal Sciences Laboratory	1
ANSC211	Animal Anatomy	3
ANSC212	Animal Physiology	3
ANSC214	Animal Physiology Laboratory	1
ANSC314	Comparative Animal Nutrition	3
ANSC327	Molecular and Quantitative Animal Genetics	3
BSCI105	Principles of Biology I	4
BSCI223	General Microbiology	4
CHEM131/132	General Chemistry I/Laboratory	4
	One from:
MATH220	Elementary Calculus I	3
MATH140	Calculus I	4
	One from:
AREC250	Elements of Agricultural and Resource Economics	3
ECON200	Principles of Micro-Economics	4
	ADDITIONAL COURSE WORK
	All students must complete 30-40 credits in one of the following six options.
	1. ANIMAL CARE AND MANAGEMENT (0104A) Required Courses
ANSC315	Applied Animal Nutrition	3
ANSC446	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction	3
ANSC447	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction Laboratory	1
AREC306	Farm Management	3
BSCI106	Principles of Biology II	4
CHEM104	Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry	4
	Plus take 6 credits from the following courses:
ANSC420	Critical Thinking in Animal Sciences	3
ANSC435	Experimental Embryology
ANSC437	Animal Biotechnology
ANSC443	Physiology and Biochemistry of Lactation	3
ANSC444	Domestic Animal Endocrinology	3
ANSC450	Animal Breeding Plans
ANSC452	Avian Physiology	3
ANSC453	Animal Welfare	3
ANSC455	Applied Animal Behavior	3
ANSC497	Animal Biotechnology Recombinant DNA Laboratory	3
	Plus take 9 credits from the following courses:
ANSC340	Health Management of Animal Populations	3
ANSC220	Livestock Management	3
ANSC232	Horse Management	3
ANSC240	Dairy Cattle Management	2
ANSC255	Introduction to Aquaculture	3
ANSC262	Commercial Poultry Management	3
ANSC305	Companion Animal Care	3
ANSC413	Laboratory Animal Management	3
	2. EQUINE STUDIES (0104C) Required Courses
ANSC220	Livestock Management	3
ANSC232	Horse Management	3
ANSC330	Equine Science	3
ANSC315	Applied Animal Nutrition	3
ANSC446	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction	3
ANSC447	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction Laboratory	1
AREC306	Farm Management	3
BSCI106	Principles of Biology II	4
CHEM104	Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry	4
	Plus take 9 credits from the following courses:
ANSC340	Health Management of Animal Populations	3
ANSC420	Critical Thinking in Animal Sciences	3
ANSC435	Experimental Embryology	3
ANSC437	Animal Biotechnology	2
ANSC443	Physiology and Biochemistry of Lactation	3
ANSC444	Domestic Animal Endocrinology	3
ANSC450	Animal Breeding Plans
ANSC452	Avian Physiology	3
ANSC453	Animal Welfare	3
ANSC455	Applied Animal Behavior	3
ANSC497	Animal Biotechnology Recombinant DNA Laboratory	3
	3. LABORATORY ANIMAL MANAGEMENT (0104D) Required Courses
ANSC340	Health Management of Animal Populations	3
ANSC413	Lab Animal Management	3
ANSC437	Animal Biotechnology	2
ANSC446	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction	3
ANSC447	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction Laboratory	1
ANSC453	Animal Welfare	3
ANSC455	Applied Animal Behavior	3
BSCI106	Principles of Biology II	4
CHEM104	Fundamentals of Organic and Biochemistry	4
	Plus take 6 credits from the following courses:
ANSC420	Critical Thinking in Animal Sciences	3
ANSC435	Experimental Embryology	3
ANSC443	Physiology and Biochemistry of Lactation	3
ANSC444	Domestic Animal Endocrinology	3
ANSC450	Animal Breeding Plans
ANSC452	Avian Physiology	3
ANSC497	Animal Biotechnology Recombinant DNA Laboratory	3
	Plus take 3 credits from the following courses:
ANSC220	Livestock Management	3
ANSC255	Introduction to Aquaculture	3
ANSC262	Commercial Poultry Management	3
	4. & 5. SCIENCES & COMBINED AG AND VET SCI (0104E and 1299D) Required Courses
ANSC315	Applied Animal Nutrition	3
BSCI106	Principles of Biology II	4
BCHM463	Biochemistry of Physiology or	3
BSCI230	Cell Biology and Physiology	4
CHEM231/232	Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory	4
CHEM241/242	Organic Chemistry II/Laboratory	4
CHEM271	General Chemistry and Energetics	2
PHYS121	Fundamentals of Physics I	4
PHYS122	Fundamentals of Physics II	4
	Plus take 9 credits from the following courses:
ANSC340	Health Management of Animal Populations	3
ANSC420	Critical Thinking in Animal Sciences	3
ANSC435	Experimental Embryology	3
ANSC437	Animal Biotechnology	2
ANSC443	Physiology and Biochemistry of Lactation	3
ANSC444	Domestic Animal Endocrinology	3
ANSC446	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction	3
ANSC447	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction Laboratory	1
ANSC450	Animal Breeding Plans
ANSC452	Avian Physiology	3
ANSC453	Animal Welfare	3
ANSC455	Applied Animal Behavior	3
ANSC497	Animal Biotechnology Recombinant DNA Laboratory	3
	Plus take 3 credits from the following courses:
ANSC220	Livestock Management	3
ANSC232	Horse Management	3
ANSC240	Dairy Cattle Management	2
ANSC255	Introduction to Aquaculture	3
ANSC262	Commercial Poultry Management	3
ANSC413	Laboratory Animal Management	3
	For additional information concerning veterinary school applications, please contact the K. Feldman, VMRCVM, 8705 Greenmead Dr., University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-3711, 301-314-6820, kfeldman@umd.edu.
	6. ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY (0104F) Required Courses
ANSC437	Animal Biotechnology	2
ANSC497	Animal Biotechnology Recombinant DNA Laboratory	3
BCHM463	Biochemistry of Physiology	3
BSCI230	Cell Biology and Physiology	4
CHEM231/232	Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory	4
CHEM241/242	Organic Chemistry II/Laboratory	4
CHEM271	General Chemistry and Energetics	2
	Plus take 3 credits from the following courses:
ANSC220	Livestock Management	3
ANSC255	Introduction to Aquaculture	3
ANSC262	Commercial Poultry Management	3
ANSC413	Laboratory Animal Management	3
	Plus take 9 credits from the following courses:
ANSC340	Health Management of Animal Populations	3
ANSC420	Critical Thinking in Animal Sciences	3
ANSC443	Physiology and Biochemistry of Lactation	3
ANSC446	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction	3
ANSC447	Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction Laboratory	1
ANSC450	Animal Breeding Plans
ANSC452	Avian Physiology	3
ANSC453	Animal Welfare	3
ANSC455	Applied Animal Behavior	3
	Plus take 3 credits from the following courses:
ANSC435	Experimental Embryology	3
BSCI380	Comparative Bioinformatics	4
BSCI413	Recombinant DNA	3

Other Requirements for the Major

Animal sciences majors select one of six options as an area of specialization:

Science/Professional - Prepares students for admission to veterinary or medical schools and/or graduate school. Graduate school study can open the door to an exciting research career in specialty areas of animal or biological sciences such as genetics, nutrition, physiology or cell biology. The curriculum emphasizes advanced courses in the biological and physical sciences and includes all the pre-veterinary and pre-medicine requirements.

Combined Ag & Vet Sci - A combined degree program is available to students who gain admission to veterinary school prior to completing their bachelor's degree. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources students who have completed at least ninety hours, including all college and university requirements, are awarded a bachelor of science degree upon successful completion of at least thirty semester hours in an accredited college of veterinary medicine. Early planning with your advisor is encouraged if you choose this option.

Equine Studies - Offers hands-on learning opportunities in the area of equine science and management. The Department of Animal and Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland offers undergraduate students the opportunity to emphasize on horses while pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Students may take equine courses that explore a wide range of topics including anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction, exercise, law, insurance, facilities, health and disease, pasture management, and more. Our courses are designed to provide valuable hands-on learning experiences to better prepare students to be future leaders in the horse industry as well as other industries. In addition, ANSC students may take one or more equine courses within the Institute of Applied Agriculture.

Animal Biotechnology - The Animal Biotechnology option is a relatively new addition to our program. It combines the basic required animal science courses with a focus on biology and technology. This option has a heavy emphasis on science courses, to prepare students for a professional career. Some of the career options with this track include: an industry career in animal biotechnology; a graduate degree in biotechnology (either MS and/or PHD); or a professional degree and career (Veterinary or Human Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy.)

Animal Care & Management - Is designed for students whose career plans include animal management, production and the marketing of animal products. The curriculum provides basic courses in genetics, nutrition, physiology and reproduction while allowing students to focus on the management of one particular livestock species. You will be encouraged to supplement academic work with practical experience by completing an internship. Dairy science students, for example, intern at local farms where they participate in decisions about breeding, feeding, health practices, milk production and other aspects of herd management. This option will prepare you for ownership or management positions with dairy, livestock or poultry production enterprises; positions with marketing and processing organizations; breed associations; and positions in agribusiness fields such as sales of feed, pharmaceutical products and agricultural equipment. Graduates also work with state and federal agencies.

Laboratory Animal Management - Prepares students for careers in the operation and management of laboratory animal facilities connected with the biotechnology industry. Course work in nutrition, reproduction and environmental management is combined with practical learning to provide future managers with tools they will need. As a graduate, you may pursue careers with state or federal agencies; with private industry in the management and operation of laboratory animal production; and with instructional or investigational facilities.

Advising

Animal sciences majors are assigned a faculty advisor to assist with program and course selection, as well as to help students take advantage of the many non-classroom opportunities in the Washington, D.C. area. Faculty members have specialties in all areas of animal sciences, as well as veterinary medicine, and bring practical applications to the classroom, creating a rich learning experience for students.

Face to face advising is mandatory. Each student will be assigned to a faculty advisor to assist in planning his or her academic program. For information or appointment: 1415A Animal Sciences Center, 301-405-1373.

Undergraduate Research Experiences

Because it is part of a land grant university, the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences also has responsibility for research and technology transfer to the animal industry throughout Maryland. During undergraduate study,  students are encouraged to conduct independent research in faculty laboratories on campus or at the nearby U. S. Department of Agriculture Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.

Internships

Students are encouraged to gain practical animal management experience by pursuing internships. Students have completed internships in locations ranging from the area around the University, to cattle farms in the Midwest, agribusiness firms in California, and a zoo in Frankfurt, Germany. Many animal sciences students use the summer to gain additional applied experience in animal sciences, veterinary medicine or agribusiness.

Honors Program

Students admitted to the AGNR Honors Program are eligible to take 3 - 6 credits of Honors Thesis Research within the ANSC Department (ANSC388). Undergraduate honors thesis research is conducted under the direction of an AGNR faculty member in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the College of AGNR Honors Program. The thesis will be defended before a faculty committee.

Student Societies and Professional Organizations

The clubs and organizations affiliated with the Animal Science department allow ample opportunities for leadership, development, hands-on animal experience, and fun!

Alpha Gamma Rho
Alpha Gamma Rho is a social/professional fraternity that has been a training ground for leaders in the agriculture and life sciences community since it was established at College Park in 1928. AGR has a rich tradition of alumni contacts with over 50,000 brothers nationwide, including over 700 brothers in the Washington area alone. AGR men are leaders in various clubs within the college and the fraternity is an active member of both the Inter-fraternity Council (IFC) and the Ag Student Council. Alpha Gamma Rho stresses scholarship, leadership and fellowship, and it is well respected among Greek organizations because of their no pledging, substance free, scholars environment. In addition, the chapter house on Princeton Avenue offers the opportunity to live with brothers who are taking the same classes and share many of the same interests which makes it much easier to find a niche on such a large campus.

Alpha Zeta
Alpha Zeta is an agricultural professional honor society whose membership is selected from undergraduate and graduate students excelling in scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Organizational events include coordinating the Partners in Education program with the USDA Agriculture Research Service, Beltsville Area, fund raising activities, community service projects, awards and recognition programs, and an annual student/faculty/alumni banquet. A popular annual event is coordinating a Field Day for young children at the nearby National Agricultural Research Visitor Center at Beltsville.

Animal Husbandry Club
The Animal Husbandry Club at the University of Maryland, College Park, provides opportunities for students to gain animal handling experience and build interpersonal relationship skills, while given the encouragement to excel! Activities and experiences specifically designed for students of diversified interests in animal agriculture are provided, including experiences with many different domestic species. Membership is open to all undergraduate students interested in getting hands-on experience working with dairy, beef, sheep or swine, and learning more about general animal sciences. Activities include the Ag Day Dairy and Livestock Shows, Harvest Stomp/Fall Festival, fitting of animals for the annual Wye Angus Sale, and other activities working with dairy animals. One can gain further leadership skills by holding an office. Each Spring, elections are held for President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.

Collegiate 4-H
Many colleges and universities have Collegiate 4-H clubs. Collegiate 4-H is an organization that provides its members with a sense of identity on campus, enriches their lives through group projects and recreation, and develops confidence and leadership skills. Clubs provide service and support to their local and state 4-H programs, such as serving as judges and conducting training workshops. They are also a service and social group for campus students. Collegiate 4-H is open to all college students who wish to support youth and the 4-H program. It is not necessary to have prior 4-H experience, only to have an interest in the 4-H ideals and in serving your community. www.collegiate4h.org/

Sigma Alpha
Sigma Alpha is a national professional agricultural sorority. The objective of the sorority is to promote its members in all facets of agriculture and to strengthen the friendships among them. Members strive for achievement in scholarship, leadership, service, and to further the development of women pursuing careers in agriculture. Sigma Alpha works to promote agriculture, and women's role, on our campus, in our community and throughout the state. Activities include: attending regional and national conferences /conventions; participating in college events (Fall Bash, ANSC orientation, Cook-Offs); service activities including teaching agriculture to local elementary students and judging contests for the Maryland FFA; professional Guest speakers, and participating in Maryland Day/Ag Day.  Membership rush is held on a semester basis. To be eligible, potential members must have: 2.25 Cumulative GPA, Agriculture major or sincere interest in agriculture, be a member of one other group, enrolled in 18 credits, or working 10 hours a week. Visit the web site: www.studentorg.umd.edu/sigma

University of Maryland Equestrian Club
The University of Maryland Equestrian Club (UMEC) provides on-campus horseback riding lessons and equine learning opportunities for campus students and faculty at beginner through advanced levels. The ANSC department provides the barn, equipment, riding arenas and horses while the students provide care for the horses. There is a riding fee of $200 per semester for one riding lesson a week for the entire semester. Large deductions are easily earned for help with feeding, cleaning stalls or teaching. Club members not riding are strongly encouraged to participate in other club activities, such as educational and fun seminars, field trips and monthly meetings. In the past, UMEC members have attended the Columbia Grand Prix and the Washington International Horse Show and taken field trips to the DuPont Veterinary Medical Center in Leesburg, Va. and Days End Horse Rescue Farm in Maryland. Members have also participated in clinics on tack fitting and identifying lameness in horses. Club members, under the leadership of the Executive Board and Directors, make most UMEC club decisions. We offer a great opportunity to all students and we're always open to suggestions. We also try to have something for everyone including basic English equitation, Western equitation, dressage, bareback and trail riding, horse and farm management, veterinary care, teaching skills and much more. The UMEC is located at the campus horse barn, and our office is in the Shack, right next to the paddocks. There is very limited space in the riding lessons, so e-mail us right away to reserve yourself a spot in the most educational equine club provided by the University of Maryland.  Visit the web site: www.studentorg.umd.edu/umec/

University of Maryland Equestrian Team
The Equestrian Team is a competitive club, meaning they travel to different schools in the zone and compete in IHSA shows. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni association members of all levels are invited. The team offers English, Western, and jumping, so team members can pick what type of riding to specialize in or compete in all three! The team does not hold tryouts so anyone can join the team. UMET is located about 25 minutes off campus at Clay Hill Stables in Springdale, Maryland. The cost per semester for team membership is $550. This fee covers two one hour group lessons a week taught by trainer Trisha Prettyman, unlimited practice rides (hacks), show fees, show practices, and a ton of fun!

Veterinary Science Club
The primary objectives of the Veterinary Science Club are to: promote a deeper understanding of the numerous opportunities in veterinary medicine, exchange information on veterinary and animal experiences, and keep students updated on the latest veterinary school information.

What does the Veterinary Science Club do? A variety of guest speakers are invited to club meetings to talk about their specialties or field of interest. A sample of topic include wildlife rehabilitation, laboratory animal medicine, exotic pet care and veterinary ethics.

Each year, faculty from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine speak to club members about veterinary medical school. Mock interviews are held in January to prepare our club members for the admissions process.

Club sponsored trips offer our members the opportunity to tour various veterinary medical facilities, talk to veterinary students and faculty, and to visit local zoos and animal care facilities.

Annually, the club participates in the APVMA National Symposium which is held at different veterinary schools each year. This is an excellent opportunity to visit a vet school, plus hear over 30 speakers on numerous topics and participate in a variety of wet and dry lab.

There are also opportunities to volunteer with the Prince George's County Animal Shelter in partnership with PetSmart, to help find homes for abandoned animals. For more information visit the web site: www.careercenter.umd.edu/VetSciClub

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

American Society of Animal Sciences Scholastic Recognition and Department of Animal Sciences Scholastic Achievement Awards are presented each year at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Student Awards Convocation. The ANSC program administers several scholarships, including: C.W. England, Dairy Technology Society, the Kinghorne Fund Fellowship, the C.S. Shaffner Award, the Lillian Hildebrandt Rummel Scholarship, and the Owen P. Thomas Development Scholarship. For eligibility criteria, visit the ANSC Office, 1415A Animal Sciences Center.

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) administers all types of federal, state and institutional financial assistance programs and, in cooperation with other university offices, participates in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. For information, visit: www.financialaid.umd.edu.

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