Animal Science
Courses for ASCI (ASCI)
AGRO
445/845
Livestock Management on Range and Pasture LINKCrosslisted as ASCI 451/851, RNGE 445| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
| ACE Outcomes: | 10 |
Capstone course. All students required to participate in a one-week field trip in central or western Nebraska prior to beginning of fall semester. Therefore, students must notify instructor at time of early registration (Dates are given in class schedule.)
Analyzing the plant and animal resources and economic aspects of pasturage. Management of pasture and range for continued high production emphasized.
AGRO
931
Population Genetics LINKCrosslisted as ASCI 931, HORT 931| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Structure of populations, forces affecting gene frequency and frequency of genotypes, continuous variation, population values and means, genotypic and environmental variances and covariances.
AGRO
940
Forage Evaluation LINKCrosslisted as ASCI 924| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Permission
Offered even-numbered calendar years. Analytic procedures and research methods used in evaluating biochemical components and nutritive value of forages. An evaluation of the impact of forage quality on forage breeding and animal performance.
ASCI
410/810
Processed Meats LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lab 3, Lecture 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom, Web |
Prereqs:
ASCI 210 or equivalent. Junior standing or permission.
3 cr II classroom. 3 cr I, II, III web.
Modern meat processing industry and its use of science and technology. The fabrication, processing, preservation, sanitation, food safety, ethnic evolvement, and utilization of manufactured and processed meat. Actual laboratory preparation of processed meats and by-products of the meat packing industry.
ASCI
419/819
Meat Investigations LINKCrosslisted as FDST 419/819| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
ASCI 210 or permission.
Conduct independent research and study meat industry problems in processing, production, storage, and preparation of meat and meat products.
ASCI
422/822
Advanced Feeding and Feed Formulation LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom, Web |
Prereqs:
ASCI 320 or equivalent.
ASCI 822 requires the completion of an independent analysis of published research in a selected area of nurition and submission of a written paper.
Feeding practices for domestic animals. Applied animal nutrition and feed formulation.
ASCI
441/841
New Techniques in Reproductive Biology LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2, Lab 2 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
ASCI 341 or equivalent.
Mammalian early embryonic development. Basic aspects of embryology and development biology. Modern technologies in animal reproductive biology, in vitro maturation and fertilization, embryo transfer, cloning, assisted reproductive technologies, transgenic animals, and embryonic stem cells.
ASCI
442/842
Endocrinology LINKCrosslisted as BIOS 442/842, VBMS 842| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
A course in vertebrate physiology and/or biochemistry.
Mammalian endocrine glands from the standpoint of their structure, their physiological function in relation to the organism, the chemical nature and mechanisms of action of their secretory products, and the nature of anomalies manifested with their dysfunction.
ASCI
806
Animal Science Graduate Seminar LINK| Credit Hours: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Course Format: | Lecture |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Permission
Orientation in the animal science graduate program involving introduction to departmental research program, philosophy, and policies. Discussion of elements of an effective seminar; experience and critique in oral presentation of research data.
ASCI
817
Meat Technology LINK| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lab 6, Lecture 2 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
ASCI 410 or permission
Meat processing and fabrication technology. Practical application of tenderization, restructuring, freezing, dehydration, flavor modification, composition control and quality control technology to manufactured and processed meat products.
ASCI
820
Feedlot Nutrition and Management LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Offered odd-numbered calendar years. Nutritional requirements of and complete ration formulation for feedlot cattle. Management practices needed for successful feedlot operation.
ASCI
821
Advanced Animal Nutrition LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
An advanced course dealing with the nutrition of domestic animals. In-depth coverage of nutrients, nutrient metabolism and nutrient requirements. Biochemical and physiological functions of nutrients in life processes.
ASCI
824
Forage Quality LINKCrosslisted as AGRO 846| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Independent Study |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
The chemical characteristics of forage components. The interactions with ruminant physiology and digestion that influence forage feeding value. The laboratory procedures used to evaluate forages for grazing livestock.
ASCI
831
Advanced Animal Breeding LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2, Recitation 1 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Application of genetic principles to animal breeding. Critical examination of current and potential selection programs and crossbreeding systems. Determination of performance objectives. Expected responses to selection methods and dissemination of improvement in an industry.
ASCI
847
Interdisciplinary Concepts in Beef Production LINKCrosslisted as VBMS 847| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Degree in veterinary medicine or animal science, or allied agricultural degree, or permission
Classroom attendance is required during each of the modules. Between modules distance education technologies (laptop computer, Internet access, a computer operating system with a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software, email, etc.) are used and required for discussion and assignments. The contributions and interactions of the major academic disciplines upon the production, performance, health, profitability, and sustainability of beef cow and cattle feeding operations.
A. I (3 cr)
B. II (3 cr) Prereq: VBMS *847A.
A. I (3 cr)
B. II (3 cr) Prereq: VBMS *847A.
ASCI
847A
Interdisciplinary Concepts in Beef Production I LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
ASCI
847B
Interdisciplinary Concepts in Beef Production II LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
VBMS *847A
ASCI
896
Independent Study in Animal Science LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-5 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
12 hrs animal science or closely related areas and permission
Individual or group projects in research, literature review, or extension of course work under supervision and evaluation of a departmental faculty member.
ASCI
899
Masters Thesis LINK| Credit Hours: | 6-10 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Admission to masters degree program and permission of major adviser
ASCI
905
Animal Industry Seminar LINK| Credit Hours: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Permission
Current problems in the field of animal industry.
ASCI
917
Advanced Meat Science LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lab 1, Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Molecular events occurring during the conversion of muscle to meat. Molecular and cellular properties of meat responsible for the functional and palatability properties of meat products.
ASCI
918
Growth and Development of Meat Animals LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Strong background in biological sciences
ASCI/VBMS *845 and *846 recommended. BIOC, BIOS, and CHEM 831 and 832 advised. Growth and development of livestock animals with emphasis on the prenatal and postnatal differentiation and development of skeletal muscle, bone, and adipose tissue; organ growth discussed. Recent literature as well as classical concepts of animal growth discussed along with the genetic, hormonal, and nutritional factors that affect growth.
ASCI
921
Interdepartmental Nutrition Seminar LINKCrosslisted as NUTR 921| Credit Hours: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Permission
Presentation and discussion of current literature and research in the field of nutrition.
ASCI
925
Energy Metabolism LINKCrosslisted as NUTR 925| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Offered odd-numbered calendar years. Critically evaluate how research in bioenergetics has contributed to scientific discoveries in the fields of nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology. Methodologies for determination of human and animal energy expenditure and body composition. Specifically, direct calorimetry, indirect calorimetry and comparative slaughter techniques. Emphasis on components of organ and tissue energy expenditures. Background information important in other nutrition courses.
ASCI
926
Carbohydrate and Lipid Nutrition LINKCrosslisted as NUTR 926| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Offered even-numbered calendar years. Nutrition and metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids by animals and humans. Emphasis on fundamental principles and current concepts.
ASCI
927
Protein and Amino Acid Nutrition LINKCrosslisted as NUTR 927| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Offered even-numbered calendar years. Nutrition and metabolism of proteins and amino acids by animals and humans. Fundamental principles and current concepts.
ASCI
928
Mineral Nutrition LINKCrosslisted as NUTR 928| Credit Hours: | 2 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 2 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Offered even-numbered calendar years. Nutrition and metabolism of mineral elements by animals and humans. Information and current concepts on the metabolism of minerals and requirements for growth, finishing, maintenance, lactation, and reproduction. Interrelationships among minerals and other nutrients discussed and observed in the laboratory.
ASCI
928L
Mineral Nutrition Laboratory LINKCrosslisted as NUTR 928L| Credit Hours: | 1 |
| Course Format: | Lab |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Parallel ASCI/NUTR 928
Laboratory experiments that complement material covered in ASCI 928.
ASCI
929
Vitamin Nutrition LINKCrosslisted as NUTR 929| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Offered odd-numbered calendar years. History, chemistry, assay procedures, food content, metabolism, biochemical functions, deficiencies, pharmacological doses, toxicities, and factors influencing vitamin status in animals, including humans.
ASCI
932
Quantitative Animal Genetics I LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lab 2, Lecture 2 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
ASCI 931 or equivalent
Offered even-numbered calendar years. Use of biometrical and population genetics and related physiology, nutrition, pathology, meats, and economics, to develop intrapopulation breeding methods capable of increasing the net bio-economic efficiency of animal production.
ASCI
933
Quantitative Animal Genetics II LINK| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lab 2, Lecture 2 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Offered odd-numbered calendar years. Evaluation of methods for developing and exploiting genetic diversity among animal populations to improve bio-economic efficiency of animal production.
ASCI
934
Applications of Biotechnology in Animal Science LINK| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lab 9, Lecture 1 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Permission
Offered only during 8-week summer session. Strategies and applications of DNA/RNA based methodologies in animal production systems and animal research programs. Practical and experimental approaches. Background, theory, and statistical methods underlying applications emphasized.
ASCI
949
Biochemistry of Nutrition LINKCrosslisted as BIOS 949, BIOC 949, NUTR 949| Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Course Format: | Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
BIOC 832 or *839, or permission
Offered odd-numbered calendar years. Interrelationships of nutrients, nutritional state and metabolic processes. Energy metabolism, integration of nutrition and metabolism and nutritional regulation of gene function.
ASCI
996
Problems in Animal Production LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-24 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Permission
Methods employed in livestock production research. Planning and conducting experiments, keeping records, and analysis of data.
ASCI
999
Doctoral Dissertation LINK| Credit Hours: | 1-24 |
| Max credits per degree: | 55 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
Admission to doctoral degree program and permission of supervisory committee chair
VMED
645
Animal Physiology I LINKCrosslisted as BIOS 813, ASCI 845, VBMS 845| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lab 3, Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
For ASCI/VBMS *845/BIOS *813: An undergraduate course in biochemistry or biology or physiology. For VMED 645: First year standing in and admission to VMED.
Primarily for students in animal or biological sciences or veterinary medicine.
Mammalian physiology and cellular mechanisms. Physiology of the cell, embryology, and neuro-sensory, neuromuscular, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
VMED
646
Animal Physiology II LINKCrosslisted as BIOS 814, ASCI 846, VBMS 846| Credit Hours: | 4 |
| Course Format: | Lab 3, Lecture 3 |
| Campus: | |
| Course Delivery: | Classroom |
Prereqs:
For ASCI/VBMS *846/BIOS *814: An undergraduate course in biochemistry or biology or physiology. For VMED 646: First year standing in and admission to VMED.
ASCI/VBMS *846/BIOS *814/VMED 646 is designed for students in animal or biological sciences or veterinary medicine.
Mammalian physiology and cellular mechanisms. Physiology of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems.
Description
For a brief description of the program, application requirements and contact information, view the graduate program summary.
Department Head: Larry Berger, Ph.D.
Graduate Committee: Professor Miller (chair); Professor Jones; Associate Professors Kononoff, Burkey, Wood; Assistant Professors Ciobanu, Luebbe; Adjunct Professor Kuehn
The Department of Animal Science offers programs leading to the doctor of philosophy degree in the areas of animal breeding and genetics, meats and poultry products, nonruminant nutrition, physiology, and ruminant nutrition. Students may pursue the master of science degree in any of the above areas. Option II and III are available to students in animal science only by special permission of the Graduate Committee obtained at the time of entry into the program.
In addition to complying with the general requirements of the Graduate College, applicants must submit a letter of intent regarding educational and career goals. Scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination are required. Admission with full standing requires a 3.0 grade average (4 pt. scale). For international students, the TOEFL is the only test of English proficiency accepted by the department.
All Students must enroll in ASCI 806 during their first year of graduate study at UNL.
Specializations available at the masters level:
Meat Science and Muscle Biology; Physiology
Specializations available at the doctoral level:
Meat Science and Muscle Biology; Physiology