Animal Science

COLLEGE: Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources

MAJOR: Animal Sciences

DEGREE OFFERED: Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences

HOURS REQUIRED: 120

MINIMUM CUMULATIVE GPA: 2.0 for graduation

MINOR AVAILABLE: Yes

CHIEF ADVISER: Dennis Brink

DESCRIPTION

Head: Larry Berger, Department of Animal Science, C203 Animal Sciences

Professors: Berger, Brink, Burson, Calkins, Erickson, Jones, Klopfenstein, Miller, Nielsen, Purdum, Rasby

Associate Professors: Anderson, Cupp, Kononoff, MacDonald, Reese, Reiling, White

Assistant Professors: Burkey, Ciobanu, Cottle, Fernando, Karr-Lilienthal, Spangler, Sullivan, Wood

Lecturers: Ellicott, Jaixen

Coordinator for Undergraduate Research: Nielsen

The field of animal science encompasses the sciences related to animals and their contributions and interactions with humans. This program is designed particularly for students who are interested in pursuing careers associated with the livestock, poultry, meat and companion animal industries. The core curriculum gives students a balanced education in animal science, biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, communications, and humanities and social sciences.

Each animal science student studies a core curriculum that provides a comprehensive look at animal biological systems, use of animal products, and current issues and careers in the animal industries. In addition to the core, there are seven different options from which students can choose an area of focus which meets their own individual interests and career objectives. These options include: Animal Biology; Animal Production and Management; Business; Companion Animal Science; Equine Sciences; Meat Science; and Veterinary Animal Sciences.

Students interested in any aspect of poultry science or avian biology may earn up to 24 credits through the Midwest Poultry Consortium’s Undergraduate Center of Excellence at Madison, WI. The credits may be applied toward an animal science degree from the University of Nebraska. Further details are available from the Animal Science Department.

Students pursuing a DVM degree at an accredited college of veterinary medicine may obtain a BS degree in animal science, granted by the University of Nebraska, upon satisfactory completion of the first two years of the curriculum in veterinary medicine. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 90 credit hours of pre-professional courses with 20 credit hours in animal science courses at the University of Nebraska. Further details are available from the Animal Science Department.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Major Core Requirements

The following basic courses are required for majors in animal science. In addition, students must select and meet the requirements of one of the animal science options, depending on their own individual interests and career objectives.

Hours

College Integrative Courses3

AGRI 103/NRES 103 Intro to Agricultural & Natural Resource Systems3

Departmental Requirements16

ASCI 100 Fundamentals of Animal Biology & Industry4

ASCI 101 Intro to Animal Sciences1

ASCI 240 Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals4

ASCI 320 Animal Nutrition & Feeding3

ASCI 491 Animal Science Seminar1

Capstone Course (ACE 10)3

Select from:

ASCI 451 Livestock Management on Range & Pasture (3 cr)

ASCI 485 Animal Systems Analysis (3 cr)

ASCI 486 Animal Biological Systems (3 cr)

Natural Sciences (ACE 4)8

AGRO 315 Genetics or BIOS 206 General Genetics4

CASNR Approved Life Sciences:4

Select from:

BIOS 101 & BIOS 101L General Biology & Lab (4 cr)

BIOS 102 Cell Structure & Function (4 cr)

BIOS 103 & BIOS 103L Organismic Biology & Lab (4 cr)

NOTE: Students enrolled in the Veterinary Option are required to take BIOS 103.

Mathematics and Statistics (ACE 3)5

Select from:

MATH 102 Trigonometry (2 cr)

MATH 104 Calculus for Managerial & Social Sciences (3 cr)

MATH 106 Analytic Geometry & Calculus I (5 cr)

STAT 218 Intro to Statistics (3 cr)

NOTE: Proficiency at the college algebra level must be demonstrated either by a placement exam or through course work. If MATH 103 is taken, only 2 credit hrs can be counted toward this requirement.

Communications9

Oral Communications (ACE 2)3

Select from: COMM 109, 209, 286; JGEN 300

Written Communications (ACE 1)3

Select from: ENGL 150, 151; JGEN 200

Communications and Interpersonal Skills3

Select from: ENGL 150, 151; ALEC 102, 305; COMM 109, 209, 212, or 286; JGEN 120, 200, 300

Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences15

ECON 211 or ECON 212 or AECN 1413

ACE Courses12

Select one course each from ACE outcomes 5, 7, 8, and 9.

Experiential Learning4

Select from the following six categories; maximum of 3 cr hours allowed from any one of the six categories.

Internship and Industry Experience

Select from: ASCI 395A, ASCI 419, ASCI 490A

Study Tours

Select from: ASCI 311A, ASCI 311B, ASCI 311D, ASCI 311E, or AGRI 310

Animal & Meat Evaluation Experience

Select from: ASCI 300A, ASCI 300B, ASCI 300D, ASCI 300E, ASCI 400A, ASCI 400B, ASCI 400E

Extension & Service Experience (ASCI 395B)

Research Experience (ASCI 395D, ASCI 419, ASCI 499H)

Undergraduate Teaching Experience (ASCI 395E)

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements60

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

Also, select one of the following options

Animal Biology Option

This option is designed for students considering careers that deal with basic biological principles of animals and birds. Through careful use of electives, students can develop an emphasis in genetics, growth and muscle biology, nutrition, or physiology as they establish a basic background in biological principles and develop molecular and biotechnology laboratory skills. Completion of this option provides excellent preparation for graduate study, other professional programs including medical or dental school, and many other research-based careers.

Hours

Departmental Requirements20

Select one course from:3

ASCI 210 Animal Products (3 cr)

ASCI 250 Animal Management (3 cr)

ASCI 251 Intro to Companion Animals (3 cr)

ASCI 330 Animal Breeding4

ASCI 341 Physiology & Management of Reproduction4

Select one course from the following advanced Animal Science disciplinary courses:3

ASCI 421 Advanced Animal Nutrition (3 cr)

ASCI 431 Advanced Animal Breeding (3 cr)

ASCI 441 New Techniques in Reproductive Biology (3 cr)

ASCI 442 Endocrinology (3 cr)

Additional Animal Science courses6

Select from ASCI 300- and 400-level courses (excluding ASCI 399 and 496).

Natural Science24-27

CHEM 109 General Chemistry I4

CHEM 110 General Chemistry II4

CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I & Lab4

BIOC 321 & BIOC 321L Elements of Biochemistry & Lab (4 cr) or BIOC 431 & BIOC 433 Biomolecules & Metabolism & Biochemistry Lab (6 cr)4-6

NOTE: BIOC 431 requires CHEM 252 Organic Chemistry II (3 cr)

BIOS 312 & BIOS 314 Microbiology & Lab4

Physics courses4-5

Select from: MSYM 109, PHYS 141, PHYS 151

Business Course3

Select a course from the “Business Courses” category listed in the Animal Science Business Option

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements47-50

Free Electives10-13

Students planning to apply for post-graduate or professional programs should consult their academic adviser for specific program requirements.

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

Business Option

This option is designed for students considering careers with companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and other business concerns that support the livestock production and processing industries. Through careful use of electives, students may receive minors in other business-related programs and develop specific expertise for positions in management, marketing, and public relations. Completion of this option provides students with a solid background in both animal science and business.

Hours

Departmental Requirements14-16

ASCI 200 Animal & Carcass Evaluation or ASCI 210 Animal Products3

ASCI 250 Animal Management or ASCI 251 Intro to Companion Animals3

ASCI 330 Animal Breeding or ASCI 341 Physiology & Management of Reproduction4

ASCI Management Courses4-6

Select from: ASCI 450, ASCI 451, ASCI 452, ASCI 453, ASCI 454, ASCI 455, and ASCI 457

Natural Sciences8-12

Chemistry8-12

Select from either of the following two chemistry series:

NOTE: Chemistry Series 1 (CHEM 105 & 106) does not provide adequate preparation for advanced chemistry or graduate school. If you desire this advanced training, Series 2 is recommended.

1) CHEM 105 & CHEM 106 Chemistry in Context I & II (8 cr)

2) CHEM 109 & CHEM 110 General Chemistry I & II and CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I & Lab (12 cr)

Business Courses16-19

Accounting4-6

Select from:

ACCT 201 & ACCT 202 Introductory Accounting I & II (6 cr)

ACCT 306 Survey of Accounting (4 cr)

Selected Business Courses12-13

Select a minimum of four courses representing at least three of the following four areas:

Finance

AECN 301 Farm Accounting, Analysis, & Tax Management

AECN 420 International Food & Agricultural Trade

AECN 452 Agricultural Finance

AECN 453 Agricultural & Rural Property Appraisal

ECON 303 An Intro to Money & Banking

FINA 260 Personal Finance

FINA 361 Finance

FINA 365 Financial Institutions & Markets

Management

AECN 201 Farm & Ranch Management

AECN 265 Resource & Environmental Economics I

AECN 316 Agribusiness Management

AECN 416 Advanced Agribusiness Management

MNGT 121 Intro to Entrepreneurial Management

MNGT 320 Principles of Management

MNGT 331 Operations & Supply Chain Management

MNGT 360 Managing Behavior in Organizations

MNGT 361 Personnel/Human Resource Management

Marketing

AECN 225 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship in Food Products Marketing

AECN 325 Marketing of Agricultural Commodities

AECN 425 Agricultural Marketing in a Multinational Environment

Law

AECN 256 Legal Aspects in Agriculture

AECN 357 Natural Resources & Environmental Law

AECN 445 Agricultural & Natural Resource Policy Analysis

AECN 456 Environmental Law

AECN 457 Water Law

BLAW 371 Legal Environment

BLAW 372 Business Law I

Supporting Course3

ALEC 202 Leadership Development in Small Groups & Teams

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements41-50

Free Electives10-19

Students are encouraged to consult the Undergraduate Bulletin for details regarding agribusiness and agricultural economics minors.

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

Companion Animal Science Option

Designed for students with a specific interest in companion animals. For students interested in pursuing a career in the companion animal industry, this option provides an overview of the general animal sciences in combination with concentrated study of animal behavior and human interactions along with companion breeding and genetics, nutrition, reproduction, care and management.

Hours

Departmental Requirements20-21

ASCI 250 Animal Management (3 cr) or ASCI 251 Intro to Companion Animals (3 cr)3

ASCI 330 Animal Breeding (4 cr) or ASCI 399 Horse, Dog, & Cat Genetics & Breeding (3 cr)3-4

ASCI 341 Physiology & Management of Reproduction4

ASCI 321 Companion Animal Nutrition3

Select a minimum of 7 credits from:7

FDST 107/ASCI 107 Intro to the Companion Animal Food Industry (1 cr)

ASCI 171 Human-Companion Animal Interactions (2 cr)

ASCI 271 Companion Animal Behavior (3 cr)

ASCI 322 Equine Nutrition (2 cr)

ASCI 342 Equine Reproduction (2 cr)

ASCI 370 Animal Welfare (3 cr)

BIOS 462 Animal Behavior (3 cr)

Natural Sciences15-20

Chemistry8-12

Select from either of the following two chemistry series

NOTE: Chemistry Series 1 (CHEM 105 & 106) does not provide adequate preparation for advanced chemistry or graduate school. If you desire this advanced training, Series 2 is recommended.

1) CHEM 105 & CHEM 106 Chemistry in Context I & II (8 cr)

2) CHEM 109 & CHEM 110 General Chemistry I & II and CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I & Lab (12 cr)

BIOS 312 Microbiology or VBMS 303 Principles & Prevention of Livestock Diseases3

Physics Course4-5

Select from: MSYM 109, PHYS 141, PHYS 151

Business Courses9

Select courses from the “Business Courses” category listed in the Animal Science Business Option.

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements44-50

Free Electives10-16

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

Equine Science Option

Designed for students with a specific interest in the equine area. For students interested in pursuing a career in the equine industry this option provides a combination of general animal sciences with a concentrated study of equitation, evaluation, nutrition, reproduction, and management of equine.

Hours

Departmental Requirements17-18

ASCI 260 Basic Equitation or ASCI 360 Advanced Equitation2

ASCI 250 Animal Management or ASCI 252 Fundamentals of the Horse Industry2-3

ASCI 330 Animal Breeding4

ASCI 341 Physiology & Management of Reproduction4

ASCI 322 Equine Nutrition or ASCI 342 Equine Reproduction2

ASCI 450 Horse Management3

Experiential Learning (From the Animal Science Core)0

Select from: ASCI 300E Principles of Horse Evaluation & Judging or ASCI 400E Advanced Horse Evaluation & Judging

Natural Sciences15-20

Chemistry8-12

Select from either of the following two chemistry series:

NOTE: Chemistry Series 1 (CHEM 105 & 106) does not provide adequate preparation for advanced chemistry or graduate school. If you desire this advanced training, Series 2 is recommended.

1) CHEM 105 & CHEM 106 Chemistry in Context I & II (8 cr)

2) CHEM 109 & CHEM 110 General Chemistry I & II and CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I & Lab (12 cr)

BIOS 312 Microbiology or VBMS 303 Principles & Prevention of Livestock Diseases3

Physics course4-5

Select from: MSYM 109, PHYS 141, PHYS 151

Business Courses9

Select courses from the “Business Courses” category listed in the Animal Science Business Option

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements41-47

Free Electives13-19

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

Meat Science Option

This option is designed for students seeking careers associated with the meat and food industry, including research and product development, quality assurance, food safety, fresh meat processing, meat product manufacturing, equipment and ingredient technology, and government service. Students will build a solid foundation in product characteristics, product development, production, food safety, and marketing of fresh and processed meats. Completion of the industry emphasis provides excellent preparation for a career in the meat and food industry and completion of the science emphasis provides excellent background for graduate study in meat or food science.

Hours

Departmental Requirements14

ASCI 200 Animal & Carcass Evaluation3

ASCI 210 Animal Products3

ASCI 211 Meat Technology Lab2

ASCI 310 Fresh Meats3

ASCI 410 Processed Meats3

Experiential Learning (From the Animal Science Core)0

One selection must be from: Internship & Industry Experience (ASCI 395A, ASCI 419, or ASCI 490A) or Study Tour (ASCI 311B)

Mathematics (From the Animal Science Core)0

Select: STAT 218 Intro to Statistics

Natural Sciences15-16

CHEM 105 Chemistry in Context I4

CHEM 106 Chemistry in Context II4

From the Animal Science Core, select: BIOS 102 Cell Structure & Function

Select a physics course from: MSYM 109, PHYS 141, PHYS 1514-5

BIOS 312 Microbiology3

Select additional courses from the Industry Emphasis or the Science Emphasis

Industry Emphasis—Intended for a career in the industry; not adequate preparation for graduate school.

Experiential Learning1

From the Animal Science core, select: ASCI 300A or 300D

Additional Courses15

FDST 372 Food Safety & Sanitation3

FDST 460 Food Product Development Concepts3

Select additional courses from ASCI or FDST at 200 level or above9

NOTE: These courses are beyond those required for experiential learning.

Business Courses9

ACCT 201 Introductory Accounting I3

AECN 225 Agribusiness Entrepreneurship in Food Products Marketing3

Select one additional course from the “Business Courses” category listed in the

Animal Science Business Option3

Free Electives6-7

Science Emphasis—Intended as preparation for graduate school or a career in the industry.

Departmental Requirements14

ASCI 200 Animal & Carcass Evaluation3

ASCI 210 Animal Products3

ASCI 211 Meat Technology Lab2

ASCI 310 Fresh Meats3

ASCI 410 Processed Meats3

Experiential Learning (from the Animal Science Core)0

One selection must be from Internship & Industry Experience (ASCI 395A, ASCI 419, or ASCI 490A) or Study Tour (ASCI 311B)

Mathematics and Statistics (from the Animal Science Core)0

STAT 218 Intro to Statistics (3 cr)

Natural Sciences19-20

CHEM 109 General Chemistry I4

CHEM 110 General Chemistry II4

CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I & Lab4

From the Animal Science core, select: BIOS 102 Cell Structure & Function ?

Select a physics course from: MSYM 109, PHYS 141, PHYS 1514-5

BIOS 312 Microbiology3

Additional Courses14-15

Select two courses from:5-6

FDST 372 Food Safety & Sanitation (3 cr)

FDST 403 Food Quality Assurance (3 cr)

FDST 405 Food Microbiology (3 cr)

FDST 406 Food Microbiology Lab (2 cr)

Select additional courses from ASCI or FDST at 200 level or above9

NOTE: These courses are beyond those required for experiential learning.

Business Courses6

Select courses from the “Business Courses” category listed in the Animal Science Business Option

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements53-55

Free Electives6-7

Industry Option (6-7 cr)

Science Option (6-7 cr)

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

Production and Management Option

This option is designed for students interested in careers related to the production and management of beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, poultry, and swine. Although students may emphasize a particular industry or production system, the option provides a balanced study of animal nutrition, meat animal products, reproductive physiology, breeding and genetics, and business management of animal production systems. Completion of this option provides excellent preparation for those wishing to be involved in production agriculture and the abundance of allied industries that support animal agriculture.

Hours

Departmental Requirements18-20

ASCI 200 Animal & Carcass Evaluation3

ASCI 210 Animal Products3

ASCI 330 Animal Breeding4

ASCI 341 Physiology & Management of Reproduction4

ASCI Management Courses4-6

Select from: ASCI 450, ASCI 451, ASCI 452, ASCI 453, ASCI 454, ASCI 455, ASCI 457

Natural Sciences15-20

Chemistry8-12

Select from either of the following two chemistry series:

NOTE: Chemistry Series 1 (CHEM 105 & 106) does not provide adequate preparation for advanced chemistry or graduate school. If you desire this advanced training, Series 2 is recommended.

1) CHEM 105 & CHEM 106 Chemistry in Context I & II (8 cr)

2) CHEM 109 & CHEM 110 General Chemistry I & II and CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I & Lab (12 cr)

BIOS 312 Microbiology or VBMS 303 Principles & Prevention of Livestock Diseases3

Physics Course4-5

Select from: MSYM 109, PHYS 141, PHYS 151

Business Courses9

Select courses from the “Business Courses” category listed in the Animal Science Business Option.

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements42-49

Free Electives11-18

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

Veterinary Animal Sciences Option

This option is designed for students planning a career in veterinary medicine, and provides for completion of the pre-veterinary course requirements for application to the joint University of Nebraska/Iowa State University program for the doctorate of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree. However, it can easily be adapted to meet specific requirements for other colleges of veterinary medicine. Courses in animal management, nutrition, physiology and related areas complement the foundational science courses and provide a comprehensive background for careers in veterinary medicine. Completion of the option also provides excellent preparation for graduate study or other professional programs in the biological sciences. Students admitted to veterinary college after three years of undergraduate study may earn a bachelor of science degree through a 3+2 program (three years of undergraduate study plus two years of veterinary school).

Hours

Departmental Requirements17

Select one course from the following:3

ASCI 210 Animal Products (3 cr)

ASCI 250 Animal Management (3 cr)

ASCI 251 Intro to Companion Animals (3 cr)

ASCI 330 Animal Breeding4

ASCI 341 Physiology & Management of Reproduction4

Additional Animal Science courses6

Select from: ASCI 300- and 400-level courses (excluding ASCI 399 and 496)

Natural Sciences31-32

CHEM 109 General Chemistry I4

CHEM 110 General Chemistry II4

CHEM 251 & CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I & Lab4

CHEM 252 Organic Chemistry II3

BIOC 321 Elements of Biochemistry (3 cr) or BIOC 431 Biomolecules & Metabolism (4 cr)3-4

Biological Sciences4

Cellular Biology (4 cr)

BIOS 101 & BIOS 101L General Biology & Lab or BIOS 102 Cell Structure & Function (4 cr)

Organismic Biology (4 cr)

BIOS 103 & BIOS 103L Organismic Biology & Lab or BIOS 112 & BIOS 112L Zoology (4 cr)

NOTE: Students enrolled in Veterinary Science Option must have a course in both a cellular and organismic biology. If a cellular course is taken in the natural science core, then the student would be required to take an organismic biology course to fulfill this requirement and vice versa. Students are also required to have a laboratory experience. Taking BIOS 101L, BIOS 103L, BIOS 112L, or BIOS 314 will satisfy this requirement.

BIOS 312 & BIOS 314 Microbiology & Lab4

PHYS 141 Elementary General Physics I5

NOTE: Although PHYS 142 is not required for admission to the ISU CVM, it is required by other colleges of veterinary medicine including KSU.

Business Courses3

Select a course from the “Business Courses” category listed in the Animal Science Business Option

Communications (From Core Requirements)

NOTE: Two writing courses (6 cr) and one oral communications course (3 cr) required.

Select appropriate courses from listing given under “Core Requirements.”

Total Major Requirements60

Option Requirements51-52

Free Electives8-9

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation120

ADDITIONAL MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Animal Science requirements are the same as outlined for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR OFFERED BY DEPARTMENT

Animal Science Minor

• A minor requires completing 18 hours of animal science courses including 6 hours at the 300 level or above.

OTHER

Certificates

Meat Culinology® Certificate

The Meat Culinology® Certificate program consists of six courses. Students must successfully complete all six courses in order to earn certification. Successful completion is considered an earned grade of “C” or higher.

All courses are delivered online through UNL’s Blackboard system.

The Courses

• Introduction to Animal Products (ASCI 210), offered each semester
• Meat Specifications & Procurement (ASCI 213/NUTR 213), offered each spring
• Fresh Meats (ASCI 310), offered each fall
• Food Service Applications (NUTR 343 or ASCI 343), offered each spring
• Processed and Value Added Meats (ASCI 410), offered each spring
• HACCP & Food Safety Systems for Processors (ASCI 411), offered each fall

For additional information contact: Dr. Steven J. Jones

Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars Certificate

The Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars (NBIS) program is a unique educational opportunity at UNL. Incoming freshman who have an interest in pursuing a career in the beef cattle or allied industries, regardless of major, are identified through an application process as candidates for the certificate program. Students must apply during the fall of their freshman year. Students in the program take a specialized series of courses including seminars with beef industry leaders, issues based courses, a comprehensive study tour, and a national policy course that includes a trip to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) annual meeting and trade show. Students also help plan and conduct the annual Beef Summit that is held in the Animal Science Building every fall. In addition to the courses unique to NBIS, scholars will be required to take a commodities marketing class, a crisis communication course and two courses from the following: Cow/calf management, feedlot management, and fresh meats. In total, the program requires 18-20 credit hours. Currently, all scholars are student members of the Nebraska Cattleman’s Association. More information about the NBIS program can be found at http://www.animalscience.unl.edu/undergraduate/nbis.html or by contacting Dr. Matt Spangler.