Undergraduate Features

THE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND AVIAN SCIENCES AT COLLEGE PARK 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.

EXPERT FACULTY, MODERN FACILITIES AND OUTSTANDING STUDENTS combine to make Animal Sciences a program of excellence. 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.

As an animal sciences major, you will be assigned a faculty advisor to assist you with program and course selection, as well as to help you 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. 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 your undergraduate study, you will be encouraged to conduct independent research in faculty laboratories on campus or at the nearby U. S. Department of Agriculture Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. You will also be encouraged to gain practical animal management experience by participating in one of the on-campus cooperatives, conducting research in conjunction with a faculty member or pursuing an internship. 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.

A SMALL AND PERSONAL COMMUNITY WITHIN THE LARGER UNIVERSITY is created by involving both animal sciences and veterinary medicine faculty in a variety of student activities. At the beginning of the academic year, new and returning students are welcomed at an orientation night, which introduces new students to our faculty and active undergraduate organizations, including Veterinary Science Club, the Animal Husbandry Club, Sigma Alpha, and the UM Equestrian Club.

During the year the departmental Good News Letter shares on going activities, highlights special upcoming events, and recognizes the achievements of our students and faculty. The academic year culminates with Ag Day, organized by the Ag Student council, where animal sciences students and faculty participate in and enjoy the educational activities and festivities which attract hundreds of visitors from the local and state agricultural communities.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Animal sciences majors select one of six options as an area of specialization. The options are designed to prepare students for future demands and challenges in agribusiness, production, research, science or veterinary medicine. In addition to the Animal Science Core, students complete 30-40 credits of additional course work in one of these options:

SCIENCES/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 - In addition to their major faculty advisor, students interested in veterinary medicine also work with a second advisor in the admissions office of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine located on campus. 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 and 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.