2026-2027 Academic Catalog

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Animal and Poultry Sciences (APSC)

APSC 1454 - Introduction to Animal and Poultry Science (3 credits) 
Survey of systems of livestock and poultry production including: concepts and terminology pertaining to management and marketing; types and breeds of livestock and poultry; and an introduction to nutrition, genetics, physiology, and management of beef cattle, horses, sheep, swine and poultry.
Corequisite(s): APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 1464 - Animal and Poultry Science Laboratory (1 credit) 
Management practices and concepts related to efficient livestock and poultry production and marketing are taught through demonstrations and hands-on experience.
Corequisite(s): APSC 1454 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 1504 - Animal and Poultry Sciences First Year Experience (1 credit) 
Orientation course for freshman and transfer APSC students providing skills, resources and fundamental knowledge to enhance learning experiences and support success. Skills, resources, opportunities, curriculum, and career planning. Emphasis on inquiry, problem-solving skills, critical thinking and integration of ideas and experiences to encourage life-long learning.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
APSC 1524 - Beginning Equitation (1 credit) 
Beginning work in equitation, the science of horseback riding. The five natural aids of the rider and rein aides. Secure positions of the rider’s leg and seat at the walk, trot, and canter. Basic leg and seat position for jumping. Concepts of horse welfare, health, behavior, and communication pertaining to horseback riding. The German training scale, including rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection of the horse. Use of small cavaletti obstacle courses to improve horse strength and straightness. Grooming techniques, hoof care, and tack conditioning for equitation horses. Position emphasis will be on the forward riding seat and elementary dressage movements. COURSE FEE $1,500
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 1984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2004 - Animal and Poultry Sciences Seminar (1 credit) 
Identification of primary and secondary career objectives for Animal and Poultry Science majors; planning for completion of a capstone learning experience in the major. Identification of curricular and extracurricular activities to increase career opportunities. Improvement of professional and technical writing skills applicable to the animal sciences field.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1504 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2104 - Poultry Laboratory (1 credit) 
Anatomy and physiology of birds including species-specific specializations in anatomical structure and body composition, musculoskeletal, respiratory, reproductive, endocrine, digestive and urinary systems. Relationship of these concepts to growth and egg production. Includes handling live birds.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Corequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2114 - Livestock Management and Handling (1 credit) 
Safety in livestock handling; animal behavior; care, housing, and managerial practices related to beef cattle, sheep, and swine taught through experiential activities.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2124 - Horse Handling Practicum (2 credits) 
Stable management, haltering and leading horses, equine vital signs, and hoof care. Identification of horses by coat colors and markings. Breed characteristics of horses. Equine behaviors. Types and amounts of feed and forages commonly fed to horses. Anatomical parts of the horse. Careers in the horse industry and sports in which horses participate. Involvement with daily management and handling of the campus equitation and breeding horses.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 2164 - Companion and Laboratory Animal Care and Handling (1 credit) 
Brief history of companion and laboratory animals. Outline of the major anatomical and physiological characteristics, first aid and basic care. Principles of husbandry and handling techniques. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee training.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2424 - Introduction to the Equine Industry (3 credits) 
Overview of equine anatomy and physiology and global uses of horses. Introduction to equine evolution and breeds, nutrition and feeding principles, and career opportunities in the equine industry. Current issues in the equine industry.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 2524 - Intermediate Equitation (1 credit) 
Intermediate work in horseback riding with special attention to developing elementary independence of the leg, seat, and rein aides, a secure riding jumping position, and the ability to control speed within the walk, trot, and canter. Concepts of the German training scale, including rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection of the horse. Methods to influence horse quality of movement. Production of Cavalleti obstacle courses to improve horse strength and straightness. Intermediate grooming and tack conditioning methods for equitation horses. Emphasis on the forward riding seat and elementary dressage movements. COURSE FEE: $1,500 Pre: Consultation with instructor
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2574 - Domesticated Animal Behavior (3 credits) 
Behavioral systems, social behavior, learning, and cognition of domesticated animals. Ethological and psychological approaches to, and ultimate and proximate methods of, studying behavior. Evolutionary processes and natural selection, genetics and epigenetics, and neural and physiological mechanisms of behavior.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 or BIOL 1105 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 2624 - Beginning Jumping (1 credit) 
Leg, seat and rein aides, jumping position, and mechanisms to control speed of the horse at the walk, trot, canter, and approach to a jump. Influence of the rider’s aids on the six elements of the German training scale. Basic Cavalleti courses to develop strength and straightness of the horse. Grooming, hoof care, and tack conditioning for the Equitation horse. COURSE FEE: $1,500 Pre: Consultation with instructor.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2714 - Design of Precision Animal Agricultural Systems (3 credits) 
​Design methods, interpretation, and historical context of precision animal agriculture systems, including technologies, networking, sensors, and data analytics. Elements of animal production systems designed with precision animal agriculture technologies. Advantages and disadvantages of traditional and technology-enhanced production systems. Impacts of precision system design on economics and environmental impacts of animal agriculture and wellbeing. Data acquisition, pipelines, and analytics that link data with decision making. Design of connected systems.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6D Critique & Prac in Design, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 2824 - Equine Conformation and Biomechanics (2 credits) 
Evaluation of equine conformation as related to locomotion, athletic performance and soundness. Basic understanding of breed standards, gaits, and rules and regulations pertaining to various equine sports disciplines, from both domestic and global perspectives. Investigation of current scientific literature regarding equine conformation and biomechanics.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 2 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 2964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3024 - Equine Science and Management (3 credits) 
Management of horses at maintenance, in light work, and breeding stock. Conformation, forages and concentrate requirements, common diseases and health conditions, health maintenance, vaccination and deworming protocols, behavioral modification and training practices, facility management, breeding practices, and welfare. Career paths in the horse industry. Emphasis on application and analysis of case studies.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2124 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3064 - Companion and Laboratory Animal Science (3 credits) 
Comparative aspects of companion and laboratory animals including physiology, anatomy, nutrition, genetics and reproduction. Normal behaviors along with techniques of behavior modifications.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3134 - Animal Agriculture and the Environment (3 credits) 
Environmental issues associated with animal agriculture. Nutrient contamination of water resources, odor emission from livestock farms, environmental regulations affecting animal agriculture, and management practices to reduce the impacts of livestock farms on air and water quality.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: DASC 3134 
APSC 3214 - Principles of Meat Science (3 credits) 
Muscle biology and biochemistry, fresh meat processing, meat merchandising, processed meats, food safety, meat cookery, and regulations.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 and CHEM 1036 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: FST 3214 
APSC 3224 - Meat Science Laboratory (1 credit) 
Harvesting of livestock, carcass fabrication into wholesale and retail cuts, fresh meat processing and cookery. Handling, processing and displaying fresh and processed beef, pork, and lamb. Applications of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and food safety concepts to meat processing environments.
Corequisite(s): APSC 3214 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 3254 - Animal Products (3 credits) 
Products obtained from animals (meat, eggs, dairy, by-products). Effect of production and processing of food animals upon product safety and quality.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3334 - Animal Welfare and Bioethics (3 credits) 
Historical overview of animal welfare and bioethics. Animal welfare issues in farm and companion animals with respect to their use and treatment in the United States and in the global community. The influences of animal protection organizations, consumer groups, politicians, the scientific community, and other stakeholders on the development and enforcement of policies. Pre: Junior Standing.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3434 - Host Microbe Interactions (3 credits) 
Microbes and their physiology in animal production. Host-microbe interactions at a cellular/system level. Microbial pathogenesis, microbiome, and metabolism in animal health. Cellular responses to microbe colonization of its animal host. Relate microbial metabolism with diet and animal growth and development. Examine the underlying mechanism behind disease or health resulting from microbe interactions.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3504 - Poultry Science and Health (3 credits) 
Avian embryology and physiological systems, poultry genetics, microbiome, diseases, biotechnology, health and welfare. Social and economic issues facing the poultry industry.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3524 - Intermediate Jumping (1 credit) 
Intermediate level leg, seat and rein aides, jumping position, and mechanisms to control speed of the horse at the walk, trot, canter, and approach to a jump. Influence of the rider’s aids on the six elements of the German training scale. Intermediate Cavalleti courses to develop strength and straightness of the horse. Grooming, hoof care, and tack conditioning for the Equitation horse. COURSE FEE: $1,500 Pre: Consultation with instructor.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 3624 - Advanced Jumping (1 credit) 
Advanced level leg, seat and rein aides with special attention to high level techniques in jumping course work. Evaluate the role of the rider’s aids on the six elements of the German training scale. Implement and evaluate Cavalleti courses to develop strength and straightness of the horse. Evaluate grooming, hoof care, and tack conditioning for the Equitation horse. COURSE FEE: $1,500 Pre: Consultation with instructor.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 3684 - Special Topics in Animal and Poultry Sciences (1,2 credits) 
An advanced, variable-content course which explores a topic in the animal sciences such as a significant contemporary issue; an emerging research area of interest to undergraduates; or a semester-long project involving a small group of students. May be repeated for up to three credits, no more than two credits per term.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1,2 Lec, 1,2 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 3 credit hours 
APSC 3754 - Principles of Livestock Evaluation (2 credits) 
Selection of market and breeding animals based on subjective and objective methods of evaluation. Basic understanding of evaluation principles, form-to-function, expected progeny differences, and performance records of beef cattle, swine, and sheep. Involves accurate decision making and oral reason presentations.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 
Instructional Contact Hours: (6 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 3764 - Livestock Merchandising (2 credits) 
Merchandising principles and activities involved in promotion and sale management of livestock. Advertising, livestock photography, staffing, and budgeting for online livestock auctions. Pre: Junior standing or Consultation with Instructor
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
APSC 3824 - Equine Training and Marketing (2 credits) 
Application of fundamental behavioral concepts and principles to the training of horses in routine handling and groundwork. Preparation, marketing and presentation of horses for show and sale.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2124 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 3900 - Bridge Experience (0 credits) 
Application of academic knowledge and skills to in a work-based experience aligned with post-graduation goals using research-based learning processes. Satisfactory completion of work-based experience often in the form of internship, undergraduate research, co-op, or study abroad; self-evaluation; reflection; and showcase of learning. Pre: Departmental approval of 3900 plan.
Instructional Contact Hours: (0 Crd) 
APSC 3954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4004 - Contemporary Issues in the Animal Sciences (3 credits) 
Applying critical thinking, ethical reasoning and problem solving in order to make ethical decisions in regard to important contemporary issues in animal agriculture and other areas of the animal sciences; discourse through oral and written communication.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2004 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4054 - Genomics (3 credits) 
A contemporary analysis of the development, utility and application of high-resolution methods for the study and manipulation of the complete genomes of organisms. The use of new techniques for genomic, metabolic and protein engineering (functional genomics), including high-throughput methods and nanotechnology, will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): BCHM 3114 or BCHM 4116 or BIOL 3774 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: BCHM 4054 
APSC 4174 - Livestock Welfare Assessment (3 credits) 
Livestock welfare assessment tool creation. Animal welfare indicators and criteria. On-farm management practices for domesticated livestock species. On-farm welfare assessment results and feedback. Professional skills development. Pre: Junior standing
Prerequisite(s): APSC 3334 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4204 - Advanced Equine Nutrition and Feeding (3 credits) 
Analysis, formulation, and improvement of diets fed to horses in different physiological stages and metabolic statuses. Nutrient digestion, absorption, and utilization of nutrients. Computer-based ration formulation for horses. Applying economic principles to ration formulation and communicate equine nutrition concepts.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4224 - Equine Exercise Physiology (3 credits) 
Comprehensive study of conditioning the equine athlete using the principles of exercise physiology, energetics, kinetics, and sports medicine. Anatomy and physiology as it relates to exercise, conditioning and fitness assessment; exercise intolerance; performance nutrition; and medical practices used to support equine athletics.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4264 - Companion and Exotic Animal Nutrition (3 credits) 
Idiosyncrasies and conformities of digestive systems and metabolic characteristics of cats, dogs, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and fish. Nutrient requirements by life-stage of cats, dogs, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and fish. Food ingredients, software-based pet food formulations, pet food labels, and regulatory frameworks. Modifications of pet food formulations for life stage and physiological conditions. Attributes of food ingredients that impact quality and nutritional value. Pet food packaging nutritional claims. Evaluation of newly emerging information and scientific literature regarding nutritional requirements of cats, dogs, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and fish.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4304 - Bovine Reproduction Practices (2 credits) 
Principles and techniques in bovine reproductive physiology, including frozen semen handling, artificial insemination, rectal palpation, transrectal ultrasonography, estrous detection, estrous synchronization and resynchronization, and superovulation. Reproductive anatomy and structures, ovarian function, follicular/luteal dynamics, embryo transfer, ultrasound equipment and techniques, fetal and placental development, pregnancy detection and diagnosis, reproductive efficiency and failure, economics of reproductive efficiency, and sexed semen are also considered. In addition to the topics above, students will receive weekly hands-on experience in the techniques of artificial insemination, ovarian palpation, pregnancy detection and semen handling.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 4344 - Mammalian Embryology (3 credits) 
Embryology and fetal development in mammals, including cattle, pigs, rodents, and humans. Molecular and cellular processes that control embryology. Embryological processes that relate to pregnancy success and offspring survival and health. Fertility regulation. Assisted reproductive technologies. Gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo cleavage, placental development and function, blastulation, gastrulation, neurulation. Skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, cartilage, urogenital, reproductive, respiratory, and digestive tissue development. Stem cell biology.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4404 - Commercial Poultry Enterprise Management (4 credits) 
Production, management, and reproduction of meat- and egg-type chickens and turkeys. Emphasis is on the application of basic poultry science principles as they relate to commercial poultry enterprises. Advanced topics of economic analysis, program management, and problem solving used in decision making processes in integrated poultry operations.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2104 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
APSC 4414 - Beef Production and Industry (3 credits) 
Overview of commercial and purebred beef cattle industries. Basic principles and applications for successful breeding systems and profitable beef production. Study of expected progeny differences (EPDs), data management, and performance records. Integrated principles of nutrition, breeding, physiology, herd health, and marketing of beef cattle.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2114 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4444 - Swine Production (3 credits) 
Principles for commercial and seedstock swine production; current management practices, housing and marketing; issues and challenges in the swine industry. Experience in husbandry, research, and other management techniques obtained during laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2114 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4464 - Companion and Laboratory Animal Health and Management (4 credits) 
Animal health, management, well-being, and government regulation in the maintenance, use and enjoyment of companion and laboratory animals.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2164 and APSC 3064 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 2 Lab, 4 Crd) 
APSC 4514 - Animal Growth and Development (3 credits) 
Meat animal growth and development processes, micro and gross anatomy, stem cell biology and growth, body and carcass composition with application to animal and carcass evaluation.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 and ALS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4554 - Advanced Livestock Enterprise Management (3 credits) 
Application of principles needed to manage profitable and sustainable beef cattle, sheep, and swine enterprises. Use of techniques to develop and evaluate strategies resulting in sound livestock enterprise management decisions. Focus on advanced animal management protocols, enterprise analysis, resource allocation, marketing options and risk management.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 4414 or APSC 4444 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4774 - Nutrition and the Animal Brain (3 credits) 
Relationship of diet and nutrients to animal behavior and neurobiology. Nervous system control of feeding behavior and metabolism to regulate whole body energy homeostasis in companion, livestock, and poultry species. Interactions of dietary formulations and nutrients affecting brain physiology and pathology.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4954 - Capstone Experience in Animal and Poultry Sciences (1-19 credits) 
Student-defined learning experience that utilizes knowledge and skills already learned to acquire new skills, synthesize information and solve problems in the animal sciences. Requires approval from the department before commencement of the experience, and a final report at its conclusion. Open to APSC majors only. Completion of 75 credits towards the APSC degree required.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2004 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4994H - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 5004 - Graduate Seminar (1 credit) 
Students review and lead discussion of current problems and literature in Animal and Poultry Sciences. May be repeated.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
APSC 5014 - Professional Development of Graduate Students (2 credits) 
Provides graduate students training and experiences to develop professional expertise as scholars, scientists and industry professionals. Scientific method in the development of graduate research, time management, self-reflection, analysis and assessment, integrating research and teaching, ethical conduct in research and teaching, research integrity, ethical writing and avoiding plagiarism, applying critical thinking to research and teaching, professional scientific presentations, training and certification (including IACUC and new VT-specific EHS Biosafety for Research Labs). Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
APSC 5114 - Advanced Ruminant Nutrition and Feeding (3 credits) 
Advanced aspects of ruminant digestion, fluxes of nutrients, biological endpoints, microbial fermentation, absorption, metabolism, physiology, and the integration of these processes into ration formulation for health, productive, and environmental objectives. Evaluation of research techniques and models used in ruminant nutrition.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5134 - Applied Behavior Analysis for Animal Behaviorists (3 credits) 
Applied behavior analysis and behaviorism as applied to animals. Pavlovian and operant conditioning principles to applied settings with animals, including domestic animal training and behavior consultations, captive exotic behavioral husbandry and training. Environmental manipulations including antecedent events and consequences to effect desirable behavior change. Functional relations to determine environmental causes of behavior. Common training practices in the context of evidence-based principles. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5154 - Behavioral Biology of Domesticated Animals (3 credits) 
Behavioral biology of domesticated animals. Biological underpinnings of behavior explored through fields of neurobiology, endocrinology, behavioral genetics, epigenetics, and population genetics. Specific processes that affect development of personality (intrauterine effects, maternal care, socialization, trauma). Domestication from anthropological, biological, and genetic perspectives. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5164 - Ethology and Applied Ethology of Domesticated Animals (3 credits) 
History and context of ethology and applied ethology. Basic concepts and central subjects for understanding the biological bases of animal behavior (e.g., behavioral evolution, social behavior and communication). Process of domestication as it pertains to the behavior of present-day domestic animals (e.g., livestock and companion animals). Development of problem behavior in domestic animals and the influence of environmental factors on behavior. Impact of morphology on behavior. Applications of learning principles and applied ethology to assess and improve the behavior and welfare of animals. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5184 - Research Methods for Animal Behaviorists (3 credits) 
Research methods and data analysis. Designs relevant to applied animal behavior. Considerations for choosing a research design, hypothesis testing, choosing and defining variables, and collection methods. Single-subject research designs, including reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, and parametric. Data-based research decisions. Group designs, including factorial, nested, and parametric. Visual representation and analysis of data. Descriptive statistics and introduction to basic parametric and nonparametric statistical tests.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 5134 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5224 - Animal Welfare Assessment (3 credits) 
The course is designed to teach graduate and veterinary students the conceptions of animal welfare science and assessment and provide them with the opportunity to apply these principles to assess animal welfare. Students are expected to develop the ability to objectively assess animal welfare of species in production, research, zoos, as companions, and other situations. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5234 - Applications of Applied Animal Behavior (3 credits) 
Applications of behavioral principles to practical animal behavior and welfare scenarios, focusing on companion animals with additional examples from equine, exotic, and livestock domains. Behavior plan creation and assessment for different behavioral issues using basic principles learned in APSC 5134. Survey of currently utilized behavioral treatments and analysis of these into their behavioral principle components, along with efficacy assessment, possible behavioral side-effects and challenges in implementation. Ethical considerations for intervention choices, and standards for practitioners. Effective training of owners, handlers, staff or others involved in behavior plan implementation based on evidence-based best practices.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 5134 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5244 - Applied Equine Behavior (3 credits) 
Principles of learning and ethology and behavior plans for equine stable management, routine handling, and training. Causes of unwanted, unsafe, and abnormal equine behavior, and interventions based on evidence-based practices. Analysis of current practices and best practices to equine training and management. Ethical and professional standards for training and behavior intervention.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 5134 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5254 - Managed Animal Ethology and Welfare (3 credits) 
Animal welfare from holistic frameworks. Assessing physical and mental health. Philosophical frameworks and practical assessment of animal welfare. Ethology as a tool for assessing welfare in companion, working, and shelter animals such as horses, cats, and dogs; and other managed populations such as community animals. Data-based interventions, focusing on enrichment and interventions of behavioral change, to improve both immediate and distal welfare.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 5154 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5264 - Animal Cognition (3 credits) 
Applications of behavioral principles and welfare scenarios. Focus on companion animals with examples from equine, exotic, and livestock. Behavior plan creation, assessment for behavioral principles, survey of behavioral treatments and analysis. Assessment, behavioral side effects and challenges in implementation. Ethical considerations for intervention, standards for practitioners. Training in behavior plan implementation. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5334 - Adjunctive Approaches to Behavior Change in Animals (3 credits) 
Animal behavior influences beyond behavioral principles. Nutritional and microbiome impacts on behavior. Nutraceutical, and pre- and probiotic impacts on behavior. Basic behavioral pharmacology and options for behavioral medications. Pain management as it pertains to behavioral issues. Diseases that manifest as behavioral issues.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 5154 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5344 - Mammalian Embryology (3 credits) 
Comparative gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenic and fetal development, organogenesis, placentation, and stem cell biology of livestock, humans, laboratory mammals, selected companion animals and endangered species. Embryological processes that determine pregnancy success, offspring survival and health. Assisted reproductive technologies are highlighted. Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5374 - Animal Behavior Consulting (3 credits) 
Approaches to animal behavior consulting. Procedural and policy components necessary for effective consulting. Processes for safely assessing behavior, developing interventions, and measuring outcomes. Ethical treatment development, implementation, and documentation. Mental health considerations for behavior professionals.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 5134 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5404 - Reproductive Technologies in Cattle (3 credits) 
Reproductive principles and techniques in dairy and beef cattle. General bovine reproductive anatomy and physiology, conventional and novel reproductive management schemes, pregnancy diagnosis, cow health concerns, nutritional considerations, environmental influences on reproductive potential, and emerging reproductive technologies.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5444 - Contemp Issues Reprod Biology (3 credits) 
Current reproductive biology issues and research literature. Physiological, molecular and cellular processes in reproduction. Formulation of hypotheses in new and emerging areas of reproductive biology, including central nervous system control of reproduction, gametogenesis, ovarian physiology, early embryogenesis, uterine function, placental biology, fetal programming, assisted reproductive technologies, stem cell biology and emerging topics in reproductive biology. Principles of teamwork in research on reproductive biology.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5514G - Advanced Animal Growth and Development (3 credits) 
Meat animal growth and development processes, micro and gross anatomy, stem cell biology and growth, body and carcass composition with application to animal and carcass evaluation. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5524 - Advanced Muscle Biology (3 credits) 
Core concepts underlying developmental myogenesis, metabolic demands and transcriptional control of adult skeletal muscle biology, biochemistry and physiology. Integration of inter/intracellular signaling processes into muscle homeostasis, exercise, disease and repair.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 5304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5534 - Biosensors (3 credits) 
Biosensor fundamentals for animal and human health monitoring. Introduction to biosensors, history of biosensors, classification, characterization and immobilization of biosensors, manufacture of biosensors, nanotechnology, microfluidics, electrochemical biosensors, optical biosensors, enzymatic biosensors, immunosensors, DNA biosensors, implantable sensors, and in vitro biosensors.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: BSE 5534 
APSC 5554 - Mammal Genome Biology (3 credits) 
Mammal genome biology including structure of DNA and various modifications of DNA, including epigenetic modifications such as methylation and acetylation, and artificial modification of the genome using various genome editing technologies. Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5564 - From Food to Waste: Nitrogen Pathways in Animal Systems (3 credits) 
Advanced analysis of protein, amino acid, and nitrogen metabolism across species, emphasizing molecular mechanisms and metabolic regulation. Assessment of protein quality methods and requirements across physiological states. Study of protein digestion, amino acid absorption, and nitrogen utilization in animals. Integration of proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics in understanding nitrogen metabolic pathways. Critically evaluate and defend experimental approaches in research. Application of systems biology approaches to nutritional challenges. Exploration of nutritional intervention strategies for metabolic disorders in animals. Critical analysis of current scientific literature in protein metabolism. Pre: Graduate standing and knowledge of animal physiology and animal nutrition through previous coursework or work experience.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5604 - Writing Effective Fellowship Grant Applications (3 credits) 
Typical requirements, content, and structure of predoctoral fellowship grants and how the grant review process works. Critical review and effective presentation of research grants. Course combines lectures with discussion of example grants. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5894 - Final Examination (3 credits) 
For non-thesis candidates who are required to register for their final examination and have completed their program of study. Not to be included in minimum hours required for degree.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 5904 - Project and Report (1-19 credits) 
Project for non-thesis Master of Science degree. To constitute a maximum of 6 of the 45 hours required for the degree. May be repeated.
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 5974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 5984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 5994 - Research and Thesis (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 6984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 7994 - Research and Dissertation (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course